CBB: Michigan makes major jump
1. Virginia Cavaliers (7-0): The Cavaliers took down UMass (58-46), Arizona State, (48-45), and Maine (46-26) in their last three outings. Giving up 26 points to anyone is just outlandish and this defense is arguably the best in the country. Mamadi Diakite is averaging 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 47.6% shooting from the field. Virginia’s next game is at Purdue on Wednesday, Dec. 4 so look out for Virginia's first true road test.
2. Auburn Tigers (7-0): The Tigers won the Legend’s Classic last week with wins over Colgate (91-62), New Mexico (84-59), and Richmond (79-65). Auburn is kind of the opposite of Virginia as they give up some points to lower tier teams, but have been able to score 70+ points in every game. Samir Doughty is putting up a team-high 19.3 points per game. Their next game is against Furman on Thursday, Dec. 5. They should be able to handle that one.
3. Michigan Wolverines (7-0): The Wolverines shocked the country and won the Battle 4 Atlantis over Thanksgiving weekend with impressive victories over Iowa State (83-76), #6 North Carolina (74-64), and #8 Gonzaga (82-64) in the championship game. Zavier Simpson is averaging 12.3 points and 9.7 assists per game. However, Juwan Howard’s team has to travel to undefeated Louisville on Tuesday, Dec. 3 so their streak might be coming to an end.
4. Louisville Cardinals (7-0): The Cardinals, speaking of this team, are looking like a dominant team that has the opportunity to compete with the likes of Virginia, Duke, and North Carolina in the ACC. Their three most recent wins have come against South Carolina Upstate (76-50), Akron (82-76), and Western Kentucky (71-54). Jordan Nwora has impressed with 21.9 points and 6.9 rebounds. I think they'll beat Michigan on Tuesday night.
5. Maryland Terrapins (8-0): The Terrapins won the Orlando Invitational with a trio of wins over Temple (76-69), Harvard (80-73), and Marquette (84-63). Jalen Smith and Anthony Cowan Jr. are one of the best duos in the country and should have a shot at winning the Big Ten regular season title. Smith is averaging 13.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Maryland gets Notre Dame in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Photo Credit: MGoBlue.
