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College Basketball Power Rankings for Week 13 of the season feature three Big 12 teams and two of the hottest non-Power Five schools.

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Note: These are the schools I believe are playing the best right now, not necessarily the Top 10 based on resume or AP Rankings.

10. Cincinnati

This is the best offensive team Mick Cronin has ever had in the Queen City. As for that trademark defense? It never left. The Bearcats are long, athletic, and tough. Cincy’s leading scorer 6-foot-6 guard Jacob Evans is a walking mismatch and leads the way.

9. West Virginia

The Mountaineers appeared to be reeling after consecutive losses to unranked Oklahoma and Kansas State, but have since responded with impressive wins over Kansas and Texas A&M. WVU is disruptive defensively, and plays at a relentless pace that makes it uncomfortable for the opponent to find a rhythm. Huggins’ guys control tempo as good as any team in the nation.

8. Virginia

The Cavaliers gave Villanova all they could handle in Philly. Despite the loss, I came away a believer in Virginia. They slowed down the pace and took away Nova’s best weapons. Defense still does win championships, and for that reason you should keep this Wahoo team on the radar.

7. Kentucky

Elite teams win at home in marquee games. The Wildcats were unable to achieve that against Kansas this past weekend. Poor shot selection, turnover prone, and consistent defensive lapses have me still questioning UK’s ability to go far. Yet still, so much talent. It’s hard to count them out.

6. Baylor

Winners of five in a row, the Bears are playing at a high level. Boasting a talented front line led by Johnathan Motley, this team is physical and long. Only giving up 61 points per game, their elite length makes them as good defensively as any team in the nation.

5. Louisville

All the talk about BBN in the Bluegrass state, but it’s the Cardinals who should be getting the attention. A serious contender for a No. 1 seed, U of L plays a balanced game. Donovan Mitchell has been a revelation for the Cards. Mitchell is wildly athletic, shoots it well, possesses a relentless motor and can flat out guard. These traits have become the overall identity of this team.

4. Gonzaga

This team will run the table and when that happens, it deserves a No. 1 seed. The most talented team Mark Few has ever had in Spokane, this roster is deep and built to make a serious run. There’s great guard play and productive bigs, it’s a fundamentally sound bunch. You have to go out and beat them; they will not beat themselves.

3. Villanova

The win over Virginia was a statement for the Wildcats. Virginia controlled tempo and limited the stars for Villanova, and yet Nova still prevailed. This team finds ways to win and that makes it so impressive. Jay Wright’s bunch is battled tested and remains composed during turbulent times. That said, I’m still concerned by this team’s ability to generate offense when Josh Hart can’t get going or when they can’t make shots from perimeter.

2. Arizona

The Wildcats just keep getting better and better. The return of Allonzo Trier has given this team a sublime boost. Winners of 14 straight, there is no hotter team in the nation. Legit NBA talent on this roster and great balance of productivity fuel the Wildcats. They can play fast or operate in the half court, and have playmakers that can go get you a basket when you need one.

1. Kansas

The Jayhawks may not be the best team in the country, but they are the toughest. They simply find ways to win. And because of that, I will take KU’s perimeter over any out there.

Frank Mason III is the national player of the year. Devonte Graham is the perfect Robin to his Batman. But its the rapid development of Josh Jackson that has been the difference. His ability to produce gives this team a legit Big Three. They don’t have the ideal frontline, but the toughness and productivity of these guards makes that all forgettable.

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