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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Kamar Baldwin (3) grabs a rebound during their game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Kamar Baldwin (3) grabs a rebound during their game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Butler Bulldogs

Last week: 23-6, 12-5 Big East
Last rank: 12

Butler finishes as one of the most volatile teams in the nation with three wins over top 10 opponents and five defeats against unranked teams, following another home loss on Saturday.

The Bulldogs dropped their regular season finale at Hinkle Fieldhouse to Seton Hall in a 70-64 loss over the weekend. While the Pirates are playing well of late and are likely headed to the NCAA Tournament, Butler will be disappointed to see its four-game winning streak come to an end ahead of the Big East Tournament.

A sweep of Villanova plus a neutral court triumph of Arizona shows Butler can beat anybody, but Chris Holtmann’s team has been subject to coming out flat against less talented teams, particularly on the road. On Saturday, it was a late collapse that doomed the Bulldogs, as Seton Hall went on a 23-7 run over the final seven minutes of the game for a huge road win.

The Bulldogs still have an excellent overall resume, great balance on both ends of the floor, and enough depth to work with come March. KenPom’s adjusted efficiency ratings peg Butler as the nation’s No. 15 offense, and forward Kelan Martin has been terrific since being moved to a bench role in early February.

No result would be a surprise with the Bulldogs at this point, so a victory in Thursday’s Big East quarterfinal against the winner of DePaul and sliding Xavier is not a given.