NCAAB power rankings: Michigan is closing the gap

It was a busy week in college basketball, as two top-four teams faced off and multiple top 25 teams suffered defeat.

With only a week left before most teams wrap up their regular-season games, it's time to look at which hoops programs are heading into March on a high note.

1. Gonzaga (22-0)

The Zags are sitting more than 3 1/2 points ahead of Baylor in the KenPom rankings. They have scored 100 points or more in two of their last three games and did not allow 70 points in any of those contests.

Gonzaga will be heavily favored in its remaining two games, and the WCC Tournament should be little more than a speed bump on its way to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Up next: vs. Santa Clara, vs. Loyola Marymount

2. Baylor (18-0)

The Bears returned from a three-week COVID-19 pause and rust was evident, as Baylor eked out a five-point comeback victory against lowly Iowa State on Tuesday night.

Baylor is 18-0 for the first time in program history, but had the Bears returned against any team other than a two-win Cyclones team, they likely would not still be undefeated.

The Bears have a few days to regroup before a matchup with Kansas on Saturday, followed by a tough meeting at West Virginia.

Up next: at #23 Kansas, at #10 West Virginia

3. Michigan (16-1)

While Michigan did not move up in the rankings this week, the gap between the Wolverines and the top two diminished significantly. Over the weekend, the Wolverines toppled No. 4 Ohio State in what may have been the game of the season.

Barring a collapse down the stretch, Michigan almost certainly secured itself a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Up next: vs. #9 Iowa, at Indiana, vs. #5 Illinois

4. Ohio State (18-5)

The Buckeyes' first loss in eight games came in a slugfest, and a few late mistakes costing them the Michigan game. Ohio state could not get defensive stops in the paint, which is becoming a trend.

The Buckeyes still have an outside shot at the Big Ten regular-season title, with just three games remaining.

Up next: at Michigan State, vs. #9 Iowa

5. Villanova (15-3)

The Wildcats had two of their better defensive showings this past week, as they held Connecticut and St. John’s to 60 points or fewer in each game. Villanova picked up a "Quad 1" win against the Huskies and then got revenge on the Red Storm, in a game that was over before halftime.

A trip to Butler precedes a showdown with Creighton, as Villanova looks to avenge another loss.

Up next: at Butler, vs. #13 Creighton

6. Illinois (16-6)

The Fighting Illini slipped a bit, after a loss to Michigan State, 81-72, but it was their first defeat in eight games. Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn combined to shoot just 11-of-31 from the floor, as the Spartans made things difficult with their stingy defense.

Despite the loss, Illinois is just one game behind Michigan in the conference standings.

Up next: vs. Nebraska, at #23 Wisconsin, at #3 Michigan

7. Florida State (14-3)

The Seminoles vaulted into this week’s list, thanks to a four-game winning streak, including a pair of road wins over Pittsburgh and Miami. Their 17-point win over the Hurricanes moved them into first place in the ACC standings.

Florida State has now won nine of its last 10 games and has scored at least 79 points in each of its last four victories. FSU has three games remaining and looks like the favorite to win the ACC.

Up next: at North Carolina, vs. Boston College

8. Iowa (17-6)

Iowa is on a four-game win streak, which includes a 15-point road win over ranked Wisconsin. Luka Garza is now the leading scorer in program history, with 2,126 points, after the Hawkeyes' six-point win over Penn State.

The Hawkeyes will play a role in deciding who wins the Big Ten, as their next two contests are road tilts with Michigan and Ohio State. They lead the nation with six wins against ranked opponents this season.

Up next: at #3 Michigan, at #4 Ohio State

9. Alabama (18-6)

The Tide dropped a couple spots, after a blowout defeat to No. 20 Arkansas on Wednesday night. Alabama's third loss in seven games saw it on the wrong end of a 17-2 second-half run by the Razorbacks, and the Tide suffered a 43-8 disparity at the free-throw line.

Three-point shooting lately has not been the weapon it was for Alabama, as the Tide made just 11 of its 33 attempts in the loss. Alabama needs a strong finish if its want to secure a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Up next: at Mississippi State, vs. Auburn

10. West Virginia (16-6)

A pair of road wins moved the Mountaineers back into second place in the Big 12 standings. That includes a win over a ranked Texas team that led by 19 points before West Virginia stormed back in the second half.

Their upcoming matchup with Baylor could be one of the best games of the year, and a win for the Mountaineers would not be hard to imagine.

Up next: vs. Kansas State, vs. #2 Baylor