RON'S WEEKLY TOP 25 BALLOTS
(2006-07 SEASON)

Top 25 - 06 Nov 6: PRESEASON - [] Column

The "Ghosts of '92" haunt this season: Can a defending champ (Florida) repeat? Will a "Fab Five" class of newcomers emerge as its greatest challengers (take your pick: North Carolina, Ohio State, Connecticut or Texas)? The Missouri Valley should again be on par with the "Super 6" BCS conferences, but the Colonial should drop back into "Sub 6" mid-major status.

1. Florida
2. Kansas
3. LSU
4. UCLA
5. Georgetown
6. North Carolina
7. Wisconsin
8. Pittsburgh
9. Ohio State
10. Tennessee
11. Duke
12. Alabama
13. Texas A&M
14. Connecticut
15. Washington
16. Arizona
17. Wichita State
18. Memphis
19. Gonzaga
20. Southern Illinois
21. Creighton
22. San Diego State
23. Nevada
24. Xavier
25. George Mason

Worth keeping an eye on:

Texas, Syracuse, College of Charleston, Hofstra, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts, Winthrop.

Top 25 - 06 Nov 13 - [] Column

Veteran Florida and Kansas each whipped likely tournament teams (Samford and Northern Arizona, respectively). Talented frosh helped Ohio State (minus cGreg Oden) roll to win the BCA CLASSIC-(Columbus), Syracuse coast to win the BCA-INVITATIONAL, Texas (led already by tKevin Durant) advance in the COLLEGE HOOPS CLASSIC, and Boston College pick up where it left off with a new star. Virginia pulled off its traditional home upset of Arizona. Washington State was an Unwelcome Guest winner of the JOHN THOMPSON CHALLENGE-(Milwaukee). Charlotte edged Hofstra, but then was blown away at home by North Texas. Oregon (minus tMalik Hairston) won the BCA CLASSIC-(Eugene). Bradley thumped DePaul; Ohio U routed Marist; and Texas Tech whipped Sam Houston State. Albany beat out Bucknell.

But it's way too early to read much into these tea leaves.

1. Florida (1-0)
2. Kansas (1-0)
3. LSU
4. UCLA
5. North Carolina
6. Ohio State (3-0)
7. Wisconsin (1-0)
8. Pittsburgh (1-0)
9. Tennessee (1-0)
10. Duke (1-0)
11. Alabama (1-0)
12. Boston College (1-0)
13. Texas A&M (1-0)
14. Georgetown (1-0)
15. Syracuse (3-0)
16. Memphis
17. Texas (2-0)
18. Gonzaga (1-0)
19. Washington (1-0)
20. Connecticut (1-0)
21. Wichita State
22. Xavier (1-0)
23. Creighton
24. Nevada
25. Southern Illinois

Honorable Mention:

Virginia (1-0), Washington State (3-0), North Texas (1-0), Bradley (1-0), Charlotte (1-1), Oregon (3-0), Ohio U (1-0), Texas Tech (1-0), Albany (1-0).

Top 25 - 06 Nov 20 - [] Column

Forget the "mid-major" misnomer, it was Giant Killers from one-bid conferences that made news as Oral Roberts won on the road at Kansas, and Vermont routed host Boston College; Winthrop put a scare into North Carolina before succumbing to superior depth (and talent). True "mid-majors" did do their part as well: Old Dominion won at Georgetown; Butler advanced in the NIT SEASON TIP-OFF shocking both Indiana and Notre Dame in front of split crowds in a couple of State Title skirmishes; and Air Force beat Long Beach State and then routed home-standing Stanford to advance to Kansas City in the CBE CLASSIC. Michigan State edged out Texas, but Maryland returned the favor to win the COLLEGE HOOPS/CVC CLASSIC in New York. Nebraska handled Creighton at home in their State Title clash. Utah State sits on TOP OF THE WORLD in Anchorage. Pittsburgh (COLONIAL-NORTH), Texas A&M (SHELBY METCALF), Washington (TRAVELERS), Connecticut (HISPANIC-NORTH) and Florida State (COLONIAL-SOUTH) won showcases in front of the home folks.

