NCAA Basketball Rankings: Heavy's Top 30 for December 7

Michigan State battled to a victory over Louisville last week and it’s got the Spartans on the rise in the rankings. (Getty)

Who said college basketball wasn’t exciting in December?

We’ve got upsets, court-storms and top-10 matchups. It’s all enough to make anyone’s hoops-loving head spin. Luckily for fans, we’ve got rankings to help us sort through all the madness and we here at Heavy have broken down the top 30 squads in the country.

After a road loss to UCLA where does perennial No. 1 Kentucky land? And what about Maryland, who was a preseason favorite, but couldn’t quite hold on against a fully healthy North Carolina squad? We’ve got it all covered.

Read on for squads ranked 30 through 26 and then keep clicking through to see how the rest of the rankings played out.

30. George Washington

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

The Colonials have notched some pretty impressive early-season victories so far this year. After defeating Virginia in November and holding their own against Cincinnati, George Washington bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 72-64 showing against Seton Hall. Keep an eye out for Tyler Cavanaugh. The junior, fresh off an All-Tournament performance in last weekend’s Barclay’s Center Class, racked up 16 points and seven rebounds and is finding his rhythm after sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules.

Next Game: Tuesday, vs. Penn State

29. South Carolina

Record: 8-0, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

The Game Cocks stayed perfect on the season and matched its best start in 12 years after a dominant 81-63 victory over South Florida last week. Michael Carrera led the offensive charge with a season-best 19 points and, for good measure, chipped in seven rebounds as well.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15 vs. Drexel

28. UNLV

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

UNLV doesn’t open conference play until the end of the month, but by then this squad may already have a bit of a reputation. The Runnin Rebels notched their second victory over a ranked squad this season with last week’s 80-69 victory over Oregon, sparked by an absurdly productive performance on the offensive side of the ball. UNLV shot 44.8 percent from the floor and if this team can keep taking the “smart” shots, it’ll be tough to slow down.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Wichita State

27. Connecticut

Record: 5-2, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

It’s been a little while since the Huskies took the hardwood, but last week’s 82-49 victory over Sacred Heart is enough to inspire a good amount of confidence. It’s an interesting start to the season for UConn though. The Huskies are 4-0 at home, but 1-2 on neutral courts.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Maryland at Madison Square Garden

26. Syracuse

Record: 6-2, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

It felt like a Big East battle even when it wasn’t. It also wasn’t the result the Orange were hoping for. In the first of Syracuse’s games without Jim Boeheim on the sidelines this season, the Orange dropped a 79-72 game to Georgetown. The loss stings, but there’s good news. Syracuse rallied from a 21-point hole and showed some flashes that could inspire some confidence in the next few weeks.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Colgate

To see squads 25 – 21, click the arrow in the corner.

Octavius Ellis is shooting an almost ridiculous 62.5 percent from the floor for the 8-1 Cincinnati men’s hoop squad this season. (Getty)

25. Utah

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 25, Coaches Poll: 24

Utah’s defense could use a bit of work, but Jakob Poeltl is trying to make sure that he single-handedly makes up for it. He’s gone five straight games without committing more than two fouls and went 21-of-28 from the field this week with 47 points and 19 rebounds in the Utes victories over BYU and IPFW.

Next Game: Saturday, December 12 at Wichita St.

24. Oregon

Record: 6-1, AP Ranking: 24, Coaches Poll: 23

It wasn’t an easy game for the Ducks last Friday. UNLV seemingly could not be stopped from distance and three Oregon starters spent, what felt like, the entire game in foul trouble. Still, there’s a bit of good news in all of that bad. Tyler Dorsey someone only suffered a mild knee sprain on what first appeared to look like a much worse injury.

Next Game: Tonight vs. Navy

23. Texas A&M

Record: 7-2, AP Ranking: Receiving Votes, Coaches Poll: 25

The Aggies scored just 19 first half points en route to Saturday’s 67-54 loss to Arizona State. The Sun Devils made 10 3-pointers and Texas A&M’s offense struggled mightily in the road contest, shooting just 31 percent from the field.

Next Game: Saturday, December 12 vs. Kansas State

22. Cincinnati

Record: 8-1, AP Ranking: 23, Coaches Poll: 22

The Bearcats gave up an uncharacteristic 78 points to Butler, but bounced back in a big-way by obliterating Morgan State in Sunday’s 87-66 victory at home. Six different Cincinnati players scored in double digits in the victory.

Next Game: Saturday, December 12 vs. Xavier

21. Butler

Record: 6-1, AP Ranking: 16, Coaches Poll: 21

Offense? You want to talk about offense? Luckily, the Bulldogs are ready for that. Butler has scored at least 74 points in each game so far this season and that includes 75 points in a loss against Miami. Meanwhile, in six wins, the Bulldogs are averaging 93 points. That’s a lot.

Next Game: Tonight vs. VMI

To see squads 20 – 16, click the arrow in the corner.

