College Hoops Power Shift? Not Yet - Arizona, UConn Keep Rolling
Another week, another “what if” scenario at the top of men’s college basketball. The same question that lingered two weeks ago came back around: If Arizona had slipped up - either at BYU or at Arizona State - and UConn kept handling business, would the Huskies have earned the No. 1 spot?
It’s a fair question. After all, Arizona handed UConn its only loss of the season back in November - and did it in Storrs, no less.
But the Wildcats didn’t stumble. They went on the road, took care of business in two tough environments, and solidified their standing as the top team in the country right now.
So, no dilemma this week. Arizona stays at No. 1, and it’s hard to argue otherwise.
But UConn certainly made a statement of its own. The Huskies didn’t just beat Creighton on Saturday night in Omaha - they dismantled them.
It was the kind of performance that reminds you why this team is firmly in the national title conversation. UConn looked every bit like a No. 1 team - or at worst, a rock-solid No.
And here’s the thing: Arizona’s built up enough of a résumé cushion that even a future loss - depending on the opponent - might not knock them off the top line. That’s how convincing they’ve been.
But if chaos breaks out? Don’t be surprised if a team like Michigan jumps into the mix.
Let’s take a look around the college hoops landscape and where things stand:
UConn (21-1, 11-0 Big East)
Seventeen wins in a row.
Undefeated in the Big East. A dominant win over Creighton.
The Huskies are humming - and now it’s on to what fans are calling “Pitino Week,” with a showdown against Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad looming.
Arizona
Two road wins this week - including one at Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State - keep the Wildcats perched atop the rankings. They’ve got the best combination of talent, depth, and resume in the country right now.
Michigan
The Wolverines pulled off one of the more surprising results of the weekend, ending Nebraska’s unbeaten run. Not a team many had pegged as a spoiler, but here they are shaking up the top of the rankings.
Duke
Cam Boozer and the Blue Devils might not be getting the national attention they usually command, but they’re quietly putting together a solid season.
Under-the-radar Duke? That’s a rare sentence.
Houston
If UConn eventually makes the move to the Big 12, Kelvin Sampson might just opt for some peace and quiet at the lake house. For now, the Cougars remain one of the toughest outs in the country.
Illinois
A road win at Nebraska on Sunday was a big one for the Illini. That’s the kind of victory that boosts seeding come March.
Iowa State
T.J.
Otzelberger continues to coach with a level of intensity that feels more wrestling mat than hardwood. But whatever he’s doing, it’s working in Ames.
Nebraska
The unbeaten run is over, but don’t sleep on the Huskers. Saturday night’s loss doesn’t erase what they’ve built this season - they’re still the top team in their state, and it’s not particularly close.
Gonzaga
With the Zags heading to the Pac-12, Saturday’s game against Saint Mary’s marked the end of an era - no more hosting their longtime rivals as conference foes. A quiet but symbolic shift in the West Coast hoops landscape.
Florida
Todd Golden joins a growing list of coaches with some strong opinions about officiating - particularly when it comes to Alabama and Charles Bediako. That tension could make for a fiery SEC tournament.
Kansas
It’s all about Darryn Peterson right now - when he’s not dealing with cramps, that is. The Jayhawks will go as far as their star can carry them.
Michigan State
Sparty’s still searching for that elusive signature win. No Quad 1-A victories yet, and time is ticking.
BYU
The Cougars have made a habit of falling behind big, rallying back, and still coming up short. It’s become something of an art form in Provo - thrilling, but not always effective.
North Carolina
It’s been a bumpy stretch for the Tar Heels, but not quite enough to fuel the “Fire Hubert Davis” crowd. Still, this team needs to stabilize before the stretch run.
Virginia
The Cavaliers narrowly escaped upsets at both Notre Dame and Boston College. Survive and advance - even in January - can be a mantra for Tony Bennett’s crew.
Purdue
The Boilermakers snapped a three-game skid with an emphatic win at Maryland. That’s the kind of bounce-back they needed to reset the trajectory of their season.
Texas Tech
The “Space Game” in Orlando didn’t go as planned - a loss to UCF snapped a five-game win streak. Still, the Red Raiders have shown they can compete with just about anyone.
Vanderbilt
How about a 25-point win over Kentucky? The Commodores blew the doors off the Wildcats and reminded everyone they’re not just playing spoiler - they’re capable of real damage.
Saint Louis
The Billikens are heating up. There’s even some playful chatter about a potential Big East invite - but for now, they’re just focused on stacking wins.
NC State
How did Silas Demary Jr., a Raleigh native, slip through the Wolfpack’s fingers? That one’s going to sting for a while.
Arkansas
Losing at home to Kentucky had to hurt for Coach Cal. The Razorbacks are still trying to find their footing in a chaotic SEC.
St. John’s
Could Dillon Mitchell be the answer at point guard - even if he’s technically a point-forward? We’ll find out Friday night when they face UConn in a must-watch matchup.
Miami (OH)
The RedHawks and Arizona are the last two unbeatens standing. Not a sentence many expected to read in February.
Bottom Line:
Arizona is still sitting comfortably at No. 1, and UConn is doing everything right to stay right on their heels.
The gap between them is razor-thin, and with March just around the corner, the stakes are only going to rise. The next few weeks could bring some chaos - and maybe, just maybe, a new team climbing to the top.