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College basketball power rankings: Duke stays at No. 1, Florida rebounds

By Shayne Nissen

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) reacts after Duke Blue Devils center Vernon Carey Jr. (1) makes a basket during the first half of the 2K Empire Classic college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Georgetown Hoyas on November 22, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) reacts after Duke Blue Devils center Vernon Carey Jr. (1) makes a basket during the first half of the 2K Empire Classic college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Georgetown Hoyas on November 22, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Duke college basketball rankings
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils center Vernon Carey Jr. (1) during the first half of the 2K Empire Classic college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Georgetown Hoyas on November 22, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

There were little fireworks last week in college basketball but there are still some subtle changes to the power rankings, just not at the top.

1. Duke

The Duke Blue Devils have raced out to a fast start already in 2019. They are 6-0 with victories over Kansas, as well as California and Georgetown, both of which they defeated in the 2K Empire Classic. Former five-star and No. 6 recruit in the country Vernon Carey Jr. led the Blue Devils throughout the tournament. He scored 20 against Georgetown and 31 against California and is leading the team in scoring through six games with 18.3 points per game.

2. Michigan State

Michigan State’s only victory from this week was on Monday when they defeated Charleston Southern 94-46. Xavier Tillman was fantastic for the Spartans notching a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He put on a clinic on the inside going 9-of-12 from the field in the blowout victory. Reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Cassius Winston continues to be the rock for the Spartans though. Through four games he leads the team in points per game with 17.5 and assists per game with seven.

3. Louisville

Louisville survived a bit of a scare on Sunday against Akron as they were only able to defeat the Zips 82-76. The Cardinals led Akron 55-33 early in the second half but collapsed as the lead would be reduced to 78-74 late in the game. In the end, the Cardinals still got a victory no matter how ugly. Jordan Nwora led the Cardinals with 18 points and eight rebounds in the close victory. The junior leads Louisville with 22 points per game.

4. Kansas

The lone victory for Kansas came via a 75-63 victory over East Tennessee State. Kansas has looked vulnerable and sloppy at times already this season, but considering their only loss this season is to Duke, it’s hard not to bank on the talent the Jayhawks have. Senior Udoka Azubuike led the team in points with 18 and rebounds with seven in the victory. He has provided a nice veteran presence for the Jayhawks on the inside this season.

5. Gonzaga

The Gonzaga Bulldogs find themselves inside the top five despite a bit of a scare Tuesday against Texas Arlington, but they made up for it with a blowout victory over CSU Bakersfield on Saturday. Killian Tillie was back after recovering from knee surgery over the offseason and provided 15 points against Texas Arlington and 13 against CSU Bakersfield. The senior from France missed half of last season but averaged 13 points as a sophomore for the Bulldogs.