2014 College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 14

2014 College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 14: The calendar has turned to February, which means there is only one month remaining before the NCAA Tournament begins. Teams are in the thick of conference play, and few teams have avoided bumps in the road. Just two undefeated teams remain, and there are multiple teams ranked inside the top 10 that already have 5 losses. Upsets have been a theme this season, and that is unlikely to change we head into March. However, there have been a few teams that have managed to remain consistent amid the chaos. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the teams that appear best equipped to emerge from the pack and make a title run.

1.      Syracuse Orange (22-0, 9-0 ACC)

In what may have been the most exciting game of the year, the Orange knocked of Duke in overtime to remain undefeated. Forward C.J. Fair and point guard Tyler Ennis are both Wooden Award contenders, and either player is capable of shouldering the offensive load for portions of the game. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s 2-3 zone remains as stifling as ever. With two solid playmakers and an elite defense, the Orange have the weapons to take down any opponent. When sharpshooter Trevor Cooney is knocking down shots from the perimeter, it is hard to imagine Syracuse losing.

2.      Florida Gators (19-2, 8-0 SEC)

The Gators have reeled off 13 wins in a row, and their fifth-ranked scoring defense has held 11 opponents to 62 points or less during the stretch. Florida has also picked up victories over ranked opponents Kansas and Memphis during the winning streak, and the Gators’ only losses this year came on the road to ranked opponents Wisconsin and Connecticut by a combined 7 points. Florida has solid depth with seven players logging heavy minutes and five scoring in double figures. The Gators have size inside in Patric Young, experience at the point in Scottie Wilbekin and a dynamic scorer in Casey Prather. Throw in the stifling defense, and the Gators look like a title contender yet again.

3.      Arizona Wildcats (21-1, 8-1 Pac-12)

Although they got knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten, Arizona’s defense remained strong even in the team’s loss to California. For the year, Arizona is allowing the fourth-fewest points in the country. Freshman Aaron Gordon gets a lot of attention, but the Wildcats have size and athleticism at every position. Point guard Nick Johnson has emerged as a Wooden Award candidate, and he is undoubtedly Arizona’s best playmaker and most important player. If he continues to play at a high level, the Wildcats defense will do the rest.

4.      San Diego State Aztecs (19-1, 8-0 MWC)

It would be easy to dismiss the Aztecs’ title chances, it is important to keep in mind that San Diego State is 3-1 against ranked opponents this year. Among those victories is a huge road win over Kansas, and the lone loss came to Arizona in the second game of the year. The Aztecs have a legit offensive star in Xavier Thames, and they rank in the top 15 in rebounding. San Diego State has more than held its own in two games against power conference teams that are considered title contenders, and the Aztecs appear to be cruising to a high seed in March.

5.      Wichita State Shockers (23-0, 10-0 MVC)

The Shockers resume is definitely the most suspect among the highly ranked teams, and they really don’t have a statement victory. However, it is tough to dismiss a team that is still undefeated in February and has a top-15 defense, especially when you consider that the Shockers are coming off a run to the Final Four last year. Cleanthony Early, Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker are all major players that are back from the Final Four team. The Shockers were a Cinderella story last year, and this March, they are going to be among the favorites.

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