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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; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
6

North Carolina Tar Heels

Last week: 25-6, 13-4 ACC
Last rank: 6

North Carolina’s offense showed no ill effects from last Monday’s miserable outing at Virginia, as the Tar Heels look like one of the national title favorites following an impressive win to close out the year.

The Tar Heels avenged an earlier loss to Duke by pulling away late in an 90-83 victory on Saturday night at the Dean Dome.  With late wins against the Blue Devils, Louisville and a split with Virginia, the Tar Heels appear to be peaking at the right time.

Roy Williams should be thrilled with the performance against Duke, as North Carolina’s strengths really stood out. The Tar Heels grabbed 35 percent of their own misses and remain the best offensive rebounding team in the nation by a healthy amount, while Justin Jackson had a strong second half to break out of a brief cold spell.

North Carolina has one of the best offenses in the nation by just about any measure, including the No. 4 mark in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency. Perimeter defense is the team’s biggest flaw, particularly with Kenny Williams out for the year, but the Tar Heels have the frontcourt depth and explosive scoring ability to make up for it.

Despite getting a double-bye and the No. 1 seed, North Carolina’s ACC Tournament won’t be a gimmie, as it faces the winner of Miami and Syracuse on Thursday.