College Basketball Power Rankings: January 16

     We entered last week with three undefeated teams and we enter this week with zero after Arizona, Duke and Michigan all lost.  This created a mix up at the top of our rankings and also showed that every team in vulnerable on the road in conference games.  Just as I was about to put this out last night Indiana was a in a tight game with Wisconsin.  I figured I'd wait until it was over and sure enough, the Badgers pulled off the upset on the road 64-49.

1. Louisville (15-1, LW 3) - The Cardinals take over at #1 after Duke and Michigan go down but they are a viable National Champion contender.  They have one of the best defenses in the country and showed it in the second half of their win over UConn last night.  Next up, #6 Syracuse on Saturday.
2. Kansas (14-1, LW 5) - For the second week in a row a top 5 team needed to make a late comeback to avoid an upset and force overtime.  Last week it was Arizona, this week KU needed a desperation bank 3-pointer at the end of regulation by their stud Ben McLemore to overcome Iowa State 97-89.  McLemore finished with 33 points and 6-6 from deep.
3. Duke (15-1, LW 1) - After getting news that Ryan Kelly will be out indefinitely, Duke proceeded to lose its first game to NC State 84-76.  The loss of Kelly is huge and it will be interesting to see how the Blue Devils will handle his absence.
4. Michigan (16-1, LW 2) - Michigan looked inexperienced and terrified in the first half of their road loss to Ohio State.  They were making bad turnovers and couldn't hit a shot.  A positive was they were able to make it a game however in the second half tying the score at 46.  Other than that it was a game they'd like to forget and now have to prepare for a game at #10 Minnesota.
5. Syracuse (16-1, LW 7) - The Orange suspended its second leading scorer James Southerland indefinitely and has to face now face #1 Louisville this weekend.  Syracuse is pretty balanced but this is a loss they will have to adjust to if they want to keep their final four hopes alive.
6. Indiana (15-2, LW 4) - Last night the Hoosiers hosted Wisconsin, a team they haven't beat in their last 10 efforts.  That streak is now 11 as IU found it difficult to score.  They still lead the nation at 85 points per game but could only amass 59 on 37% shooting.
7. Arizona (15-1, LW 6) - After winning several games they could have lost, Arizona finally fell at Oregon 70-66.  The Wildcats have beaten quality opponents and win close games which are good qualities to have come tournament time.
8. Gonzaga (16-1, LW 9) - The Zags took out their rival St Mary's 83-78 at home their last time out.  Next up a road game at Portland before heading to Butler for their toughest test of the season.
9. Florida (12-2, LW 10) - Since the Gators' loss to Kansas State they have played extremely well winning 4 games by an average of 23 points.  This week brings a road game at Texas A&M (who just beat Kentucky) and a home game against Missouri, two quality opponents.
10. Minnesota (15-2, LW 8) - Minnesota couldn't get anything going in the first half at Indiana and just ran out of time to complete their comeback.  We are going to see the Big Ten teams beat up on each other all year and it doesn't get any easier for them as #5 Michigan comes in to town Thursday.
11. Creighton (16-1, LW 13) - Last week against Missouri State, Doug McDermott outscored the Bears in the second half 28-25 by himself.  He finished with 39 points going 15-19 from the floor and 10 boards.  They should get challenged this Saturday at Wichita State.
12. Ohio State (13-3, LW 15) - The Buckeyes got their first win against a ranked opponent as they beat bitter rival Michigan.  They looked great in the first half but looked sluggish in the second as they let UM back in the game.  I'm still not completely sold on OSU and a tough road game at Michigan State is up next.
13. North Carolina State (14-2, LW NR) - A lot was expected of this team to start the year as they were preseason #6.  After a couple early losses the Wolfpack are hitting their stride after getting an 84-76 win over Duke.  Their next game is at Maryland which should provide another test.
14. Butler (14-2, LW NR) - The Bulldogs beat Dayton their last time out but it came at a price as leading scorer point guard Rotnei Clarke left the game with a next injury.  They have two home games against Richmond and #8 Gonzaga this week and I'll be surprised if they escape without a loss if Clarke is out.
15. San Diego State (14-2, LW NR) - After needing overtime to beat Colorado State, this week will be even tougher for the Aztecs.  They host Mountain West contender UNLV on Wednesday then travel to Wyoming (who just lost their first game of the season) on Saturday.

Biggest Jump - NC State up 8
Biggest Drop - Illinois down 10