It had to happen sooner or later. Just eight teams have completed perfect seasons as NCAA Division I champions, the last being Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers in 1976.
So it was a matter of time for Villanova.
Today, due to conference realignment, the college basketball season entails more travel, tougher matchups and more hostile road environments.
Will the Wildcats be the best team when it matters most, in March?
That remains to be seen. But, for now, their loss last week means some changes in our rankings. Here are our CBB rankings for the week of January 9th (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Kansas, (14-1)
The Jayhawks are still the hottest team in the country. Frank Mason III is shooting 53% overall--and a lights-out 52.3% from downtown.
2. Baylor, (15-0)
The Bears are still undefeated. But they visit Morgantown and take on the Mountaineers' "Press Virginia" defense on Tuesday. If they are still unblemished come Wednesday morning...
3. Villanova, (15-1)
'Nova lost to Butler, not the Philadelphia College of Textiles (now Philadelphia University; no offense to the Rams). The only question about Jay Wright's team is paint presence--as in, who is it?
4. Gonzaga, (15-0)
The 'Zags game at Portland was postponed due to an ice storm. That's about the only thing to cool down Mark Few's team this season. A showdown against West Coast Conference rival St. Mary's awaits.
5. UCLA, (16-1)
TJ Leaf... Lonzo Ball... Bryce Alford... Isaac Hamilton... Aaron Holiday... That starting five stacks up well against many NBA teams. Are the Bruins the best team in college this year? A definite maybe.
6. West Virginia, (13-2)
UCLA may be the best team, but West Virginia may be the toughest to play against. Jevon Carter (3.1 steals per game) personifies the Mountaineers style of play. And he's averaging 10.5 PPG and 4.7 APG.
7. Creighton, (15-1)
The Bluejays lone loss came to Villanova. They host a strong Butler team on Wednesday night that may not be all that looking forward to getting on an airplane again. Thankfully, the Bulldogs are okay after their recent travel scare, and their win over Villanova shows the challenge they will pose for Creighton.
8. Florida State, (15-1)
We sort of put the Seminoles in initially on a lark, but they keep winning. Freshman Jonathan Isaac (12.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG) needs to bulk up to play at the next level, but he's good enough now to give Duke fits on Tuesday night.
9. Butler, (14-2)
We like the Bulldogs, and we're not touting them just because of their close call in the skies. Forward Kelan Martin (17.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG) is very nice player.
10. St. Mary's, (14-1)
Never thought we'd have two West Coast Conference teams in our rankings, but the conference has some good ones. Center Jock Landale (18.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG) has size, game and the best name going.
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