1. Florida (4-0)
2. LSU (2-0)
3. North Carolina (3-0)
4. Ohio State (4-0)
5. Wisconsin (3-0)
6. Pittsburgh (5-0)
7. UCLA (1-0)
8. Duke (3-0)
9. Kansas (2-1)
10. Alabama (3-0)
11. Tennessee (4-0)
12. Syracuse (4-0)
13. Texas A&M (4-0)
14. Maryland (5-0)
15. Gonzaga (4-0)
16. Illinois (4-0)
17. Memphis (1-0)
18. Washington (4-0)
19. Connecticut (3-0)
20. Wichita State (2-0)
21. Xavier (3-0)
22. Nevada (2-0)
23. Air Force (4-0)
24. Southern Illinois (1-0)
25. Butler (3-0)

Honorable Mention:

Oral Roberts (1-1), Vermont (2-2), Old Dominion (4-1), Michigan State (4-1), Nebraska (1-0), Utah State (3-1), Florida State (4-0), Winthrop (2-1).

Top 25 - 06 Nov 27 - [] Column

Kansas and Florida put on a show as good as advertized in the LAS VEGAS [THANKSGIVING] final. Georgia Tech turned a rout loss into a rout win against Memphis, but was no match for champion UCLA in MAUI. The NIT TIP-OFF was full of surprises as Gonzaga beat North Carolina in the semis and then fell to tough Butler in the final. Marquette's gDominic James was electrifying in its win over Duke to take the CBE CLASSIC final. Alabama bested a solid field to take the PARADISE JAM crown. Wichita State came back and stole a victory on the road at LSU. Illinois came through to take the CHICAGO CHALLENGE. Missouri State knocked off Wisconsin, but then fell in OT in the final to Oklahoma State on SOUTH PADRE ISLAND. Arkansas survived an OT opener and then went on to claim the ESPNU/OLD SPICE crown. California was best in show in GREAT ALASKA. Dayton upended Louisville; Providence and Michigan State keep adding to their credentials with solid wins.

1. Kansas (5-1)
2. UCLA (3-0)
3. Florida (6-1)
4. Pittsburgh (6-0)
5. Ohio State (6-0)
6. Butler (6-0)
7. Marquette (5-0)
8. Maryland (7-0)
9. Gonzaga (6-1)
10. Alabama (5-0)
11. North Carolina (4-1)
12. Texas A&M (5-0)
13. Wichita State (3-0)
14. Duke (5-1)
15. LSU (2-1)
16. Illinois (7-0)
17. Oklahoma State (7-0)
18. Missouri State (3-1)
19. Arkansas (5-0)
20. Syracuse (6-0)
21. Connecticut (5-0)
22. Wisconsin (5-1)
23. Nevada (4-0)
24. Washington (5-0)
25. Georgia Tech (5-1)

Honorable Mention:

California (4-1), Michigan State (6-1), Dayton (4-1), Providence (3-1).

Top 25 - 06 Dec 4 - [] Column

DePaul's tSammy Mejia keyed a late run to upset visiting Kansas. Florida State's fAl Thornton led the way to victory over archrival Florida. Provisional D-I {North Dakota State} was an Unwelcome Guest winner of the BLUE AND GOLD CLASSIC over host Marquette. Notre Dame came back to beat Maryland as part of the BB&T CLASSIC. Miami(Florida) knocked off young Georgia Tech in an early league game. cGreg Oden is now on the court for Ohio State (but he missed their ACC-BIG 10 CHALLENGE loss at North Carolina -- the ACC won, 8-3). Wichita State hung on to beat Syracuse on the road. Arizona beat Illinois as part of the HALL OF FAME CHALLENGE. Oregon won at Georgetown. Missouri routed Arkansas at home.

1. UCLA (5-0)
2. Pittsburgh (8-0)
3. Gonzaga (8-1)
4. North Carolina (6-1)
5. Ohio State (7-1)
6. Butler (8-0)
7. Alabama (7-0)
8. Kansas (6-2)
9. Florida (7-2)
10. Wichita State (5-0)
11. Texas A&M (7-0)
12. Maryland (8-1)
13. Duke (7-1)
14. Arizona (5-1)
15. Oklahoma State (9-0)
16. Missouri State (5-1)
17. Wisconsin (7-1)
18. Connecticut (7-0)
19. Florida State (5-2)
20. LSU (4-1)
21. Nevada (6-0)
22. Oregon (6-0)
23. Syracuse (7-1)
24. Washington (6-0)
25. Missouri (9-0)

Honorable Mention:

DePaul (3-4), {North Dakota State (5-2)}, Notre Dame (5-1), Miami(Florida) (5-3).

