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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 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Daxter Miles Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Daxter Miles Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
11

West Virginia Mountaineers

Last week: 23-7, 11-6 Big 12
Last rank: 11

While there are fair enough concerns about how West Virginia’s press will function later in the tournament, Bob Huggins’ team closed out a terrific regular season with another solid victory on Friday night.

The Mountaineers bounced back from Monday’s loss at Baylor with an 11-point win over Iowa State. After collapsing late in recent losses to Kansas and the Bears, the Mountaineers have to be thrilled with the effort over the final ten minutes to turn a close game into a fairly comfortable victory.

West Virginia’s defense wasn’t quite as effective at forcing turnovers against Morris and company, but Daxter Miles made up for it with 23 points in 26 minutes off the bench. Huggins’ main concern is the health of Esa Ahmad, who was limited against the Cyclones in his first contest since a two-game absence due to a back injury.

Had the Mountaineers not collapsed at Kansas on Feb. 13, the Mountaineers could have been on the No. 2 line while getting more respect as a national title contender. Advanced metrics have the Mountaineers right in the mix,as they rank third overall in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency ratings, trailing only Gonzaga and Villanova.

The Mountaineers will have a bye to Thursday’s quarterfinals before taking on the winner of Texas Tech and Texas.