NCAA Basketball Rankings: Heavy’s Top 30 for December 14

North Carolina lost.

North Carolina lost. It’s true. It really happened. Texas beat North Carolina on a buzzer-beater.

Michigan State only beat Florida by six. St. John’s beat Syracuse at the Garden and Oklahoma continues to prove that people should probably start paying more attention to the Sooners.

In other words, it’s been just another week in the world of college basketball. December is fun in the NCAA, really! Luckily in the crazy, mixed-up world of early-season college hoops, we here at Heavy are breaking it all down and ranking the top 30 teams in the whole country.

Meanwhile, in AP ranking world, Michigan State is still tops, while Oklahoma has jumped up to No. 3 in the country. Check out the recently released list right here. On the flip side, Iowa State is still No. 2 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, just behind the Spartans. You can read up on that whole ranking here.

Read on for squads 30 through 26 and then keep clicking that arrow in the bottom corner to see how the rest of the rankings ranked.

30. Wichita State

Record: 5-4; Last Week: Not Ranked; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

Welcome to our rankings Wichita State! Despite a slow start to the season the Shockers got back in the good graces of the college hoops world with victories over UNLV and Utah (ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll) last week. The 67-50 showing at home against the Runnin’ Utes was particularly impressive, led by a balanced offensive showing that could help get Wichita State back on track heading towards league play.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 at Seton Hall, 12 p.m.

29. Syracuse

Record: 7-3; Last Week: 26; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

The Orange took down area rival Colgate 78-51 on Tuesday, but stumbled a bit against a St. John’s squad that’s starting to come into its own on Saturday afternoon. For the second straight season, Syracuse fell to the Red Storm, dropping an 84-72 decision in the non-league matchup and showcasing just a few holes in that infamous zone as SJU got hot from the outside.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Cornell, 12 p.m.

28. George Washington

Record: 9-1; Last Week: 30; AP Poll: 21; Coaches Poll: 22

The Colonials are making some mid-major moves after last week’s absolute beat-down of Rutgers. George Washington improved to 9-1 on the season with the 83-49 victory as the offense continues to roll. This team, which has also already beaten Seton Hall, is riding a three-game win streak and averaging 77 points a game.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Saint Peter’s

27. Connecticut

Record: 6-3, Last Week: 27; AP Poll: 25; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

Ok, yes, UConn lost to Maryland at Madison Square Garden last week. That Kevin Ollie technical late in the game and the whole paper-throwing incident was absurd. It shouldn’t have happened. But in moments like that, it’s all about the bounce-back and the Huskies bounced back in a big way on Saturday with a 75-55 victory over Ohio State. UConn, which has struggled with the come-from-behind and almost win strategy all, showcased what it can do with complete control from the opening tip. The Huskies can win.

Next Game: Sunday, December 20 vs. UMass-Lowell, 4 p.m.

26. Utah

Record: 7-2; Last Week: 25; AP Poll: Receiving Votes

The Runnin’ Utes may be runnin’ right out of the national rankings after last week’s 67-50 road loss to Wichita State. Utah allowed twice as many field goal attempts as they took in the first half and finished the game with 19 turnovers and just five assists. Those are bad numbers. Bad, bad numbers. Add into the mix that 10 of those turnovers came in the first 15 minutes and Utah needs to snap out of this, quick.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 16 vs. Savannah State, 8 p.m.

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

25. Oregon

Record: 7-2, Last Week: 24; AP Poll: Receiving Votes

The Ducks wrapped up a three-game road stretch on Saturday afternoon with a bit of disappointing, falling 74-72 to Boise State. Still, while the loss itself is disappointing, there’s a bit of a silver lining here. Oregon trailed by as many as 17 points with just under seven minutes to play and battled back within two before Dillon Brooks missed his shot on the drive at the buzzer. Sure, that’s not an ideal finish, but the Ducks can take a bit of heart in their ability to battle back on the road.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15 vs. UC Irvine, 11 p.m. ET

24. Texas A&M

Record: 8-2; Last Week: 23; AP Poll: 24; Coaches Poll: 24

Let’s talk about Jalen Jones for a second. Y’all got a second to talk about Jalen Jones? The Texas A&M senior finished with 25 points and nine rebounds to lead his squad to a 78-68 victory over Kansas State on Saturday despite battling strep throat throughout the week. Of course, this shouldn’t be unexpected that this point. Jones has been a workhorse all season for the Aggies and is averaging a career-best 15.2 points this year. When he succeeds, odds are pretty good Texas A&M will too.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Baylor, 9 p.m.

