Despite Indiana’s shocking loss to IPFW, the Hoosiers home match up against North Carolina still presents a clash of the titans. The Tar Heels have been rolling through their early season schedule but this, by far will be their stiffest test.
- Kentucky (6-0) – The Wildcats have scored over 100 points their last three games, highlighted by a triple double from freshman, De’Aaron Fox. Believe it or not, that’s just the second triple double in Kentucky history. The Wildcats should get a little push back in their upcoming game against UCLA but it doesn’t seem like the Bruins have enough if Kentucky plays like they’ve been playing. Besides that, fans are still waiting on the edge of their seat for the game against North Carolina.
- Villanova (6-0) – This might be a theme for most of the season but doesn’t it seem like Villanova doesn’t get the respect of a defending champion that had major pieces come back? Sure, if they lost everyone that would be different but the Wildcats still have firepower left from last year’s win in the title game. This week they go through the Big 5 swing. They should come out unscathed.
- North Carolina (7-0) – At times, the Tar Heels have played better than their runner up team from last season and that’s a very scary thought. Back to back impressive wins over Oklahoma State and Wisconsin in Maui has gotten the Tar Heels some first place votes in the AP Poll. This week, Roy Williams’ and his crew will start an even tougher stretch as they will see Indiana and Kentucky over the next two weeks. This could be good for a team that could benefit from being challenged early in the year.
- Kansas (5-1) – As expected Kansas has kept cruising against subpar competition. That could eventually lead them to fall out of the Power 5 if teams with tougher schedules win those games. No matter the competition, when Josh Jackson isn’t in foul trouble, he is a problem for opponents. Jackson is averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds over his last three games. Frank Mason III continues to motor along having scored, at least, 18 points each game this season.
- Virginia (6-0) – In the era of three point shooting and highlight dunks, UVA wins with a throwback style that would make some of the best defensive teams blush. The Cavaliers haven’t allowed over 52 points to an opponent this season. They continue to choke out their opponent’s offense, holding their opponents to 30% shooting. If Tony Bennett’s team can continue to play defense in this fashion they will be talked about as a Final Four candidate.
Marcus “Mook” Washington is the host of Making The Cut. Follow Mook on Twitter: @mtcwithmook and IG: MTCWithMook
