March Madness Approaches: RBTL's Top College Basketball Teams and Analysis
- Jack Thompson
- Mar 3, 2025
- 4 min read
With March Madness just around the corner, teams are making their final pushes to secure top seeds and momentum heading into the tournament. This week’s RBTL rankings highlight the top teams in the nation, analyzing their strengths, key players, and recent performances. Let’s dive in:
1. Auburn (27-2)
The Tigers maintain their No. 1 spot with elite defense and a balanced scoring attack proving too much for opponents. With only two losses this season, Auburn has been the most consistent and dominant team all year. Leading the charge is First Team All-American forward and National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome (19 PPG, 12 RPG), who has been a force on both ends of the floor.
2. Duke (26-3)
The Blue Devils climb two spots after winning 22 of their last 23 games. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg is the real deal, leading Duke in every statistical category (19 PPG, 8 RPG, 4 APG, 3 stocks). A First Team All-American lock and a National Player of the Year favorite, Flagg has this squad poised for a deep run in March and April.
3. Houston (25-4)
The Cougars leapfrog Florida after winning eight straight, including three victories over top-15 teams. Houston’s defense continues to suffocate opponents, while transfer guards Milos Uzan and LJ Cryer provide the offensive firepower. With 20 wins in their last 21 games, the Cougars are once again a strong Final Four candidate.
4. Florida (25-4)
The Gators drop one spot after splitting games last week, losing to unranked Georgia before bouncing back with a dominant win over No. 12 Texas A&M. Their combination of scoring guards and rebounding bigs makes them a dangerous team heading into March.
5. Tennessee (24-5)
The Vols remain one of the most consistent teams in college basketball, led by transfer Chaz Lanier (18 PPG, 4 RPG) and senior guard Zakai Zeigler (14 PPG, 7 APG). They secured impressive wins over No. 6 Alabama and Ole Miss, keeping them in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
6. St. John’s (26-4)
The Red Storm continue to set the standard in the Big East, with recent wins over Butler and Seton Hall. Their three-headed monster of RJ Luis (18 PPG, 7 RPG), Zuby Ejiofor (14 PPG, 8 RPG), and Kadary Richmond (13 PPG, 6 RPG, 5 APG) makes them a formidable opponent. With Rick Pitino at the helm, expect a deep tournament run.
7. Michigan State (24-5)
The Spartans are heating up at the right time, winning four straight against top-16 teams, including victories over No. 16 Maryland and No. 12 Wisconsin last week. Tom Izzo has this team peaking at the perfect moment, blending guard play and dominant bigs for a tough out in the tournament.
8. Alabama (23-6)
The Crimson Tide have played five straight games against top-25 opponents, securing wins over Kentucky and Mississippi State but falling to No. 1 Auburn, No. 5 Tennessee, and No. 14 Missouri. While their offense is elite, their defense has been suspect. If they don’t tighten up, it could cost them in March.
9. Texas Tech (22-7)
The Red Raiders have battled for the top spot in the Big 12 all season, led by JT Toppin (17 PPG, 9 RPG). They put up a strong fight against No. 3 Houston but fell short, 61-69. However, they bounced back with a win over Kansas, proving they are a legitimate contender.
10. Clemson (24-5)
The Tigers have quietly risen through the rankings, winning six straight, including an impressive victory over No. 2 Duke. With four players averaging 11+ PPG and senior guard Chase Hunter (16 PPG, 3 APG, 3 RPG) leading the charge, Clemson is a team to watch heading into the postseason.
On the Outside Looking In
#11 Iowa State (22-7), #12 Wisconsin (22-7), #13 Maryland (22-7), #14 Memphis (24-5), #15 Louisville (23-6)
The Rest
#16 Missouri (21-8), #17 Michigan (22-7), #18 Marquette (22-7), #19 Purdue (20-9), #20 Saint Mary’s (27-4), #21 Texas A&M (20-9), #22 Kentucky (19-10), #23 BYU (21-8), #24 Mississippi State (20-9), #25 Arizona (19-10)
Key Upcoming Games
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Friday:
#18 Purdue vs Illinois – 7 PM CST (FOX)
Saturday:
Sunday:
With conference tournaments and March Madness on the horizon, these rankings are bound to shift. Keep an eye on key matchups this week as teams battle for seeding and momentum heading into the biggest stage in college basketball.
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