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College Basketball Power 10: Duke Rises, North Carolina Falls

By Jeremy Karll

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
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: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Indiana (8-1)

The verdict is still out on the Indiana Hoosiers. After taking down North Carolina to end November, the Hoosiers beat their last three teams by an average of 31 points.

Granted they beat SIU Edwardsville, Southeast Missouri State and Houston Baptist, but it still shows that Indiana isn’t taking any team for granted anymore.

While losing to Fort Wayne likely prevented them from being ranked second in the nation behind Villanova right now, it’s a valuable lesson that some teams don’t learn until the NCAA Tournament.

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Indiana is playing hard on both ends, ranking in the top 70 in both points per game and points allowed per game, and still have one of the more impressive resumes this season with two wins over top five teams.

Plus, Indiana cleared OG Anunoby to play, meaning he didn’t miss any meaningful games.

Returning averages of 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game to a team who is quickly finding their identity and rhythm is a scary thought.

Indiana will play Butler at a neutral site on Saturday and then host Delaware State on Monday.

Solely beating North Carolina might not erase the Fort Wayne loss, but pairing it with a win over a ranked Butler team would. This is a huge week for an Indiana team looking to regain the respect it had early in the season.