TOP 25
Hoops to heat up with conference play
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Things were quiet over Christmas — a much needed respite before college hoops hits another gear when conference play gets into full swing this week — but teams are still trying to play their way out of contention. New Mexico was the week’s biggest disappointment, falling from the ranks of the unbeaten at no less than Oral Roberts, and Ole Miss proved that no matter how high the Rebels are ranked, they still have loads of trouble with ranked teams. Michigan State’s defeat at Texas wasn’t enough to merit too much punishment. But Florida’s descent turned into a nosedive — no team that loses to South Alabama can remain in The Examiner Top 25.
*records thru 12/27
| No. | Team (Record) | Comment | Pvs. |
| 1 | Kentucky (13-0) | Pitino’s gotta be in for it when Cardinals go to Rupp | 1 |
| 2 | Kansas (11-0) | Home winning streak likely to hit 50 courtesy of Belmont | 2 |
| 3 | Texas (11-0) | Horns feel like ’06 Florida as hoops and football dominate | 3 |
| 4 | Purdue (11-0) | Big Ten opener at Iowa probably feels like a gift | 4 |
| 5 | Syracuse (12-0) | Amazing to think the Orange don’t miss Flynn | 6 |
| 6 | West Virginia (10-0) | Huggins can’t like needing OT vs. Seton Hall | 5 |
| 7 | Villanova (11-1) | Begin Big East play with challenging trip to Marquette | 7 |
| 8 | Duke (9-1) | Long Beach State and Penn stand in way of ACC opener | 8 |
| 9 | North Carolina (9-3) | Davis among nation’s best in FG pct (.663) | 9 |
| 10 | Connecticut (9-2) | Walker out of shooting slump with 14 pts vs. Iona | 10 |
| 11 | Georgetown (9-1) | With ease, Hoyas made Harvard star Lin a non factor | 16 |
| 12 | Kansas State (11-1) | Will be a few weeks before we know how good they really are | 15 |
| 13 | Michigan State (9-3) | Must contend in Big Ten to retain hope of decent NCAA seed | 11 |
| 14 | Ole Miss (10-2) | Rebounding imbalance a concern in WVU loss | 14 |
| 15 | Florida State (11-2) | Alabi helping ’Noles, getting NBA draft chatter, too | 19 |
| 16 | Texas A&M (9-3) | Word that came with Roland’s awful injury: Theismann | 13 |
| 17 | New Mexico (12-1) | 3-pt specialist Martinez 1 for 7 in loss to Oral Roberts | 12 |
| 18 | Tennessee (9-2) | Pearl touting walk-ons as Vols bounce back from USC loss | 17 |
| 19 | Texas Tech (10-1) | Raiders must contend with hostile atmosphere at Lobos | 20 |
| 20 | Temple (9-2) | Lesson in contrast. Owls: 63.6 ppg. Jayhawks: 88.4 ppg | 21 |
| 21 | Georgia Tech (9-2) | Can’t afford to stumble at Charlotte on Jan. 2 | 22 |
| 22 | Wisconsin (9-2) | Leuer: 22.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg in last four | 23 |
| 23 | Oklahoma St. (10-1) | Rhode Island could be a sneaky signature victory | 24 |
| 24 | UAB (11-1) | Win over Butler proves Bulldogs (8-4) shouldn’t be ranked | 25 |
| 25 | Clemson (11-2) | Should be six straight W’s by Sunday’s visit to Durham | NR |
HEATING UP
UAB » Blazers have won 10 straight overall and two in row against AP ranked opponents.
Also » Villanova, Florida State
COOLING DOWN
Texas A&M » Unfortunately, there’s no hardship waiver for Aggies. Season in peril with Derrick Roland lost.
Also » West Virginia, New Mexico
TOP 25 GAME OF THE WEEK
West Virginia at Purdue, Friday, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Even the rivalries (Tennessee at Memphis, Louisville at Kentucky) and a surprising showdown (Kansas at Temple) can’t claim bragging rights over this clash that will ensure the number of unbeaten teams left is no more than five by the end of next weekend. Da’Sean Butler (16.5 ppg) and the Mountaineers will need to be more consistent than they’ve been in squeakers over Cleveland State and Seton Hall. Like West Virginia, E’Twaun Moore (16.0 ppg) and the Boilermakers are also deep, versatile and athletic, but Purdue has had only three games decided by less than ten points. — Craig Stouffer
PLAYER TO WATCH
Darington Hobson, New Mexico, G/F
Three years ago, Hobson chose New Mexico over Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee. But the 6-7 swingman didn’t have the grades and went JUCO for two years, making first-team All-America at the College of Eastern Utah. Hobson now is the straw that stirs New Mexico (12-1), leading the Lobos in points (16.5 pg), rebounds (7.8), and assists (4.3). On Tuesday, Hobson leads the Lobos of the Mountain West against visiting Texas Tech (10-1) of the Big 12 in a battle of Bobby Knight disciples. Former Indiana All-America Steve Alford coaches New Mexico, while Texas Tech is guided by Knight’s son, Pat. — Kevin Dunleavy
