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College basketball power rankings: Auburn surges into the Top 10

By Mike Phillips

Dec 29, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) dunks the ball as LSU Tigers guard Justice Williams (11) defends during the second half Auburn Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) dunks the ball as LSU Tigers guard Justice Williams (11) defends during the second half Auburn Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baylor’s James Akinjo looks for an open pass while Iowa State’s Tre Jackson defends during the Iowa State men’s basketball game against No. 1 Baylor, on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. The Cyclones fell to the Bears 77-72.
Baylor’s James Akinjo looks for an open pass while Iowa State’s Tre Jackson defends during the Iowa State men’s basketball game against No. 1 Baylor, on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. The Cyclones fell to the Bears 77-72. /

5. Week 9 College Basketball Rankings: Kansas Jayhawks (5)

  • Record: 11-1 (0-0 in Big 12)
  • Last Week: Won 88-61 vs. Nevada, Won 76-67 vs. George Mason
  • This Week: At Oklahoma State 1/4, At Texas Tech 1/8

Both of Kansas’ regularly scheduled games were postponed due to COVID issues so Bill Self did a good job securing worthwhile replacements by bringing Nevada and George Mason to the Phog. Those tuneups should do the Jayhawks well as they begin Big 12 play this week with a two-game road trip to Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

4. Week 9 College Basketball Rankings: Duke Blue Devils (3)

  • Record: 11-1 (1-0 in ACC)
  • Last Week: Postponed matchups at Clemson, at Notre Dame
  • This Week: Vs. Georgia Tech 1/4, Vs. Miami 1/8

COVID protocols got Duke last week as the Blue Devils were forced to postpone two ACC road games due to a number of positive cases after returning from the Christmas break. Assuming Duke is cleared to resume competition, the more intriguing game here is a home date against red-hot Miami on Saturday, which enters the week on a seven-game winning streak.

3. Week 9 College Basketball Rankings: Gonzaga Bulldogs (4)

  • Record: 11-2 (0-0 in WCC)
  • Last Week: Won 93-63 vs. North Alabama, Postponed matchups at San Diego, At Loyola Marymount
  • This Week: Vs. San Francisco 1/6, Vs. Pepperdine 1/8

The good news for Gonzaga was they wrapped up non-conference play with an emphatic win over North Alabama while the bad was that two games got postponed due to COVID issues, with Saturday’s date against Loyola Marymount getting pushed off due to the Bulldogs going on pause. It remains to be seen if Gonzaga can have enough players available to play a huge matchup against San Francisco on Thursday.

2. Week 9 College Basketball Rankings: Purdue Boilermakers (2)

  • Record: 12-1 (1-1 in Big Ten)
  • Last Week: Won 104-90 vs. Nicholls
  • This Week: Vs. Wisconsin 1/3, At Penn State 1/8

Beating Nicholls by 14 at home isn’t confidence-inspiring but it sure beats the alternative for Purdue. The next step for the Boilermakers is getting back on track in Big Ten play with Monday’s visit from Wisconsin.

1. Week 9 College Basketball Rankings: Baylor Bears (1)

  • Record: 13-0 (1-0 in Big 12)
  • Last Week: Won 104-68 vs. Alcorn State, Won 77-72 at No. 8 Iowa State
  • This Week: Vs. Oklahoma 1/4, At TCU 1/8

Going on the road and winning by five against an unbeaten Iowa State team is a big-time performance from Baylor. Navigating the Big 12 is never easy, however, but the Bears have a pair of winnable games on tap this week with a visit from Oklahoma on Tuesday being the heavier lift.

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