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College basketball power rankings: Purdue moves up to No. 1, Gonzaga falls out of top 5

By Mike Phillips

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - DECEMBER 03: Trevion Williams #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers talks with teammates during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena on December 3, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - DECEMBER 03: Trevion Williams #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers talks with teammates during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena on December 3, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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SPOKANE, WA – NOVEMBER 29: Anton Watson #22 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives past Tahj Small #4 of the Tarleton State Texans during the game between the Tarleton State Texans and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 29, 2021, in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WA – NOVEMBER 29: Anton Watson #22 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives past Tahj Small #4 of the Tarleton State Texans during the game between the Tarleton State Texans and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 29, 2021, in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Getty Images) /

10. College basketball rankings: Alabama Crimson Tide (HM)

  • Record: 7-1
  • Last Week: Won 91-82 vs. No. 3 Gonzaga
  • This Week: Vs. No. 15 Houston 12/11

The Crimson Tide made a massive statement by taking down Gonzaga in a neutral site contest that was played in Seattle, essentially creating a home game for the Bulldogs. Nate Oats’ team was red-hot from the outside from the jump, showcasing how dangerous Alabama can be in March. A showdown with Houston on Saturday offers another tremendous resume-boosting opportunity for the Crimson Tide.

9. College basketball rankings: Kentucky Wildcats (9)

  • Record: 6-1
  • Last Week: Won 85-57 vs. Central Michigan
  • This Week: Vs. Southern 12/7, At Notre Dame 12/11

Kentucky took care of business by beating up on Central Michigan at home in their only action of the week. Another tuneup against Southern is on tap before Kentucky’s first true road game at Notre Dame on Saturday, which should up the stakes for this improving Wildcats’ roster.

8. College basketball rankings: Texas Longhorns (8)

  • Record: 6-1
  • Last Week: Won 73-57 vs. Sam Houston, Won 88-58 vs. UT Rio Grande Valley
  • This Week: At No. 25 Seton Hall 12/9

There was nothing new to learn about Texas last week after they went 2-0 at home in buy games, although it was cool to see Chris Beard honor his word to have the Longhorns play a students-only game against Sam Houston on Monday in Gregory Gym. The Longhorns also have their first true road game this week as they head to Newark to take on Seton Hall in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

7. College basketball rankings: Gonzaga Bulldogs (3)

  • Record: 7-2
  • Last Week: Won 64-55 vs. Tarleton, Lost 91-82 vs. No. 16 Alabama
  • This Week: Vs. Merrimack 12/9, Vs. Washington 12/12

Gonzaga didn’t look right against Tarleton on Monday, struggling to get by in a 64-55 win before coming up flat early in a loss to Alabama. Questions will now rise about how good this Bulldogs team really is although this week’s slate against Merrimack and a Washington team coming out of a COVID pause won’t answer them.

6. College basketball rankings: Villanova Wildcats (7)

  • Record: 6-2
  • Last Week: Won 71-56 at Pennsylvania, Won 81-52 vs. St. Joseph’s
  • This Week: Vs. Syracuse 12/7, At No. 4 Baylor 12/12

Last week was a Big 5 week for Villanova, which beat up on inter-city rivals Penn and St. Joe’s to improve to 6-2. The Wildcats have a monster week of non-conference contests on tap with a date against Syracuse in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden before a big trip to Waco to take on Baylor in the best game of the week.