NCAA Basketball Rankings: Heavy’s Top 30 for December 28

Are we all appropriately holiday-ed out?

While we were busy decking the halls and ripping open presents and eating as many cookies as possibly could in a 24-hour time period, the college basketball world was busy still playing college basketball.

So, while we were focused on holiday festivities, a few of the nation’s top hoops teams were focused on something slightly different; winning. Michigan State, still perfect and still finding ways to win, is at the top of the latest rankings here at Heavy, but there’s a bit of movement throughout the list as well. After all, Kentucky and Louisville battled in their annual rivalry game this week and squads like Xavier and Oklahoma continue to quietly dominate.

You can check out the latest AP poll here and the latest coaches poll right here.

Read on to check out the latest round of Heavy’s Top 30 teams in the country. Let’s all start mentally preparing for conference games. It’s only going to get more fun.

30. Wichita State

Record: 6-5; Last Week: 30

How often do you think Wichita State practices free throws? The answer, apparently, is enough to set a brand-new school record. The Shockers connected on 44 free throws, taking advantage of that charity stripe, in last Tuesday night’s 98-69 victory over Nevada. It’s a solid bounceback win for Wichita State after the OT loss to Seton Hall on December 19.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. New Mexico State, 8 p.m. ET

29. Connecticut

Record: 8-3; Last Week: 29

The Huskies continue to win, but the big-name victory isn’t there quite yet. UConn took down Central Connecticut State 99-52 last Wednesday, notching a third-straight win. The big test will be later this week when the Huskies head to the road against Texas and then open up conference play.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 at Texas, 9 p.m. ET

28. Oregon

Record: 10-2; Last Week: 28; AP Polls: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

It all got a little bit dramatic last Monday for the Ducks as they just barely held on to defeat Alabama 72-68 at home. Credit Dillon Brooks with a big-time performance, notching 23 points, while Tyler Dorsey made four free throws in the final 15 seconds of play. Oregon has now won three straight, finding a way to make things work despite some early-season injury issues.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. Western Oregon, 9 p.m. ET

27. Gonzaga

Record: 10-3; Last Week: 26; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: No. 24

We need to talk some more about the Bulldogs offense. Ok. So Gonzaga’s last three wins (all at home) against Tennessee, Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount, aren’t going to impress the committee come March, but the Bulldogs have been able to pull away early and stay up until the final buzzer. That could be a big deal down the season-long stretch.

Next Game: Thursday, December 31 at Santa Clara, 5 p.m. ET

26. Cincinnati

Record: 10-3; Last Week: 22; AP Poll: No. 22; Coaches Poll: No. 23

Close only counts in horseshoes and the Bearcats were just this close last Tuesday. Cincinnnati dropped an 81-79 decision to Iowa State last week in a game that the squad controlled with just minutes left on the clock. This is another blow to the Bearcats early-season schedule, particularly after the loss to regional rival Xavier.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. Temple, 3 p.m. ET

Read on for the next group of squads, No. 25 – 21:

25. George Washington

Record: 10-2; Last Week: 21; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

We need to talk about Tyler Cavanaugh. The junior transfer, who played at Wake Forest from 2012-14, is making his presence known on this George Washington team this season. In 12 games, all of which he’s started, Cavanaugh is averaging 27.1 points a game, shooing a team-best 52 percent from the floor. Cavanaugh’s on-court experience, and the chance to finally play again, could be a huge boost for GW come conference time.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 at UCF, 7 p.m. ET

24. Utah

Record: 10-2; Last Week: 25; AP Poll: No. 21; Coaches Poll: No. 22

After the upset, OT victory over Duke earlier this month, the Runnin’ Utes just kept runnin’ this week. Utah more or less obliterated Delaware State on Tuesday night, cruising to a 105-58 victory. It’s the second time this season Utah has scored over 100 and the fourth time the squad has scored more than 90.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. College of Idaho, 9 p.m. ET

23. UCLA

Record: 9-4; Last Week: 24; AP Poll: No. 25; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

Isaac Hamilton appears to be pretty good at this whole playing basketball thing. In the last five games Hamilton has averaged 20.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and shot a blistering 57.5 percent from the floor. That’s impressive on its own. Even more impressive? Hamilton was averaging 10.6 points throughout his Bruins career. Give that kid the ball more.

Next Game: Friday, January 1 at Washington, 11 p.m. ET

22. SMU

Record: 11-0; Last Week: 27; AP Poll: No. 17; Coaches Poll: Not Ranked

You guys thought, SMU was rolling before? Then we’ve got some good news. The Mustangs now also have a coach. Larry Brown returned to the sidelines after his nine-game suspension because of NCAA penalties. The first thing he told his team…”And then I told them I didn’t want to screw them up.” Back to work and, as far as SMU is concerned, back to winning.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 at Tulsa, 5 p.m. ET

21. Vanderbilt

Record: 7-4; Last Week: 17; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

The Commodores have already lost four and a big reason for that is their struggle to do the little things early this season. Vanderbilt shot just 34.9 percent and was out-rebounded 43-to-34, including just nine boards in the second half, en route to a 68-55 loss to Purdue last week.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 30 vs. Western Michigan, 9 p.m. ET

We’ve got teams 20 through 16 on the next page.