Despite a road loss to Michigan State last week, Rick Pitino and Louisville are finally starting to find a rhythm. (Getty)

20. Miami (FL)

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 17, Coaches Poll: 20

After an overtime victory over Nebraska last week, the Hurricanes exploded for 88 points against Charlotte on Saturday. Nine different players finished with at least seven points in the lopsided victory and that’s a good sign. This team needs to get back to basics.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. Florida

19. Louisville

Record: 6-1, AP Ranking: 22, Coaches Poll:19

The Cardinals dropped a four-point road loss to Michigan State last week, but that actually seems like a good thing? Almost? Yeah. Louisville looked good in the game and a close matchup against a top tier team holds a bit more weight than six wins by blowout against middle-of-the-road teams. Also, Louisville is tops in the nation in both offensive rebounding percentage and two-point field-goal defense.

Next Game: Saturday, December 12 vs. Eastern Michigan

18. Providence

Record: 8-1, AP Ranking: 18, Coaches Poll: 18

The Friars battled for a 74-72 victory against inter-state foe Rhode Island on Saturday night, but still managed to walk off the court with a win. That’s what counts, isn’t it? Also Kris Dunn is still on the Providence roster and that should be enough to inspire more than enough confidence for this team down the stretch.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Boston College

17. Vanderbilt

Record: 6-2, AP Ranking: 21, Coaches Poll: 16

The Commodores are a bit of an all-or-nothing kind of team. They’re 1-2 in games decided by eight points or less, with that most recent loss coming in a 69-67 showing at Baylor last week. Even more upsetting in that loss? Vanderbilt led by 13 points in the second half and gave up that lead in the span of three minutes.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Dayton

16. Baylor

Record: 6-1, AP Ranking: 16, Coaches Poll: 15

Let’s go ahead and talk about Lester Medford for a real quick second. He was not good at Oregon. Like very not good. Like two points on six shots with six turnovers not good. But now? Things are looking up. In the last five games at home Medford has 29 assists, 16 steals and five turnovers. Oh, and he also hit the game-winning three-pointer to lift the Bears over Vanderbilt last week. If Medford can keep notching those kinds of performances, Baylor could be a major threat down the stretch.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. Northwestern State

To see squads 15 – 11, click the arrow in the corner.

Trevon Bluiett has been a standout for Xavier this season and he’s quietly jumped into the national conversation. (Getty)

15. Gonzaga

Record: 5-2, AP Ranking: 20, Coaches Poll: 17

Calling Gonzaga backcourt. Are you there, Gonzaga backcourt? Eric McClellan and Kyle Dranginis combined for a total of just 10 points in the last two games, numbers that are, for all intents and purposes, unacceptable. If the two can jumpstart this offense, and they need to, there’s still a chance for an early-season turnaround.

Next Game: Wednesay vs. Montana

14. Arizona

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 13, Coaches Poll: 12

Gabe York has snapped out of it. After sinking just three shots from behind the arc on 18 attempts, York connected on 4-of-6 attempts in the span of six minutes to lead Arizona to a victory over Gonzaga last week. Offense hasn’t really been the Wildcats problem this year and the defense started to show some signs of life last week as well. That’s very good news.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Fresno State

13. West Virginia

Record: 7-0, AP Ranking: 14, Coaches Poll: 14

The Mountaineers are all about the little things. It’s been that way for years. We should expect no less. In the victory over Kennesaw State last week, West Virginia notched 10-plus steals, 10-plus offensive rebounds and 25-plus free throw attempts. But here’s the thing; it’s not just one guy. It’s the whole team. Through seven games, West Virgnia has six players with at least 10 steals, but no more than 16. That’s a smothering type of defense.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. Virginia, at Madison Square Garden

12. Xavier

Record: 8-0, AP Ranking: 12, Coaches Poll: 13

This Xavier roster is good. Really good. And really, really deep. Sophomore Trevon Bluiett is adding his name to the headlines as well and making a pretty strong case for Big East Player of the Year. The wing has scored in double figures in every one of the Musketeers games and, in just 24 minutes, tied a career high with 21 points against Western Kentucky. And did we mention that Xavier beat Western Kentucky 95-64 last week? Because that also happened.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. Wright State

11. Purdue

Record: 8-0, AP Ranking: 11, Coaches Poll: 11

Up-and-coming Boilermakers? Seems like it. Ranked No. 4 in KenPom, Purdue notched victories over Pittsburgh and New Mexico last week and the squad’s defense has been absolutely incredible. Both Pitt and New Mexico had scored at least 75 points in each game this year. Against Purdue? Neither squad hit 60. Purdue’s early-season performance has been marred a bit by some offensive inconsistencies, particularly from Caleb Swanigan, but if this is how the Boilermakers play anyway, watch out rest of the NCAA.

Next Game: Tonight vs. IUPUI

To see squads 10 – 6, click the arrow in the corner.

