College Basketball Power 10: Villanova Starts 2017 On Top

Dec 13, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) gets congratulations from head coach Jay Wright and guard Jalen Brunson (1) after leaving the game late in the second half against the Temple Owls at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Temple, 78-57. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

11 of 11

Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Villanova (14-0)

The defending champs enter 2017 as the top team in the nation. After a scare against DePaul that resulted in a measly 68-65 win for Villanova, the Wildcats rebounded well against top-10 Creighton to end their week and stay perfect.

Villanova handed Creighton its first loss of the season, which also gave Villanova their third win over a ranked team.

Jalen Brunson‘s 27 points and Josh Hart‘s 18 points and 10 rebounds powered the way, but Kris Jenkins also came up big for Villanova with 21 points and a three to end the half and give Villanova a 42-41 lead at halftime.

Creighton played great, as they tied Villanova at 66 with 4:48 left. Although, like all great teams do, Villanova kicked it into another gear to end the game.

The Wildcats ended the game on a 14-4 run to win 80-70. They scored inside and out, and also went 6-of-6 at the line in the final 37 seconds to ice the game. Every close game Villanova plays, they use their experience to pull away from teams, which makes them nearly impossible to beat.

Villanova only ranks 63rd in points per game and 22nd in points allowed per game, but it’s their experience, coaching, leadership and well-balanced team that makes them hard to beat. Villanova can play at any tempo and can beat teams in multiple ways.

Villanova enters 2017 14-0, and it’s hard to pinpoint when their first loss of the year will be.

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Hawks Rise In Week 11

The Wildcats have another ranked opponent in Butler on the road this week and also host Marquette.