The Weekly Top 10 Separates Itself

This week, in my opinion, separated these teams from the rest of their leagues and in some cases, the rest of the nation. It’s my estimation the top 5 in this list are clearly a step above the rest of the nation and the teams listed 10-7. Michigan State is the one question I have. If healthy, they probably can cut the nets down. While I appreciate the upsets of March, I’d like to see 4 of the top 5 teams listed here, playing in April. It’d be as good a Final 4 as any in recent memory.

10. Texas Tech - The Red Raiders won by 25 over Baylor and 29 over Kansas at home this week. In fact, during their current 5 game winning streak, the smallest margin of victory is a 12-point win over Oklahoma. The offense was bad entering February, in the mid 100’s. It’s 47th today in KenPom with a number one offense. They don’t play fast but are still 3 possessions quicker than a team a like Wisconsin where you know an offensive stinker awaits. This is the best team in the Big XII. 

9. Marquette - Took care of Butler at home and whipped Providence on the road yesterday. Now in the drivers seat to win the Big East. Almost the whole team will return a year from now and Wojo is big game hunting for 2020-21. Doesn’t work everywhere but this is what a 5-year plan looks like in fruition.

8. Michigan - Uneventful week. Took care of a desperate Gopher team in the Cities. Need to win against a depleted Spartans team today at home. A loss probably gives Michigan State the inside track to a league title.

7. Tennessee - While the rest of the Top 10 appears to be trending up and separating themselves as the top teams in the nation, the Vols are doing the opposite. Losing at LSU in overtime is no great shame but they were without Tremont Waters. They managed an ugly win over Vandy. Part of me feels we’ll look back at this team like some of Rick Barnes Texas teams, teams that peaked too early

6. Michigan State- Won at home over Rutgers after a falling behind at half. The win allows them to retain The Axe Body Spray Situation Trophy

5. Kentucky - Thumped Auburn at Rupp. Now possess top 10 defenses and offenses. Might be time for the stuffed shirts to start writing the why Calipari is bad for the game articles.

4. North Carolina - Even without Zion, beating Duke at Duke served notice this team can cut the nets down. They backed it up with a thumping of Florida State at home. Like Kentucky, they now possess a top 10 defense and offense. 

3. Gonzaga - Starting to see the “Gonzaga” is overrated talk. Looking at you Michigan fans. Dropped 102 on BYU last night and have been to 4 straight Sweet 16’s. Aren’t we pass such ideas now about how to properly rate this team?

2. Virginia- Fell behind by 10 at Louisville yesterday. Like many other times, Louisville gagged that lead away. That said, this should be another example of why this isn’t the same Virginia team of the past. How good is the top of the ACC?

1. Duke - I know they lost at home but was more impressed with the toughness they showed at Syracuse last night. Emotionally charged atmosphere, without their superstar, questions all week about his future and they found a way to win. Toughness isn’t measurable but the older I get, the more I believe in it.