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College Basketball Rankings: Projected top 10 after Villanova, Kansas lose

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Jan 24, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) and Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Paschall (4) celebrate a play during the first half against the Marquette Golden Eagles at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) and Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Paschall (4) celebrate a play during the first half against the Marquette Golden Eagles at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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How could the college basketball top 10 look after both Villanova and Kansas lost on Tuesday?

Villanova and Kansas stepped into Tuesday night as the No. 1 and 2 teams in the polls, respectively. They had a combined 37-2 record coming into their games and a strong hold on these top spots. However, that would change after January 24.

First, Kansas would go down to West Virginia, 85-69, on the road. The Jayhawks were marred by poor free throw shooting, despite performing well from the field. Then Villanova went down to unranked Marquette, 74-72. The Wildcats missed 29 of their 34 three-point attempts.

With the top teams in college basketball going down, the landscape has now changed as we begin to close out January. How could things look by the time the next AP Poll?

  1. Gonzaga – At No. 3, the Bulldogs may be expected to move up a spot into the top ranking. They could get leapfrogged by Kentucky, however, if the voters decide that the Wildcats being in the SEC matters more.
  2. Kentucky – If Kentucky holds off Tennessee, they’ll claim No. 2 in the AP Poll. It may be tough for them to maintain this without De’Aaron Fox, whenever he returns from injury.
  3. Baylor – Since losing to West Virginia, Baylor has come back with three consecutive wins to solidify their top five spot.
  4. Florida State – Florida State jumps into the top four after defeating four ranked opponents in their past five games. This should be able to get them over Villanova and Kansas.
  5. Villanova – Despite the Marquette loss, Villanova isn’t going to fall that far down the polls. One more defeat would likely send them outside the top 10.
  6. Arizona – Having Allonzo Trier back is huge for the Wildcats and should do wonders for them down the stretch.
  7. Kansas – Kansas drops to No. 7 with this loss, just above UCLA, who also went down to Arizona last weekend.
  8. UCLA – The Bruins had maybe their worst game of the season against Arizona. As long as they have Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf, though, they should be fine.
  9. North Carolina – UNC is on a roll and trending up with six consecutive wins. They have a top 10 spot locked up for now.
  10. Oregon – Oregon started the season 2-2, but have won every game since then. They could be in line for a push up the AP Poll if things don’t shape up like these projections.

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Even if the upcoming AP Poll doesn’t look like this, there will be a shakeup with the top two teams going down on Tuesday. Who will be named the No. 1 ranked team in college basketball?