IT’S the last week of 2016 and there are six teams who have emerged undefeated from the non-conference schedule of play. The coming weeks will tell us how serious these challengers really are and if can keep their unbeaten streaks alive. Who will fall first?

#2 UCLA (13-0)

SITTING at 13-0 the UCLA Bruins own one of the best offenses in the country ranking 2nd for points per game and 1st for average assists, largely thanks to star freshman Lonzo Ball. The next game @ #23 Oregon is the toughest immediate test, but their run through Pac 12 conference play is relatively friendly for the next month, until the end of January when they vs. #18 Arizona and travel to the currently undefeated #22 USC.

#10 Creighton (12-0)

THANKS to a well balanced roster led by junior guard Marcus Foster, the Blue Jays have got off to a flying start. Mark your calendars for the New Years Eve clash against #1 Villanova, with both teams likely to enter that contest 13-0.

#4 Baylor (11-0)

THE Big 12 schedule is packed full of tough games with seven of the ten teams holding at least a 10-2 record. The clash with #11 West Virginia in West Virginia on the 15th of Jan and two weeks later visit #3 Kansas. Although it’s unlikely if they are still undefeated heading into that Jayhawks game, there will be fireworks.

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#22 USC (13-0)

FIVE Trojans are currently putting up double digit points per game with De’Anthony Melton averaging 9.8ppg too. Their steady balanced squad has reeled off 13 straight W’s and ability to pull out close games have them ranked comfortably inside the top 25. Their luck will run out sooner or later though, most likely sooner (@ #21 Oregon on Friday).

#1 Villanova (12-0)

I’M still not convinced that Villanova is the best team in college basketball, but they haven’t done anything to prove they don’t deserve the #1 ranking as 2017 nears. They have won 18 straight games dating back to last years Big East tourney in March. Upcoming games against ranked opponents (Creighton, Xavier and Butler) over the next fortnight will be very interesting. If Villanova are going to slip it, it will probably be one of those games.

#7 Gonzaga (11-0)

A relatively cushy schedule of WCC conference play means that Gonzaga could be in line for more success. Only three of their wins have been by single digits and if they squeeze by Saint Mary’s on the 15th of Jan they could keep their winning streak alive for the foreseeable future.

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