Top 25 - 06 Dec 11 - [] Column

Washington State beat Gonzaga (before the 'Zags crushed Washington) to make state supremacy a three-way conversation. Indiana State ruined Butler's bid to run the table in-state. Notre Dame's perimeter shooting surprised subpar Alabama. LSU split its border wars with Texas A&M (W) and Texas (L-OT) while the Aggies also fell in a close one to UCLA in the JOHN WOODEN CLASSIC. Boston College erased all faults with an early league win at home over Maryland. UNLV was least-worst in their unpretty state clash at Nevada. Purdue made its mark routing Loyola(Illinois) and undefeated Missouri. Arizona and Oklahoma State were travelling buddies with a pair of wins in the JIMMY V CLASSIC (over Louisville and Syracuse) and the SAN DIEGO SLAM (over San Diego State and Ball State). Southern Illinois crossed the border and won a squeaker at Western Kentucky. Tennessee's gChris Lofton shot his team to victory in their in-state clash rout of rival Memphis. San Diego was an Unwelcome Guest winner over host California in the GOLDEN BEAR CLASSIC.

1. UCLA (7-0)
2. Pittsburgh (10-0)
3. North Carolina (7-1)
4. Ohio State (8-1)
5. Gonzaga (9-2)
6. Florida (8-2)
7. Arizona (7-1)
8. Butler (9-1)
9. Wichita State (6-0)
10. Oklahoma State (11-0)
11. Missouri State (7-1)
12. Wisconsin (9-1)
13. Florida State (8-2)
14. Kansas (8-2)
15. Notre Dame (6-1)
16. Duke (9-1)
17. Alabama (8-1)
18. Connecticut (8-0)
19. Maryland (9-2)
20. LSU (5-2)
21. Michigan State (9-2)
22. Texas (6-2)
23. Syracuse (8-2)
24. Texas A&M (7-2)
25. Oregon (7-0)

Honorable Mention:

Washington State (8-1), Indiana State (5-3), Boston College (6-2), UNLV (6-2), Purdue (8-1), Southern Illinois (6-1), Tennessee (7-2), San Diego (3-4).

Top 25 - 06 Dec 18 - [] Column

In a slow week overall, individual stars submitted their early nominations for Player of the Year. fAlando Tucker was unstoppable as Wisconsin knocked off unbeaten Pittsburgh. gA.J. Graves turned in another great performance as Butler's squeak win over Purdue in the JOHN WOODEN TRADITION completed its neutral-site sweep of the major conference state rivals. gChris Lofton's untouchable shooting led Tennessee past visiting Western Kentucky. Georgia returned to the Land of the Living with a surprising win over Gonzaga in Atlanta. Texas Tech's dominant win over Arkansas in Little Rock put Bob Knight one win away from tying the all-time record. Indiana survived the brutal assault of visiting Southern Illinois. Fresno State's easy win over visiting Creighton further muddies the Bluejay's preseason.

1. UCLA (8-0)
2. North Carolina (8-1)
3. Ohio State (9-1)
4. Wisconsin (11-1)
5. Pittsburgh (10-1)
6. Florida (9-2)
7. Arizona (8-1)
8. Butler (10-1)
9. Wichita State (7-0)
10. Oklahoma State (11-0)
11. Missouri State (8-1)
12. Florida State (8-2)
13. Kansas (8-2)
14. Gonzaga (9-3)
15. Notre Dame (7-1)
16. Duke (9-1)
17. Alabama (9-1)
18. Connecticut (9-0)
19. Maryland (10-2)
20. Michigan State (10-2)
21. Texas (7-2)
22. LSU (6-2)
23. Georgia (6-1)
24. Syracuse (9-2)
25. Oregon (10-0)

Honorable Mention:

Texas Tech (8-3), Indiana (6-3), Tennessee (8-2), Fresno State (8-1).

