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Kansas is on a seven-game role, and sits atop the Power 12 this week because of it. Villanova may be the AP Top 25’s No. 1 team, but I’m taking the Jayhawks all day, every day and twice on Sunday in a head-to-head matchup.

Same with Oklahoma, who sits at No. 2 despite a 1-1 record this past week.

Many may disagree with Xavier at No. 3, but the Musketeers have yet to show the nation their best basketball, which will come this week in a matchup against Villanova.

Below are my Power 12 College Basketball Rankings for Week 16.

Week 16 Power 12 College Basketball Rankings

1) Kansas

The Jayhawks swept the other top team (Oklahoma) in the top conference (Big 12). They are playing their best basketball, having won seven straight since losing to Iowa State.

2) Oklahoma

The Sooners snapped their two-game losing streak in a big way – going on the road to Morgantown and beating the Mountaineers. I continue to believe in Buddy Hield.

3) Xavier

Ahead of Nova will surprise many, especially since the Wildcats beat the Muskies by 30+ on New Year’s Eve. Xavier was sans freshman phenom Edmond Sumner in that contest. Sumner is back and the Muskies are soaring, having won eight of their last nine. Wednesday night, at the Cintas Center, Xavier will prove they are the gold standard in the Big East.

4) Villanova

The Wildcats play a loose style and are fun to watch. Suffocating defense, relentless on the backboards and run at a feverish pace. Not better than Xavier, though.

5) Michigan State

Pencil this team into the Final Four. They have all the pieces. A legit star in Denzel Valentine, a sublime passing team, toughness inside and on the boards, and they guard you.

6) Virginia

The Cavaliers guard. They take care of the pill. They take great shots. This is a team you have to go out and beat – they will not beat themselves.

7) Louisville

Now have wins over UNC and Duke. They sit No. 2 in a tough ACC. Most impressed with how these kids have competed despite the fact they have been denied postseason play. Oh the damage these Cardinals could have done.

8)UNC

Despite the loss to Duke, I still believe if these two teams match up 10 times, the Tar Heels prevail in seven of them. It’s for that reason I rank them ahead of Duke. Beating a very good Miami team Saturday was an impressive response to the home loss.

9) Duke

Grayson Allen and Brandon Ingram have taken over. Wins over UVA, UNC, Louisville, and Indiana have them in a good place resume wise.

10) Iowa

I love Jarrod Uthoff and Peter Jok, but the supporting cast is a little suspect. This team is going to need a little more from the role players to make me a true believer.

11) West Virginia

As great as they are defensively, West Virginia is going to have to make shots to win consistently. Shooting 33% from the field in the home loss to Oklahoma clearly won’t get it done.

12) Iowa State

I put this team in my 12-spot with great pause. They are vulnerable down low and suspect defensively. What is the deal with Jameel McKay? A DNP vs TCU. Coach’s decision. McKay is becoming a distraction to this team and could cause them a deep run in March.

MORE: Projected No. 1 Seeds, Week 16