23. Cincinnati

Record: 8-2; Last Week: 22; AP Poll: 23; Coaches Poll: 20

In terms of crosstown showdowns, Cincinnati and Xavier might be one of the best and Saturday’s matchup was another solid battle – if you weren’t a Bearcats fan. Cincinnati, which finished 7-of-26 from beyond the arc, never got closer than five points in the second half as the squad has now dropped two of its last three.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15 vs. Norfolk State, 7 p.m.

22. UCLA

Record: 7-3, Last Week: Not Ranked; AP Poll: 22; Coaches Poll: Receiving Votes

Ok, this one may seem like a stretch (particularly with two early losses to unranked teams) but this is a new-look Bruins and they deserve to be this high on the poll. After defeating Kentucky, UCLA followed up with a strong showing against Long Beach State and a 71-66 victory at Gonzaga. Seriously, watch out for this team – especially with UNC on the slate this weekend.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, 9 p.m ET

21. Miami (FL)

Record: 8-1, Last Week: 20; AP Poll: 15; Coaches Poll: 19

This Miami squad has certainly proved itself early this season. After November victories over Butler and Utah, the Hurricanes are riding a three-game win streak after taking down rival Florida 66-55 last Tuesday. It’s a testament to Miami’s grit that in a game where the Hurricanes shot just 33 percent they were able to hold the lead for the final 36 minutes. It also helped that the defense held Florida to 1-of-12 from 3-point range. That might have been part of it too.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Charleston, 2 p.m. ET

Keep clicking to check out teams 20-19

20. Butler

Record: 8-1; Last Week: 21; AP Poll: 17; Coaches Poll: 18

It seems weird to only put the Bulldogs up by one despite two victories last week and back-to-back performances with 90 points. But this is the world we live in and if we’re all being honest, Butler’s two wins last week, or rather their opponents, aren’t really all that impressive. Still, keep an eye on sophomore Kelan Martin who had 25 points and 11 rebounds off the bench against Tennessee on Saturday. He might not get a ton of minutes going forward, but that spark is enough to warrant at least a few extra.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 at Purdue, 5 p.m. ET

19. Vanderbilt

Record: 6-3, Last Week: 17; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: 23

The Commodores take a rankings hit after dropping back to back games with losses at Baylor and home against Dayton on December 9. That matchup against the Flyers particularly stings as the Vanderbilt offense continues to struggle. This is a team that, just over a week ago, broke the 100-point mark and has now failed to hit 70 in two straight games.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Wofford, 8 p.m. ET

18. Gonzaga

Record: 6-3, Last Week: 15; AP Poll: Receiving Votes; Coaches Poll: 21

The home loss to UCLA stung. Badly. But there’s a bright spot. Gonzaga owns a 154-11 record at McCarthey Athletic Center since it opened at the start of the 2004-05 season and return home for its next game. The Bulldogs have never lost two straight at home. So, fret not ‘Zags fans. It will get better soon.

Next Game: Monday, December 14 vs. St. Martins, 9 p.m. ET

17. Louisville

Record: 7-1; Last Week: 19; AP Poll: 19; Coaches Poll: 16

Nothing helps a team’s rankings status more than an absolute beatdown of an opponent on its home court. Louisville did just that on Saturday afternoon, defeating Eastern Michigan 86-53. Of course, this is not the first time the Cardinals offense has been vaguely overwhelming. Louisville has shot better than 50 percent from the floor in seven of its eight games this season. That is painfully efficient.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 16 vs. Kennesaw State, 7 p.m.