Top 25 - 06 Dec 27 - [] Column

Florida's more balanced and mature team ran away from young, gifted Ohio State. Tennessee won two nail-biters in front of partisan crowds (over Oklahoma State at the buzzer, and over Texas in overtime). Oklahoma State regrouped with its own double-OT win over Pittsburgh in the ALL-COLLEGE CLASSIC. Wichita State lost twice in the LAS VEGAS [CHRISTMAS] CLASSIC -- (won by physical Kansas State). St. Louis squeaked by Missouri State (but then was pounded by North Carolina). Duke beat Gonzaga to add to its long list of solid resume wins. Washington's huge frontcourt dominated LSU. Georgia Tech beat undermanned rival Georgia. Drexel escaped the Carrier Dome with a win over Syracuse. Host Hawaii won the RAINBOW CLASSIC (in the final over Creighton). Appalachian State beat Virginia and Vanderbilt en route to the SAN JUAN SHOOTOUT crown. Davidson (over host Arizona State in the ASU CLASSIC) and Drake (over feisty Jackson State in the SUN BOWL TOURNAMENT) were Unwelcome Guest winners. Bob Knight tied Dean Smith win 879 career victories when Texas Tech beat Bucknell.

1. UCLA (10-0)
2. Florida (11-2)
3. North Carolina (10-1)
4. Wisconsin (12-1)
5. Duke (11-1)
6. Arizona (9-1)
7. Kansas (9-2)
8. Ohio State (10-2)
9. Butler (11-1)
10. Tennessee (10-2)
11. Oklahoma State (12-1)
12. Pittsburgh (11-2)
13. Florida State (11-2)
14. Gonzaga (9-4)
15. Notre Dame (9-1)
16. Alabama (11-1)
17. Connecticut (10-0)
18. Maryland (11-2)
19. Michigan State (12-2)
20. Washington (10-1)
21. Marquette (11-2)
22. Air Force (10-1)
23. Oregon (11-0)
24. Texas A&M (10-2)
25. Illinois (12-2)

Honorable Mention:

Kansas State (9-3), Hawaii (8-4), Appalachian State (7-3), Davidson (10-3), Drake (8-2), Drexel (7-2), Texas Tech (9-3).

Top 25 - 07 Jan 1: PRECONFERENCE - [] Column

Taking the preseason as a whole, last year's finalists are still the Top 2: Florida's schedule provided it with the opportunity for bigger wins (but UCLA is playing better ball right at the moment). Lots of teams have preseason crowns on their mantles after tournament wins (in big draws at neutral sites or in small draws as Unwelcome Guests spoiling host showcases).

On the week, Nevada won the high-quality BATTLE IN SEATTLE with a furious endplay against Gonzaga. West Virginia started out conference play with a reality check for previously undefeated Connecticut. UCLA escaped at home against Washington State and then made no mistake in drubbing Washington. Xavier upended visiting Illinois. Clemson handled undermanned Georgia easily to remain unbeaten.

1. Florida (12-2)
2. UCLA (12-0)[:MAUI(8)]
3. North Carolina (12-1)
4. Wisconsin (14-1)
5. Duke (12-1)
6. Arizona (11-1)
7. Kansas (11-2)[:LAS VEGAS-THANKS(2x4)]
8. Ohio State (11-2)[vBCAC-OHIO(8)]
9. Butler (12-1)[:NIT TIP-OFF(16)]
10. Tennessee (12-2)
11. Oklahoma State (13-1)[:SOUTH PADRE(2x4)]
12. Pittsburgh (12-2)
13. Florida State (12-2)
14. Notre Dame (11-1)
15. Alabama (12-1)[:PARADISE JAM(8)]
16. Maryland (13-2)[:COLLEGE HOOPS(16)]
17. Gonzaga (9-5)
18. Michigan State (13-2)
19. Marquette (12-2)[:CBE(16)]
20. Nevada (11-1)
21. West Virginia (10-1)
22. Air Force (12-1)[@CABLE CAR(s)]
23. Oregon (13-0)
24. Texas A&M (11-2)
25. Clemson (14-0)[@COX(3ds)]

Honorable Mention:

{North Dakota State} (8-5)[@BLUE-GOLD(s)],
Arkansas (10-3)[:ESPNU(8)],
Illinois (12-3)[vCHICAGO(2x4)],
San Diego (9-5)[@GOLDEN BEAR(s)],
California (8-5)[:GREAT ALASKA(8)],
Appalachian State (8-3)[:SAN JUAN(8)],
Hawaii (9-4)[vRAINBOW(8)],
Kansas State (10-3)[:LAS VEGAS-XMAS(2x4)],
Utah State (10-3)[:TOP-O-WORLD(8)],
San Diego State (9-3)[@SHAMROCK I(3ds)],
Drake (9-4)[@SUN BOWL(s)],
Southeast Louisiana (8-5)[@RAIN(3ds)],
Davidson (11-3)[@ASU(s)],
Washington State (12-2)[@J THOMPSON-B(3ds)],
Colorado State (7-2)[@DR. PEPPER(s)],
Hofstra (7-4)[v@HOLIDAY-FEST(s)],
Delaware (2-10)[@EXPLORER(3ds)].

