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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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Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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SMU Mustangs

Last week: 25-4, 15-1 AAC
Last rank: 15

Few teams in the nation are playing better than the Mustangs, who appear to have a terrific shot at their first NCAA Tournament win since 1985 and much more over the next few weeks.

SMU had no trouble in a blowout victory over Tulsa on Thursday night before obliterating Memphis 103-62 two nights later. While neither team is particularly good, the Mustangs have been crushing opponents lately, and dealing Memphis its worst loss since 1947 at least says something.

A two-point loss at Cincinnati on Jan. 24 is all that separates SMU from a 24-game winning streak heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs have been one of the country’s best defenses since Harry Froling left the team on Dec. 7. Forward Semi Ojeleye finished the year as the most valuable player in college basketball per win shares and is used on over a quarter of SMU’s offensive possessions.

KenPom gives SMU top 25 marks on both sides of the ball, and its length has been a nightmare for opposing offense inside the arc. The biggest obstacle to a deep NCAA Tournament run will be a lack of bench depth, but the Mustangs average just 65 possessions per game and have committed the nation’s fifth-fewest personal fouls as a result.

While a rubber game against Cincinnati in the AAC Championship Game seems likely, the Mustangs will first have to get by the winner of East Carolina-Temple in Friday’s quarterfinals.