4 of the highest 5 groups and eight of the 16 complete groups in final week’s energy rankings took no less than one loss during the last week, making approach for an entire overhaul on the high of this week’s rankings led by Tennessee’s pole vault from No. 5 to No. 1. The Volunteers’ leap this week got here nearly by default after losses by Auburn, Kansas, Kentucky and Marquette, but additionally serves as recognition for what they’ve finished this season. Solely two groups have the next scoring margin at this juncture within the season than Tennessee, with Tennessee Martin and Syracuse turning into simply the newest victims in its path of destruction. Every sport to date en path to its 8-0 begin has been received by no less than 15 factors. Rick Barnes’ group is side-swiping groups and barely breaking a sweat.
Maryland, the No. 2 group in scoring margin forward of Tennessee, additionally will get a giant bump as much as No. 2 on this week’s Energy Rankings after being unranked every week in the past. A loss in mid-November to Marquette at house price it some early-season model factors, however the Terrapins have rallied the previous couple of weeks culminating with a surprising 83-59 smackdown of Ohio State on Wednesday evening. At one level within the second half they led by 40 factors earlier than Kevin Willard’s membership known as off the canines and cruised to a 24-point win.
So let’s dive in right here. This week’s energy rankings are listed under. As I intend to do every week to make it crystal clear, my very own private working tips for the way I rank the groups are additionally listed under. I promise to abide by these as intently as I can all through the season.
Energy Rankings definition: Rating groups with an emphasis on current efficiency primarily based on their degree of competitors. These are closely unscientific in nature and could be distilled right down to a “vibes” rating — with issues like margin of victory, accidents, efficiency vs. high competitors, momentum and different typically subjective elements weighing into the equation. The facility rankings could be considered in a weekly setting as a response — or typically even an overreaction — to the small pattern of the week that was.
Let’s get to it.
School Basketball Energy Rankings