Top 25 - 07 Jan 8 - [] Column

Neither UCLA nor Oregon could survive the powerful Pac-10 undefeated by week's end as USC spoiled things for the Ducks. Surprising Washington State edged Arizona in OT to crash the party at the top of the league standings. Virginia Tech completed the road upset of Duke that slipped through its fingers last year. Clemson won two buzzer-beaters to remain unbeaten: on the road at Florida State (later routed by North Carolina) and at home against young Georgia Tech. Ohio State held off Indiana at home and then stifled Illinois on the road -- the Hoosiers bounced back to crush Michigan State. Syracuse lost at home to Pittsburgh, but won on the road at plummeting Marquette. Georgetown throttled Notre Dame as the three's weren't falling for the Irish. Arkansas' perimeter attack raced by leaden Alabama in a rout. Virginia blitzed Gonzaga only to fall to Stanford at the buzzer. Northern Iowa sits atop the loaded MVC (but Missouri State may be the best team). Bob Knight (Texas Tech) sits atop the all-time win list.

1. North Carolina (14-1)
2. Florida (14-2)
3. UCLA (13-1)
4. Wisconsin (15-1)
5. Ohio State (13-2)
6. Arizona (12-2)
7. Duke (13-2)
8. Kansas (12-2)
9. Butler (13-1)
10. Tennessee (13-2)
11. Oklahoma State (14-1)
12. Pittsburgh (14-2)
13. Clemson (16-0)
14. Washington State (14-2)
15. Oregon (14-1)
16. Arkansas (12-3)
17. Maryland (14-2)
18. Notre Dame (12-2)
19. Alabama (13-2)
20. LSU (11-3)
21. Nevada (12-1)
22. West Virginia (12-1)
23. Air Force (14-1)
24. Texas A&M (13-2)
25. Missouri State (11-3)

Honorable Mention:

Virginia Tech (9-4), USC (12-4), Georgetown (10-3), Indiana (10-4), Syracuse (12-4), Northern Iowa (11-2), Texas Tech (11-4).

Top 25 - 07 Jan 15 - [] Column

Virginia Tech made North Carolina look human opening up a huge lead at home and then holding on for the win. Wisconsin won at home in Round 1 of the Big Ten Showdown with Ohio State, (but the Buckeyes rebounded to give Tennessee its second last-second road loss, after Vanderbilt did the same). Last-second shots left Oregon (over host Arizona) and UCLA (over host USC) in a tie for first in the Pac-10. Georgia Tech showed signs of maturity beating Duke and Florida State at home. Kansas crushed Oklahoma State at home (but just barely won at Iowa State in OT). Illinois-Chicago beat Butler and Loyola(Illinois) to turn the Horizon into a three-way race. Maryland lost at home to Miami(Florida), but then ended Clemson's unbeaten run with a home win. Stanford edged both Washington and Washington State in nail-biters. After falling at Florida, Arkansas lost again at Mississippi. Marquette won at Connecticut and blitzed West Virginia. Southern Illinois crushed Missouri State. Nevada (without its center), Memphis, Indiana and Boston College just keep posting the Ws.

1. Florida (16-2)
2. UCLA (14-1)
3. Wisconsin (16-1)
4. North Carolina (15-2)
5. Oregon (16-1)
6. Kansas (14-2)
7. Ohio State (14-3)
8. Arizona (13-3)
9. Pittsburgh (16-2)
10. Duke (14-3)
11. Maryland (15-3)
12. Clemson (17-1)
13. Tennessee (13-4)
14. Oklahoma State (14-2)
15. Notre Dame (14-2)
16. Alabama (14-2)
17. Washington State (15-3)
18. Texas A&M (15-2)
19. Butler (13-2)
20. Nevada (15-1)
21. Air Force (16-1)
22. Texas (13-3)
23. Georgia Tech (12-4)
24. Memphis (13-3)
25. Marquette (14-4)

Honorable Mention:

Virginia Tech (12-4), Illinois(Chicago) (8-9), Vanderbilt (10-6), Stanford (10-6), Mississippi (12-5), Miami(Florida) (9-9), Southern Illinois (12-4), Indiana (12-4), Boston College (12-4).