16. Baylor

Record: 7-1; Last Week: 16; AP Poll: 16; Coaches Poll: 14

The Bears stayed consistent with a sixth straight win on December 8, taking down Northwestern State 75-62 at home. It’s been good. They’ve been wins. They’ve been enough to be a bit middle of the road. Baylor’s just a well-rounded squad so far this season with four players averaging double digits.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 16 vs. Hardin-Simmons, 8 p.m. ET

Just click that arrow to see who’s ranked No. 14 to No. 11

15. Providence

Record: 10-1; Last Week: 18; AP Poll: 14; Coaches Poll: 14

No Kris Dunn, no problem. Well, kind of. Providence likely won’t want to play without its pre-season All American, who missed Saturday’s game with a stomach bug, but the Friars ability to get a victory without him should have other teams worried. Providence still managed a 74-67 victory over Bryant despite trailing by double digits early. That’s some serious depth and it could be huge come Big East play.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Rider, 8 p.m. ET

14. West Virginia

Record: 8-1; Last Week: 13; AP Poll: 20; Coaches Poll: 16

It’s difficult to fault West Virginia for its performance last week. Not only did the Mountaineers have to go on the road to MSG in the Jimmy V classic on December 8, but they also had to take on Virginia. WVU went exceptionally cold in the second half and finished just 2 of 14 from 3-point range. It’s not a good performance, but it’s also a tough matchup far from home, so it’s hard to hit the Mountaineers too hard on the rankings slide. Also, WVU bounced back on Sunday night with a 100-58 victory over Louisiana Moore. So, you know, that’s good.

Next Game: Thursday, December 17 vs. Marshall, 7 p.m.

13. Arizona

Record: 9-1; Last Week: 14; AP Poll: 13; Coaches Poll: 12

After defeating Gonzaga on the road on December 5, the Wildcats followed up with a strong showing at home, recording an 85-72 victory over Fresno State last Wednesday. Ryan Anderson continues to be a huge factor, averaging 15.8 points and 9.4 rebounds a game. He’s also a constant threat for opponents, averaging 29.9 minutes on the court.

Next Week: Wednesday, December 16 vs. Northern Arizona, 10 p.m. ET

12. Purdue

Record: 11-0; Last Week: 11; AP Poll: 9; Coaches Poll: 8

This is not crazy. The Boilermakers were No. 12 on our rankings last week and still undefeated and still racking up the points, but they’re also not really playing anyone dominant yet. The strength of this team, however, is its ability to share the ball. Purdue assisted on 26 of 33 field goals in Saturday’s 95-64 victory over Youngstown State. That comes after 28 assists on 34 field goals in the victory over Howard last Wednesday. Even more impressive? In those past two games, the Boilermakers have only had 16 turnovers.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Butler, 5 p.m. ET

11. Xavier

Record: 10-0; Last Week: 12; AP Poll: 10; Coaches Poll: 10

1-3-1 zone! It’s a shutdown 1-3-1 zone! Xavier’s defense has been nothing short of dominant so far this season and just took down crosstown rival Cincinnati 65-55 in last week’s matchup. It’s the seventh time Xavier has defeated the Bearcats in the last nine years and the 10-0 record matches the best-ever start in Xavier history. In other words, this defense is leading to victories.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Auburn, 12 p.m. ET

We head to the top 10 on the next page, just click the arrow.

10. Kansas

Record: 8-1; Last Week: 8; AP Poll: 2; Coaches Poll: 5

The Jayhawks November schedule was certainly a challenge, with games against Michigan State (their only loss) as well as home matchups against UCL and Vanderbilt, but December has been a bit different. Since the turn of the calendar, Kansas has played the likes of Loyola, Harvard, Holy Cross and Oregon State. They’ve all been victories, and lopsided ones at that, but they’re not exactly top-tier squads either.

Next Week: Saturday, December 19 vs. Montana, 2 p.m. ET

9. Virginia

Record: 8-1; Last Week: 10; AP Poll: 8; Coaches Poll: 9

Let’s break down London Perrantes’s game for a second. The Virginia junior guard is not only averaging 10.4 points and 5.1 assists per game, he’s also shooting over 87 percent from the free throw line. Those are incredibly good numbers. They’re also a sign that Perrantes is going to get this Cavaliers offense moving no matter what. Other teams may want to take note of him on their upcoming scouting reports.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Villanova, 12 p.m. ET

