The Long Road to March
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With the nonconference portion of the college basketball season winding down, Washington Post college basketball writer Eric Prisbell looks at who has made early impressions heading into the conference season:
WINNERS
BIG 12: Texas has thrived despite losing Kevin Durant. Kansas looks dominant. Nebraska has emerged as an early sleeper.
ATLANTIC 10: The league is strong at the top and has no clear front-runner. Four teams rank among the top 20 in the RPI.
CONFERENCE USA: Houston's fast start suggests that Memphis might -- might-- have some competition.
ST. MARY'S: Yes, it's early, but the Gaels are No. 2 in the RPI. An upset of Oregon helped.
MIAMI: Predicted to finish last in the ACC, the Hurricanes have looked like an NCAA tournament contender.
MISSISSIPPI: After knocking off Clemson, Coach Andy Kennedy's team is undefeated and a favorite to win the SEC West.
LOSERS
WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: Perennial favorite Nevada is rebuilding. Only one team -- Boise State -- has less than four losses.
MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE: Can't turn back the clock to 2006. Southern Illinois has disappointed, and the Valley looks like it could be a one-bid league.
ATLANTIC SUN: Teams have slipped since winning four early-season games against power-conference schools.
KENTUCKY: The Wildcats, led by new coach Billy Gillispie, had first their four-game losing streak 1989-90. Can't blame it on Tubby Smith.
SYRACUSE: Coach Jim Boeheim has held the team together despite key injuries that have made the Orange particularly young.
MARYLAND: The Terrapins have no margin for error after suffering stunning losses to Ohio and American.
