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College Basketball Rankings 2017: Projected Week 12 Top 25

By Connor Muldowney

January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Chance Comanche (21) reacts after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Chance Comanche (21) reacts after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 21, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) reacts after falling against the Portland Pilots during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 73-52. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) reacts after falling against the Portland Pilots during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 73-52. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
5

Baylor Bears

18-1, Last Week: 6

Obviously losing by 21 points as the newly-anointed No. 1 team in college basketball is not an ideal situation, but the Baylor Bears didn’t let that spiral into a streak. The Bears responded by beating Texas and winning at TCU — the latter was a team on the verge of being ranked. Johnathan Motley had an incredible 32 points and 20 rebounds in the win over the Longhorns and a near double-double versus TCU. The junior forward is making a name for himself.

4

Kentucky Wildcats

17-2, Last Week: 5

After a couple of wins in Week 11, the Kentucky Wildcats remained the only unbeaten team left in SEC play. The Wildcats have been a force through the first month, or so, of conference action and they have a 7-0 record to show for it. There’s a good chance Kentucky could plow through the conference unscathed with the obvious lack of depth in the SEC. The Wildcats do have a huge non-conference bout against No. 2 Kansas next weekend, though.

3

Gonzaga Bulldogs

19-0, Last Week: 4

Is anyone really that surprised that Gonzaga is the only unbeaten team left in college basketball? The Bulldogs have been one of the best mid-majors since Mark Few took over the program and he has done a phenomenal job assembling this year’s team. Coming off a 23-point win over the only other threat in the conference, Saint Mary’s, in Week 10, the Bulldogs disposed of Santa Clara and Portland in Week 11. This team cannot be stopped right now — at least by anyone in the WCC.

2

Kansas Jayhawks

18-1, Last Week: 2

Kansas added nice wins over Iowa State on the road and against Texas in Week 11 to its resume, but the biggest test will come in Week 12. The Jayhawks will hit the road to take on West Virginia, which I predicted will be ranked No. 14 this week, as well as No. 4 Kentucky. If the Jayhawks can somehow win both games on the road, there’s no way they remain No. 2 in the rankings behind Villanova. Frank Mason III will also get a chance to prove if he’s the national player of the year.

1

Villanova Wildcats

19-1, Last Week: 1

Villanova will remain the No. 1 team in the country for the second straight week, something we haven’t been able to say about any team for the past few poll releases. The Wildcats had a relatively easy week against Seton Hall and Providence, but they travel to Marquette this week after the Golden Eagles just upset No. 7 Creighton. Can the Wildcats remain No. 1 next week, too?