8. Villanova

Record: 8-1, Last Week: 6; AP Poll: 12; Coaches Poll: 13

Oh man, there might be some holes in this Villanova defense. Oklahoma made a season-high 14 3-pointers to take down the Wildcats 78-55 in Monday’s Pearl Harbor Invitational. ‘Nova could not find an answer for the Sooners’ hot-shooting ways from the outside and sank just four of their own 3-point attempts. It’s not a good performance for the Wildcats in one of their first major tests of the year. Still, there’s reason to feel relatively ok. The Wildcats bounced back with a 76-47 thrashing of La Salle.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Delaware, 7 p.m. ET

7. North Carolina

Record: 7-2; Last Week: 4; AP Poll: 11; Coaches Poll: 11

It only took one shot for the Tar Heels to tumble a bit in this week’s rankings. Javan Felix connected on the buzzer-beater to lead Texas to an 84-82 victory over UNC on Saturday night. Normally, this wouldn’t be a huge hit to the Tar Heels standings, but their early-season loss to Northern Iowa doesn’t help much either. Watch out for this team in the close matchups down the stretch. If they can’t hold on, they may struggle a bit in league play.

Next Game: Wednesday, December 16 vs. Tulane, 7 p.m. ET

6. Duke

Record: 8-1; Last Week: 5; AP Poll: 7; Coaches Poll: 6

The Blue Devils are riding a six-game win streak heading into the later part of December, but they haven’t played in a while. Duke hasn’t taken the court since December 5 and there could be a few cobwebs coming into this week. Grayson Allen is still, of course, Grayson Allen and his 21.8 points a night should be enough to clear out those cobwebs a bit; even with the break.

Next Game: Tuesday, December 15 vs. Georgia Southern, 7 p.m. ET

We’ve only got five more teams to rank and you can see ’em all by clicking the arrow.

5. Oklahoma

Record: 7-0; Last Week: 9; AP Poll: 3; Coaches Poll: 3

We should probably all start to acknowledge that the Sooners are about as legit as any team in the country right now. Oklahoma defeated Villanova on a national stage early last week and followed up by destroying Oral Roberts 96-73. This is one of the most experienced backcourts in the entire NCAA and it’s showing. OU’s 23-point win over ORU marked the fifth 20-plus point victory this year.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Creighton, 2 p.m. ET

4. Maryland

Record: 9-1; Last Week: 7; AP Poll: 6; Coaches Poll: 7

Melo Trimble is good at this whole playing basketball thing. The sophomore has been the sparkplug the Terps needed on offense so far this season and his 18 points last week helped notch a 77-56 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore. Trimble is shooting 53.4% from the floor so far this season and just over 40% from distance. If he can stay consistent, he can help Maryland make a run in league play.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Princton, 7 p.m. ET

3. Kentucky

Record: 9-1; Last Week: 3; AP Poll: 4; Coaches Poll: 4

UCLA loss aside, this is still a dangerous Kentucky team and this roster is so deep it’s almost absurd. Isaiah Briscoe has been as good as advertised so far this season, averaging 12.4 points in 29.9 minutes in nine games. The Wildcats defense has also started to show some life, giving up 67 and 58 points in their wins over Eastern Kentucky and Arizona State respectively.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. Ohio State, 3:30 p.m. ET

2. Iowa State

Record: 9-0; Last Week: 2; AP Poll: 5; Coaches Poll: 2

We’ve got court rushes! And terribly injured reporters – which doesn’t really warrant an exclamation point. The Cyclones battled back from a 20-point deficit to take down rival Iowa 83-82 last Thursday night. Both Monte Morris and Jameel McKay both had 20 points in another comeback for Iowa State. This team will not say die and the win over Iowa just adds another notch to its impressive resume. In other words, don’t overlook the Cyclones. No matter the point deficit.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 vs. UNI, 7 p.m. ET

1. Michigan State

Record: 11-0; Last Week: 1; AP Poll: 1; Coaches Poll: 1

We’re getting closer Spartans fans. Michigan State is just one victory away from matching the program’s best start after last week’s 58-52 victory on Saturday night. It wasn’t a particularly pretty win, but that might actually benefit the Spartans. They battled down the stretch, fought some poor shooting and managed to squeak out the victory anyway. That’s good.

Next Game: Saturday, December 19 at Northeastern, 12:30 p.m. ET

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