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College Basketball Power 10: Villanova Starts 2017 On Top

By Jeremy Karll

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
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 /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Kentucky (12-2)

Just like after their first loss of the season to UCLA, Kentucky followed up their second loss with a blowout win. Kentucky put losing to Louisville behind them and took it out on Ole Miss, beating the Rebels 99-76.

Malik Monk went off for 34 points but Isaiah Briscoe‘s triple-double stole the show for Kentucky. As impressive as Monk, Edrice Adebayo and De’Aaron Fox are, the Wildcats need their veteran leader in Briscoe to play well.

Sure, his triple-double came in a blowout win, but it’s that type of all-around effort Kentucky needs from their role players.

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The biggest worry about Kentucky is how they will fare when in the NCAA Tournament after not being tested for much of the second half of the season.

They played four ranked teams in their first 14 games, but have just three ranked teams in their last 18 games. The weak SEC once again might not give a young team like Kentucky the valuable late game experience they need.

That said, it will give them a chance to improve their play on defense and give their bench valuable minutes in blowouts. Blowouts are why 11 players have played in at least 10 games this season. In turn, it gives Kentucky numerous options off the bench.

Kentucky is good, but I’m not sure they’re great. They should run the table in the SEC, though.

The Wildcats host Texas A&M and Arkansas this week.