10. Murray State (21-0)—Racers have zero difficult teams left on their schedule and would move up everyone’s lists much quicker if they blew out a few of them. Still, undefeated going into February is impressive. This week: versus Southeast Missouri State (Thursday), at Tennessee-Martin (Saturday). Previous: 9
9. Michigan State (17-4)—Spartans season started with back-to-back losses to Duke and UNC, before reeling off 15 straight wins followed by a second pair of losses. Now they’re back on track with two straight wins but trail first place in Big Ten by half a game. This week: at Illinois (Tuesday), versus Michigan (Sunday). Previous: 10
8. North Carolina (18-3)—Since getting hammered by Florida State by 33 on Jan. 14, Tar Heels have averaged 83 points per game in wins over Virginia Tech, N.C. State, and Georgia Tech to force a tie at the top of the ACC. This week: at Wake Forest (Tuesday), at Maryland (Saturday). Previous: 8
7. Baylor (19-2)—Bears forward Perry Jones has come alive the last two contests pouring in 21 points and 12 rebounds in their win at Oklahoma (77–65) and then 22 and 14 versus Texas (76–71 win). This week: at Texas A&M (Wednesday), at Oklahoma State (Saturday). Previous: 7
6. Kansas (17-4)—Jayhawks suffered first conference loss of the year at Iowa State Saturday (72–64), but guard Tyshawn Taylor continued his stellar senior year with 16 points and 10 assists in the defeat. This week: versus Oklahoma (Wednesday), at Missouri (Saturday). Previous: 5
5. Duke (18-3)—Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee had double-doubles in wins last week over Maryland (74–61) and St. John’s (83–76) and now averages 12.0 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds per game. This week: at Virginia Tech (Thursday), versus Miami (Sunday). Previous: 6
4. Missouri (19-2)—Tigers followed up last week’s impressive win at Baylor with loss at 10-11 Oklahoma State (79–72), yet have tremendous opportunity this week to move up the rankings with a pair of wins. This week: at Texas (Monday), versus Kansas (Saturday). Previous: 3
3. Ohio State (19-3)—The Buckeyes are all alone in first place in the Big Ten after their fourth straight win Sunday, a 64–49 victory over 16-6 Michigan. This week: at Wisconsin (Saturday). Previous: 4
2. Syracuse (22-1)—In center Fab Melo’s three-game absence, all three games have been decided by single-digits, and Syracuse has won two of them. In the 20 games with him, only five were decided by less than 10 points and the ‘Cuse won all five of them. This week: at St. John’s (Saturday). Previous: 2
1. Kentucky (21-1)—Wildcats continue to roll through weak-SEC schedule with 7-0 record. Of remaining schedule, only a road trip to Florida in March looks tricky. This week: versus Tennessee (Tuesday), at South Carolina (Saturday). Previous: 1