Top 25 - 07 Jan 22 - [] Column

North Carolina blew away Clemson and Georgia Tech. Arizona fell twice, at USC and at UCLA (in yet another close defeat). Oklahoma State won in triple-overtime over Texas, but was routed on the road for the second time in a week (this time by Texas A&M). Marquette edged Pittsburgh on the road in overtime. Arkansas blew out LSU but fell at home to Georgia; the Dawgs had Alabama down 19 before the Tide escaped with a buzzer-beater win (but Vanderbilt thumped 'Bama and won at Kentucky to boot). Indiana won at Connecticut. Villanova routed Notre Dame and beat Texas as well. Texas Tech knocked off Kansas. New Mexico State won its showdown with Nevada. Evansville won twice at home, beating both Southern Illinois and Missouri State.

1. Florida (17-2)
2. North Carolina (17-2)
3. UCLA (16-1)
4. Wisconsin (19-1)
5. Oregon (18-1)
6. Ohio State (16-3)
7. Texas A&M (16-2)
8. Kansas (15-3)
9. Pittsburgh (17-3)
10. Duke (16-3)
11. Clemson (18-2)
12. Arizona (13-5)
13. Washington State (16-3)
14. Marquette (16-4)
15. Oklahoma State (15-3)
16. Butler (15-2)
17. Indiana (14-4)
18. Arkansas (13-6)
19. Tennessee (14-5)
20. Alabama (15-3)
21. Memphis (15-3)
22. Nevada (16-2)
23. Air Force (17-2)
24. Florida State (14-5)
25. Georgia (10-6)

Honorable Mention:

Texas Tech (13-5), USC (14-5), Villanova (12-5), Vanderbilt (12-6), New Mexico State (14-4), Evansville (11-9).

Top 25 - 07 Jan 29 - [] Column

Even undermanned, North Carolina handed Lute Olson his worst home loss ever at Arizona. Host Stanford routed USC and then came from 17 down to stun UCLA. Ohio State held off Michigan State at home. Oregon (without its star) lost at Washington; but (at full strength) won a thriller in OT at Washington State. Texas Tech tripped up Texas A&M. Clemson fell at the buzzer at Duke and gave up a 15-0 run to lose at the buzzer at home to Virginia. Indiana fell at Illinois but recovered to rout Michigan. Alabama was blitzed at Auburn and managed to save some face with a more respectable loss at home to Arkansas. Tennessee (without its star) lost at Mississippi and badly at Kentucky. Nevada routed rival Utah State. Air Force fell at rival BYU. The home crowd helped Georgia erased big deficits to come back to beat Kentucky in OT and LSU at the buzzer. VCU, Winthrop (without its star), East Tennessee State and Florida A&M won big league games to cement control of their conference races.

1. North Carolina (19-2)
2. Florida (19-2)
3. Wisconsin (21-1)
4. Oregon (19-2)
5. UCLA (17-2)
6. Ohio State (18-3)
7. Kansas (17-3)
8. Pittsburgh (19-3)
9. Duke (18-3)
10. Texas A&M (17-3)
11. Marquette (18-4)
12. Washington State (17-4)
13. Clemson (18-4)
14. Arizona (14-6)
15. Oklahoma State (17-3)
16. Butler (17-2)
17. Memphis (17-3)
18. Nevada (18-2)
19. Virginia Tech (15-5)
20. Indiana (15-5)
21. Arkansas (14-7)
22. Georgetown (14-5)
23. Georgia (12-6)
24. Southern Illinois (16-5)
25. VCU (17-3)

Honorable Mention:

Stanford (13-5), Texas Tech (14-6), Virginia (12-6), Illinois (15-8), South Carolina (12-7), BYU (15-6), Winthrop (13-4), East Tennessee State (14-6), Florida A&M (12-9).