20. Baylor

Record: 9-2; Last Week: 19; AP Poll: No. 23; Coaches Poll: No. 21

The Bears are confusing. Earlier this month, Baylor defeated Vanderbilt at home and it looked like the team was cruising. Then, on December 19, the Bears dropped an 80-61 decision to Texas A&M on the road. They bounced back last week with a much-needed victory, but only managed to defeat New Mexico State 85-70. With conference play on the horizon, Baylor needs to get back to what that seven-game win streak.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. Texas Southern, 3 p.m. ET

19. Texas A&M

Record: 8-2; Last Week: 23; AP Poll: No. 20; Coaches Poll: No. 19

Who says freshmen can’t play? Tyler Davis is certainly proving that theory wrong. The six-foot-10 center is shooting an almost ridiculous 78 percent from the field this season and on three different occasions Davis hasn’t missed a shot. Let’s repeat that. He made every shot he took. Davis scored 15 points in the Aggies 80-61 victory over Baylor.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. Cal Poly, 8 p.m. ET

18. Louisville

Record: 11-2; Last Week: 16; AP Poll: No. 18; Coaches Poll: No. 18

Ok. Rick Pitino’s middle finger aside, the Cardinals’ 75-73 loss to Kentucky on Saturday was disappointing for plenty of other reasons. Louisivlle couldn’t get an edge on the Wildcats, despite a sidelined Isaiah Briscoe, and despite puling within two twice in the final five minutes, couldn’t grab a late-game lead.

Next Game: Sunday, January 3 vs. Wake Forest, 8 p.m. ET

17. West Virginia

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 18; AP Poll: No. 19; Coaches Poll: No. 17

It’s strange to think a loss could help a team, but in the case of the Mountaineers’ December 8th showing against Virginia, the loss might have been the best thing to happen to this team. Since then, West Virginia has rolled off three straight wins, out-scoring opponents 270 to 185. That’s one way to get some pre-conference confidence.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 30 at Virginia Tech, 12 p.m. ET

Let’s break down 16 through 13, just click that next page arrow.

16. Purdue

Record: 12-1; Last Week: 15; AP Poll: No. 14; Coaches Poll: No. 14

After some early-season issues, A.J. Hammons appears to be primed for Big 10 play, riding a serious wave of recent momentum. In 11 games, all off the bench, Hammons is averaging a team-best 21.3 points and shooting just over 61 percent from the floor. If the Boilermakers can make sure Hammons continues to get his chances, this is going to be a dangerous team in conference.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 at Wisconsin, 7 p.m. ET

15. Miami

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 20; AP Poll: No. 13; Coaches Poll: No. 15

Can we start to acknowledge that this Miami team might be legit? The Hurricanes have won five straight and just handed La Salle its worst loss in program history with a 95-49 showing last Tuesday. Miami still has one last non-conference before league play gets underway, but this is a team to watch out for. Oh, and did we mention that nine players are averaging at least 15 minutes?

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. Princeton, 7 p.m. ET

14. Duke

Record: 9-2; Last Week: 11; AP Poll: No. 15; Coaches Poll: No. 12

The Blue Devils drop only because they, simply, haven’t played. Duke’s most recent trip to the hardwood came on December 19 with the surprising OT loss to Utah. That makes this matchup against Elon, a fairly talented team in its own right, so important. There can’t be any rust in this one.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. Elon, 8 p.m. ET

13. Villanova

Record: 9-2; Last Week: 12; AP Poll: No. 16; Coaches Poll: No. 16

The Wildcats got the bounce-back victory they so desperately needed with a 78-48 victory over Delaware last Tuesday. Villanova’s shots finally started fall from the three-point line, led by Josh Hart’s second career double-double, and that defensive stance got a little bit stronger down the stretch. It’s a good confidence boost for the ‘Cats, because this weekend’s Big East opener is a doozy.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. Penn, 7 p.m. ET

There’s more Big East strength in the rankings, click the arrow to check out teams 12 to 9.

12. Butler

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 14; AP Poll: No. 9; Coaches Poll: No. 10

Home court advantage is a key in college basketball and so far this season, Butler has been proving that point. the Bulldogs are 6-0 at Hinkile, averaging 98.8 points per game and shooting 57 percent. Luckily for Butler fans, the squad’s next two games, including their Big East opener, are at home.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. IUPUI, 7 p.m. ET

11. Providence

Record: 12-1; Last Week: 13; AP Poll: No. 12; Coaches Poll: No. 13

Kris Dunn got back into the game, literally, last week returning to the Providence lineup after battling illness and notching 14 points in the Friars’ 90-55 victory over UMass. But there’s a bigger stat here than Dunn’s return. It’s Ben Bentil. The forward scored 32 points in 36 minutes of work and continued to prove himself a force on the hardwood.

