10. Michigan State (16-4)—Spartans have lost two out of three since reeling off 15 straight wins, but are still tied atop the Big Ten Conference. Forward Draymond Green averaging a double-double (15.0 points, 10.2 rebounds) on the season. This week: versus Minnesota (Wednesday). Previous: 7
9. Murray State (20-0)—Racers are quietly the only unbeaten team left. Doubts about them surround their schedule, though as their best win is against 13-6 Memphis. This week: versus Eastern Illinois (Saturday). Previous: NR
8. North Carolina (16-3)—Tar Heels continue to be a tough team to figure with all their talent. Dexter Strickland’s injury (torn ACL) will alter rotation, maybe everyone else will step it up? This week: versus N.C. State (Thursday), versus Georgia Tech (Sunday). Previous: 10
7. Baylor (17-2)—Previously undefeated Bears had tough week against conference stalwarts Kansas (92–74 loss) and Missouri (89–88) but get rematches with both teams. This week: at Oklahoma (Tuesday), versus Texas (Saturday). Previous: 3
6. Duke (16-3)—Blue Devils become second ACC power to bow to Florida State (North Carolina was the other) as Coach K’s squad uncharacteristically allowed Seminoles to shoot 54 percent from the floor in home loss Saturday. This week: at Maryland (Wednesday), versus St. John’s (Saturday). Previous: 6
5. Kansas (16-3)—Jayhawks looked like top team in the country when they whipped 17-0 Baylor by 18 at home. Guard Tyshawn Taylor is now averaging 19.2 points per contest in conference play (6-0). This week: versus Texas A&M (Monday), at Iowa State (Saturday). Previous: 8
4. Ohio State (17-3)—Buckeyes followed Indiana blowout with 79–45 shellacking at Nebraska and are now in three-way tie for first place. This week: versus Penn State (Wednesday), versus Michigan (Sunday). Previous: 4
3. Missouri (18-1)—High-scoring Tigers (fourth in country at 83.4 points per game) keep winning and Saturday’s 89–88 victory at Baylor was their biggest of the season. This week: at Oklahoma State (Wednesday), versus Texas Tech (Sunday) Previous: 5
2. Syracuse (20-1)—Orangemen look a little uncertain following 67–58 loss at Notre Dame, as freshman center Fab Melo’s academic status is still up in the air. This week: at Cincinnati (Monday), versus West Virginia (Saturday) Previous: 1
1. Kentucky (19-1)—Wildcats continue to roll through SEC (now 5-0). Freshman center Anthony Davis continues to impress, averaging 16.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks in conference play. This week: at Georgia (Tuesday), at LSU (Saturday). Previous: 2