Top 25 - 07 Feb 5: MIDCONFERENCE - [] Column

Texas A&M rallied to win at Kansas and take sole possession of the Big 12 lead. UCLA handed Oregon a sound beating (and USC edged the Ducks as well). Indiana beat Wisconsin (then fell at Iowa). N.C. State's intensity led to wins over Virginia Tech and a huge upset of North Carolina. Duke fell at Virginia in OT and in an endplay at home to Florida State (in FSU's first win ever in Durham). Clemson was routed by Georgia Tech. Kentucky won at Arkansas. Georgia fell twice. Boston College just keeps winning. Gonzaga won an OT thriller at Stanford. Colorado knocked off Oklahoma State; Kansas State edged Texas at the buzzer; Hofstra handed VCU its first conference loss; Yale beat Penn to lead the Ivies; and Iona won for the first time all season.

1. Florida (21-2)
2. UCLA (19-2)
3. North Carolina (20-3)
4. Texas A&M (19-3)
5. Ohio State (20-3)
6. Wisconsin (22-2)
7. Pittsburgh (20-3)
8. Oregon (19-4)
9. Kansas (18-4)
10. Washington State (19-4)
11. Marquette (19-4)
12. Butler (20-2)
13. Memphis (19-3)
14. Nevada (20-2)
15. Boston College (16-6)
16. Florida State (17-6)
17. Kentucky (15-5)
18. Indiana (16-6)
19. Duke (18-5)
20. Arizona (15-7)
21. Gonzaga (17-7)
22. Stanford (14-6)
23. USC (17-6)
24. Virginia (14-6)
25. Southern Illinois (18-5)

Honorable Mention:

North Carolina State (13-8), Georgia Tech (13-8), Colorado (6-13), Iowa (13-10), Kansas State (16-6), Hofstra (17-6), Yale (9-10), Iona (1-22).

Top 25 - 07 Feb 12 - [] Column

Florida survived an upset bid on the road at Kentucky. West Virginia shocked undermanned UCLA. Duke ran with North Carolina before succumbing to fatigue and then fell again at Maryland. Texas A&M thumped Texas at home. Pittsburgh won solidly at West Virginia and then came back at home against upstart Providence. Arizona came from behind to beat Oregon on the road. Washington State and still-kicking Washington each handled both Stanford and Cal. Georgetown's interior D shut down Marquette's penetrating guards. Wright State took over first place in the Horizon with a home upset of Butler. Florida State fell handily at Clemson and just barely at home to Boston College. Gonzaga had troubles on and off the court. Virginia Tech crushed Virginia. Southern Illinois held off Creighton. gChris Lofton is back in business for Tennessee.

1. Florida (23-2)
2. North Carolina (22-3)
3. Texas A&M (21-3)
4. Pittsburgh (22-3)
5. UCLA (20-3)
6. Wisconsin (24-2)
7. Ohio State (22-3)
8. Kansas (20-4)
9. Washington State (21-4)
10. Memphis (21-3)
11. Arizona (17-7)
12. Oregon (20-5)
13. Nevada (21-2)
14. Boston College (18-6)
15. Georgetown (17-5)
16. Kentucky (16-6)
17. Marquette (20-5)
18. Butler (21-3)
19. Indiana (17-6)
20. Virginia Tech (16-7)
21. Clemson (19-5)
22. West Virginia (18-5)
23. Southern Illinois (20-5)
24. Washington (16-8)
25. Tennessee (17-8)

Honorable Mention:

Wright State (19-8), Loyola Marymount (12-14), Xavier (18-7), Old Dominion (19-7), Bucknell (16-8), Vermont (19-6), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (16-5), South Alabama (16-7), Long Beach State (15-6), Austin Peay (15-7).

Top 25 - 07 Feb 19 - [] Column

16 of last week's Top 25 lost (and 8 teams lost twice). In particular, Vanderbilt knocked off Florida; Texas Tech edged Texas A&M again; Louisville won big at Pittsburgh and at the buzzer at Marquette; Maryland routed Clemson and N.C. State on the road; Stanford crushed reeling Oregon. In BRACKETBUSTER, Southern Illinois won the marquee game on the road at Butler; Winthrop won solidly at Missouri State; Appalachian State squeaked out a road win at free-falling Wichita State; Bradley won at VCU, Akron thumped Austin Peay; Utah State won at Oral Roberts; and New Mexico State came back at home to edge Ohio U. Meanwhile, Georgetown crushed West Virginia; and Mississippi State swept Arkansas and LSU.

