- Gonzaga – It looks like the Zags are going to run the table in the regular season. Their last true threat was a road game at St. Mary’s. Once again, the Zags beat by double digits. With three of the last four games at home, it’s hard to see them losing. With five players averaging in double digits, the Bulldogs can come at you in many ways and are far from being a one trick pony.
- Villanova – It was hard not the put the Wildcats number one. There’s a piece of me who still feels like the defending champs are the most dangerous team in the nation. They can win games in diverse fashion. Whether the tempo is slow, fast, in the paint, out on the perimeter, the Wildcats find a way to deliver. The current 6 game winning streak started with a comeback victory over UVA and has continued through their Big East schedule. Two of the last four games will be against ranked opponents with both being home games.
- Arizona – Arizona, not UCLA, sits on top of the Pac-12 standings. They’ve responded to the road loss to Oregon with wins over Cal and Stanford. The Wildcats will have to continue to play well if they want to hold off Oregon and UCLA. They defeated the Bruins in Pauley earlier in the season.
- UCLA – I’m still bullish on the Bruins. They’re explosiveness should continue to play in their favor especially once we get to the NCAA tournament. Some teams pick it up a notch once they leave the familiarity of their conference. It will be hard to prepare for this team with only one off day when you’re not used to seeing them. Since their two game losing streak, UCLA has won four in a row including a victory over Oregon.
- Kansas – The Jayhawks are doing what they do… win the Big XII. Their current three game winning streak includes a win over West Virginia. The Jayhawks were down 14 with 2:58 left but forced the game into OT where they stunned the Mountaineers. Despite being 7 for his last 26 from the floor, Frank Mason III is still their main cog. Any deep run will mean he will have to continue delivering.
Marcus “Mook” Washington is the host of Making The Cut. Follow Mook on Twitter: @mtcwithmook and IG: MTCWithMook
