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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; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas Jayhawks

Last week: 27-3, 15-2 Big 12
Last rank: 1

There are certainly some flaws on the roster, but no team in the nation is playing better than Kansas entering March Madness.

The Jayhawks earned a tough road win at Oklahoma State on Saturday in a 90-85 victory that was close throughout. Kansas has now won eight straight games against some tough competition in a deep Big 12, including top 25 wins over the Cowboys, Baylor and West Virginia.

Frank Mason scored 27 points to potentially seal a Player of the Year Award, as the Jayhawks offense was able to get to the rim at will against a poor Cowboys defense. An even more encouraging sign is an 11-point performance off the bench from Carlton Bragg, who could help Kansas overcome its lack of frontcourt depth.

Kansas’ guard-heavy offense is lethal from the perimeter and ranks fifth overall per KenPom’s adjusted efficiency ratings. The defense can struggle to contain dribble penetration and only has one major interior presence in Laden Lucas, but that has not kept the Jayhawks from earning the best regular season resume in the nation.

Next: 12 Biggest Cinderellas In March Madness History

Bill Self will look to secure the top overall seed by winning the Big 12 Tournament, starting with Thursday’s quarterfinals against the winner of TCU and Oklahoma.