College Basketball Power 10: Duke Rises, North Carolina Falls

Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) is introduced as one of the Duke Blue Devils starting five before the start of their game against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This was the first game Tatum has played in this season. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Villanova (10-0)

Notre Dame out-played Villanova for 30 minutes, yet the Wildcats still won 74-66. Despite owning a five-point lead at half and leading by nine with 13:17 left in the game, the Irish didn’t play well down the stretch and it cost them.

Villanova got to the basket, upped the defensive intensity and worked the glass to help complete their comeback.

Plus, Josh Hart stepped up as the team’s best player and finished the game with 37 points and 11 rebounds. He finished shooting 10-of-14 from the field, 3-of-4 from three and making all 14 free-throws.

Hart also scored 16 points in a six and a half-minute span in the second half to give Villanova a comfortable lead.

The Wildcats didn’t play their best basketball, but great teams find ways to win on off-nights, and that’s what Villanova did.

Besides, Villanova’s 10-point win over rival La Salle should not be understated. Other than the Explorers being a respectable opponent, especially when at home, anything can happen in rivalries.

It’s not the best week Villanova could have had, but they continued their undefeated season.

The biggest takeaway from this week from the Wildcats is that good point guards and defensive teams can cause them problems, but they’re still talented enough to beat good teams when they’re struggling.

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Week 8

The Wildcats host a good Temple Owls team this week.