1. UCLA (22-3)
2. Wisconsin (26-2)
3. Florida (24-3)
4. Ohio State (24-3)
5. North Carolina (23-4)
6. Texas A&M (22-4)
7. Kansas (22-4)
8. Washington State (22-4)
9. Georgetown (19-5)
10. Pittsburgh (23-4)
11. Nevada (23-2)
12. Memphis (22-3)
13. Southern Illinois (22-5)
14. Butler (21-4)
15. Louisville (18-8)
16. Maryland (20-7)
17. Vanderbilt (17-8)
18. Stanford (16-8)
19. Marquette (20-7)
20. Duke (20-7)
21. Kentucky (16-8)
22. Virginia (16-7)
23. Texas (19-7)
24. Winthrop (19-4)
25. Appalachian State (18-6)

Honorable Mention:

Texas Tech (16-10), Mississippi State (15-10), Bradley (18-10), Akron (18-5), Utah State (16-7), New Mexico State (19-6).

Top 25 - 07 Feb 26 - [] Column

Ohio State won its rematch showdown with Wisconsin and claimed the Big 10 title. (Michigan State beat the Badgers as well.) LSU (without "Big Baby") outplayed Florida from start to finish. Maryland came back late at home to beat North Carolina. Oregon edged Washington State. Georgetown took over the Big East lead with a home win over Pittsburgh. Butler lost at home to Loyola(Illinois) (and handed Wright State the Horizon title). Notre Dame beat Marquette.

1. UCLA (24-3)
2. Ohio State (26-3)
3. Wisconsin (26-4)
4. Florida (25-4)
5. North Carolina (24-5)
6. Texas A&M (24-4)
7. Kansas (24-4)
8. Georgetown (21-5)
9. Memphis (24-3)
10. Washington State (23-5)
11. Pittsburgh (24-5)
12. Nevada (25-2)
13. Maryland (22-7)
14. Duke (22-7)
15. Southern Illinois (24-5)
16. Oregon (22-7)
17. Michigan State (21-8)
18. Vanderbilt (18-9)
19. Tennessee (20-9)
20. Kentucky (17-9)
21. USC (20-8)
22. Texas (21-7)
23. Virginia Tech (19-8)
24. Butler (23-5)
25. Winthrop (21-4)

Honorable Mention:

LSU (15-13), Loyola(Illinois) (18-10), Notre Dame (21-6), Vermont (23-6), Marist (23-7), Delaware State (16-11), Mississippi Valley State (14-14).

Top 25 - 07 Mar 5: PRETOURNAMENT - [] Column

Things were tough all over the Top 25 as practically no one put together two solid wins on the week. Florida looked terrible losing at Tennessee, but regained some face beating Kentucky at home. No one wanted to win the ACC outright as North Carolina (losing at Georgia Tech), Virginia Tech (losing at Virginia), Virginia (losing at Wake Forest) and Boston College (losing at Georgia Tech) all took turns failing to control their own destiny. (UNC, led by a bloodied cTyler Hansbrough, finally edged Virginia on tiebreakers.) Texas nearly stole the Big 12 title with two great efforts (but only gained a split with Texas A&M and eventual champ Kansas). Creighton beat Southern Illinois as the only break of form in the MVC tournament. Winthrop outlasted VMI to take the Big South crown. Davidson held off upstart College of Charleston to win the Southern crown.

1. Ohio State (27-3)
2. UCLA (25-4)
3. Wisconsin (27-4)
4. Florida (26-5)
5. North Carolina (25-6)
6. Texas A&M (25-5)
7. Kansas (26-4)
8. Georgetown (22-6)
9. Washington State (24-6)
10. Pittsburgh (25-6)
11. Nevada (26-3)
12. Maryland (24-7)
13. Memphis (26-3)
14. Oregon (23-7)
15. Tennessee (22-9)
16. Texas (22-8)
17. Duke (22-9)
18. Kentucky (18-10)
19. Michigan State (21-10)
20. Marquette (22-8)
21. Creighton (22-10)[:MVC]
22. Southern Illinois (26-6)
23. Butler (24-5)
24. Winthrop (24-4)[vBIG SOUTH]
25. Louisville (20-8)

Honorable Mention:

Arizona (20-9), Georgia Tech (19-10), BYU (22-7), Davidson (28-4)[@SOCON], VCU (25-6), Stanford (17-11), Clemson (21-9).