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By Josh Cochran and Joel Steiner
NCAA Power 16: November 30th

Week three truly was a feast for college hoop fans with early season tournaments filling up our viewing plates. The young season has been full of surprises including Portland, Florida and Syracuse. What surprises will we see this week as the BCS conferences face off in their respective “challenges”?

Rank (Last Week)
Record
Comment
1. Kansas (1)
5-0
Kansas feasted on a couple of turkeys this week…it doesn’t look like they’ll be challenged until Michigan comes to Lawrence.
2. Texas (3)
5-0
Won the CBE Classic as they pulled away in the second half from a feisty Pitt squad.
3. Purdue (6)
5-0
Won a great college basketball game over Tennessee. This will look good on the resume come March.
4. Syracuse (4)
6-0
Wesley Johnson continues to put up huge numbers, averaging 18.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg.
5. Villanova (7)
6-0
Another chance for a marquee win when they visit Maryland 12/6.
6. West Virginia (8)
5-0
Ebanks is back and the Mountaineers are rolling…they likely won’t be challenged until Ole Miss comes to Morgantown on 12/23.
7. Kentucky (5)
6-0
Saturday will be a good measuring stick for this team as the Tar Heels visit Rupp Arena. I expect John Wall to have a huge game.
8. Duke (9)
6-0
Looked very impressive in a physical win versus UConn in the NIT final…showed they can win even when Singler has a sub par game.
9. Florida (NR)
6-0
Billy the Kid is back! Two big time wins against Michigan St and Florida St are resume builders.
10. Michigan St. (2)
5-1
Sparty lost a surprising road game to Florida…can they get revenge against the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill Tuesday night?
11. Tennessee (10)
5-1
Quiet week with only one game on the docket against feisty ETSU.  This should give Bruce Pearl an opportunity to prepare his team for end of game situations after the debacle in Puerto Rico.
12. North Carolina (12)
5-1
UNC with a rematch of the final game on Tuesday with a brand new squad.
13. Washington (13)
5-0
Washington remains in our Power 16, but they have not been impressive so far. They won a close one at home versus Montana Sunday night.
14. Gonzaga (NR)
5-1
The Zags picked up quality wins versus Wisconsin and Cincy while winning the Maui invitational…the WCC may be better than the Pac-10 this year
15. Florida State (NR)
6-1
The Seminoles boast an imposing front line led by Chris Singleton. But it was Solomon Alabi’s two last minute buckets that led to a win over Marquette.
16. Ohio State (NR)
5-1
The Evan Turner Watch: 19.8 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, while shooting 62.5% through six games…big match up against Florida State Wednesday night.

The Next Five: Georgetown, Texas A&M, UConn, Cincinnati, UNLV

Falling Out: Butler, UConn, Minnesota, Michigan

Games to Watch

Tuesday December 1st

Michigan State vs North Carolina – Rematch of the National Championship Game, except Carolina essentially has a new team.

Wake Forest vs Purdue – Purdue looks like a Final Four contender and Wake Forest will be looking to prove they are an NCAA Tournament team after losing James Johnson and Jeff Teague.

Wednesday December 2nd

Duke vs Wisconsin – The Kohl center will present a major challenge for Singler and the rest of the Blue Devils.

Minnesota vs Miami FL – You know about Minnesota freshman Rodney Williams but pro prospect Dwayne Collins is a tough interior player for “The U”.

Illinois vs Clemson – Top 25 match up highlighted by Trevor Booker going up against Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis.

Ohio State vs Florida State – NBA prospects will litter the court in Columbus with Buford and Turner leading the Buckeyes against Solomon Alabi.

Saturday December 5th

North Carolina vs Kentucky – John Wall will make his first appearance on the national stage versus Ed Davis and the Tar Heels.

Iowa State vs California – Craig Brackins and the Cyclones will face their first major challenge. Hopefully Cal will be at full strength by then.

Gonzaga vs Wake Forest – This will be fun game to watch. My guess is that this game will be in the 90’s.

Sunday December 7th

Villanova vs Maryland – Maryland missed a lot of chances for quality wins in Maui. This game presents another chance to make a statement.

Follow Joel and Josh on Twitter at NBADRAFTNETJJ.

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