Next Game: Thursday, December 31 at Butler, 2:30 p.m. ET

10. Iowa State

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 9; AP Poll: No. 11; Coaches Poll: No. 9

Matthew Thomas. We need to talk about Matthew Thomas. The junior guard now has four games with six or more rebounds after recording just three such performances in his first two seasons with the Cyclones. Thomas has been consistent this year, appearing in all 11 games and averaging just over eight points.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 30 vs. Coppin State, 8 p.m. ET

9. Arizona

Record: 12-1; Last Week: 8; AP Poll: No. 8; Coaches Poll: No. 7

Allonzo Trier didn’t begin the season in the Arizona starting lineup. That’s hard to believe now. The freshman guard is averaging nearly 26 minutes a night with 13.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Only one other player is shooting better than Trier. Welcome to the spotlight, freshman.

Next Game: Sunday, January 3 at Arizona State, 2 p.m. ET

Where does Kentucky land after last week’s rivalry win? Keep clicking that arrow to find out.

8. Kentucky

Record: 10-2; Last Week: 10; AP Poll: No. 10; Coaches Poll: No. 11

Welcome to the spotlight Tyler Ulis. The Kentucky point guard racked up 21 points and eight assists in last week’s victory over Louisville. He also assumed a mantle the Wildcats have been searching for all season; leader. Despite battling an elbow injury, Ulis has been out of the ‘Cats lineup a total of five minutes in the last five games.

Next Game: Saturday, January 2 vs. Ole Miss, 7 p.m. ET

7. Virginia

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 6; AP Poll: No. 5; Coaches Poll: No. 5

It’s a brand-new college basketball world. The Virginia basketball team is good at offense. Like, really, really good at offense. UVA shot 7-of-12 from three-point range last Tuesday night. Want more proof of a different kind of Cavaliers team? Coming into last Saturday, UVA was the nation’s most efficient offense, adjusted for competition.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 30 vs. Oakland, 6 p.m. ET

6. Xavier

Record: 12-0; Last Week: 7; AP Poll: No. 6; Coaches Poll: No. 6

We really need to talk about Xaiver more. And maybe more about the Big East as a whole. But, first, Xaiver. The Musketeers erased an 18-point deficit to beat Wake Forest 78-70, sparked by 14 second half points from Trevon Bluiett, last Tuesday night. League play hasn’t even started yet and Xavier is already the team to beat in the Big East.

Next Game: Thursday, December 31 at Villanova, 12 p.m. ET

5. North Carolina

Record: 10-2; Last Week: 4; AP Poll: No. 7; Coaches Poll: No. 8

Marcus Paige has got to get healthy. If Marcus Paige isn’t healthy, this could possibly be a very long season for the Tar Heels. The UNC guard left last week’s 94-70 victory over Appalachian State with an ankle injury, but told reporters he felt “fine” after the game.Keep in mind, this is the same ankle Paige had arthroscopic surgery on during the offseason. He’s got to stay on the right track if UNC is going to stay consistent heading into league play.

Next Game: Monday, December 28 vs. UNC Greensboro, 6 p.m ET
Click that arrow in the corner to check out the top four teams in the country.

4. Kansas

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 5; AP Poll: No. 2; Coaches Poll: No. 3

Cheick Diallo’s struggles this season has been vast. First, the freshman had to battle for his chance to actually get on the court. Now, he’s working to make sure he’s not only productive in the Jayhawks rotation, but that he actually can stay in it. Diallo fouled out just 10 minutes into Kansas’ victory over Montana on December 19. If Diallo can find some rhythm, he can find some consistency and that can be huge for Kansas down the stretch.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 vs. UC Irvine, 9 p.m. ET

3. Maryland

Record: 11-1; Last Week: 3; AP Poll: No. 4; Coaches Poll: No. 4

Watch out for the Maryland big men. Diamond Stone racked up 16 points and Robert Carter added 19 of his own as the Terrapins cruised to an 87-67 victory over Marshall last week. Keep an eye on Stone in particular. The center has scored in double figures in his last five games, finding a way to get some scoring momentum despite coming off the bench.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 30 vs. Penn State, 5 p.m. ET

2. Oklahoma

Record: 11-0; Last Week: 2; AP Poll: No. 3; Coaches Poll: No. 2

Buddy Hield. Let’s repeat. Buddy Hield. We should be talking about him more. Because Buddy Hieldis exceptionally good at playing basketball. His 86 combined points on the week set a new Diamond Head Classic scoring record and, through 11 games, he’s averaging 24.9 points, shooting .515 from the floor, .529 from three and .900 from the line. For good measure, he’s the only player in college hoops right now averaging greater than 50% FG, 50% 3FG, 90% FT and averaging better than 20 points per game. That’s good, right?

Next Game: Saturday, January 2 vs. Iowa State, 7 p.m. ET

1. Michigan State

Record: 13-0; Last Week: 1; AP Poll: No. 1; Coaches Poll: No. 1

It wasn’t pretty, but it was still perfect. Bryn Forbes made seven 3-pointers en route to an OT victory over Oakland last week, leading the Spartans to their best-ever start in program history. Now, the key is for Michigan State to keep things rolling, particularly with Denzel Valentine sidelined and conference play set to begin this week.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 29 at Iowa, 9 p.m. ET

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