Melo Trimble 23 points and 12 assists as Maryland held its own against UNC on the road last week. (Getty)

10. Virginia

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 10, Coaches Poll: 10

Brace yourselves, Cavaliers fans. After recording victories at Ohio State (64-58) and home vs. William & Mary (67-52), Virginia heads into a tough three-game stretch with matchups against West Virginia, Villanova and California before Christmas. Still, there’s reason to feel good. Despite losing starting point guard London Perrantes to an appendectomy last week, UVA found a solid replacement in Darius Thompson. The Tennessee transfer logged 36 minutes in the last two games and racked up 24 points, eight assists, four steals and only two turnovers.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. West Virginia at Madison Square Garden

9. Oklahoma

Record: 5-0, AP Ranking: 7, Coaches Poll: 8

Buddy Heild, Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard have combined to shoot 50 percent from three-point range and each one of those players have actually made more three-point shots than turnovers. That. Is. Incredible. Meanwhile, Ryan Spangler is shooting over 60 percent from the field and has notched three double-doubles in five games. The question is, though, can the Sooners keep this offensive production up? It won’t be easy, particularly with a matchup against defensive-minded Villanova this week.

Next Game: Tonight vs. Villanova

8. Kansas

Record: 6-1, AP Ranking: 2, Coaches Poll: 7

A win is a win, right? But is a hard fought win against a less-than-stellar Harvard team at home, really more of a loss? Well, no, but it certainly doesn’t inspire a huge amount of December confidence in the Jayhawks. Kansas shot nearly 43 percent from three-point range against the Crimson and still only notched a 75-69 victory. Cheick Diallo played just seven minutes in the game and while it’ll take awhile for the embattled star to get up to game-ready speed, Kansas needs him there; fast.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Holy Cross

7. Maryland

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 6, Coaches Poll: 10

Let’s start with the bad. Maryland dropped a disappointing 89-81 loss at North Carolina during last week’s ACC/B1G Challenge. The Terrapins recorded nine turnovers just seven minutes into the game. At one point, Melo Trimble had three turnovers and no points at all. But, there’s some good as well. Maryland bounced back from a 13-point deficit and even took a brief lead in the second half. If the Terps can figure out a way to play a full game with full level of intensity, they could be a scary-good team.

Next Game: Tuesday vs. Connecticut

6. Villanova

Record: 7-0, AP Ranking: 9, Coaches Poll: 2

Y’all want defense? We’ve got defense? The Wildcats have won each of their games by at least 14 points and even defeated five squad in the KenPom Top 125. While the team’s communal defensive efforts have been impressive, keep an eye on Josh Hart. The junior has scored in double figures in all seven games, including 18 points in the Philadelphia Big 5 game at Saint Joseph’s on Saturday.

Next Game: Tonight vs. Oklahoma

Just one page of teams left. To see squads 5 – 1, click the arrow in the corner.

Can anyone slow down Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine? Not yet. That’s a big reason why the Spartans are No. 1. (Getty)

5. Duke

Record: 8-1, AP Ranking: 8, Coaches Poll: 5

It’s taken a little while, but the reigning champs are finally starting to look like the reigning champs. In other words, the freshman are here. Luke Kennard is 8-of-19 from three-point land after opening the season 2-of-18 and Duke’s highest-rated freshman Brandon Ingram seems to have also found his offensive stride. He scored 47 points in the Blue Devils’ victories over Indiana and Buffalo, in addition to hauling in 14 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15. vs. Georgia Southern

4. North Carolina

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 3, Coaches Poll: 3

Marcus Paige is a good basketball player. The fully-healthy Paige went for 20 points with five assists and a pair of steals to lead North Carolina to an 89-81 victory over Maryland last week. But while Paige’s return to the roster is heartening for Tar Heels fans, here’s another even more fun and interesting factoid. UNC’s last four wins came against squads who are currently 25-0 against teams that are not North Carolina. That’s a very fun fact.

Next Game: Saturday, December 12 at Texas

3. Kentucky

Record: 7-1, AP Ranking: 5, Coaches Poll: 4

It seems strange to think that a UCLA victory (at home) over Kentucky warrants an upset moniker, but this is the world we live in now. Of course, injuries to Marcus Lee and Tyler Ulies, as well as foul trouble, for Alex Poythress all contributed to the Wildcats’ 87-77 loss. Still, the performance opened up some questions about Kentucky’s frontcourt and its presence on the boards.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Eastern Kentucky

2. Iowa State

Record: 6-0, AP Ranking: 4, Coaches Poll: 2

Although the Cyclones schedule hasn’t been anything to really write home about – even last week’s 84-64 victory over North Dakota State was fairly expected – Iowa State has been consistently consistent. Watch out for Monte Morris, in particular. He’s averaging 14 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. That could be enough to lift the Cyclones down the stretch.

Next Game: Tonight vs. Buffalo

1. Michigan State

Record: 9-0, AP Ranking: 1, Coaches Poll: 1

Welcome to the top, Michigan State. It’s not entirely unexpected and neither is the early-season play of Denzel Valentine, but the one pleasant surprise? Bryn Forbes. The Cleveland State transfer is shooting 49 percent from three-point range and averaging 12.7 points per game. His best game came on a big-time stage, with the Spartans 71-67 victory over the Spartans and even earned praise from Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul. That’s a pretty good surprise.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Mid-Eastern Shore

NCAA Basketball Rankings: Heavy’s Top 30 for December 7