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Sunday, December 17, 2000
Spartans just look better starting season
ESPN.com
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This isn't based on coaches or AP votes. The seedings below aren't done with the aid of computers or slide rules. ESPN.com's Sweet 16 is simply a weekly ranking of the top teams in the nation.
And if the season ended today ... well, you know the rest. And your opinions are welcomed. Click here to voice your approval or disdain for this week's Sweet 16. Be sure to check back later this week when we post some of the best comments.
(Records as of Sunday, Dec. 10)
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No. 1 Seeds
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TEAM
 Michigan State
Record: 7-0
 Duke
Record: 9-0
 Stanford
Record: 6-0
 Wake Forest
Record: 7-0
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COMMENT
At this point, the defending champions have just looked better beating better competition than team one below.
Up Next: Dec. 16 vs. Kentucky.
Beating a Temple team -- which has now lost five in a row -- by just two points keeps creeping into our minds.
Up Next: Dec. 19 vs. Portland (not the Blazers).
Maybe the least talked about team without a loss in the nation. But injuries are mounting in frontcourt.
Up Next: Dec. 18 vs. Sacred Heart.
Weren't exactly sure who deserved this spot until a certain 31-point blowout of Kansas caught everyone's attention.
Up Next: Georgia (Dec. 16); Radford (Dec. 18).
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No. 2 Seeds
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TEAM
 Illinois
Record: 7-2
 Tennessee
Record: 8-0
 Arizona
Record: 5-2
 Kansas
Record: 7-1
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COMMENT
When the RPI comes out, the Illini will be rewarded for playing an early schedule unlike any in the nation.
Up Next: Only another clash with Arizona (Dec. 16).
Keeping pace with Lady Vols, just not at same rate. Expected a few more blowouts by this point.
Up Next: Guys from Middle of Tennessee (Dec. 15).
Airline food just doesn't agree with Wildcats. At least R.J. will have plenty of frequent flier miles this summer.
Up Next: Flight to Chicago (Illinois, Dec. 16)
Did the Jayhawks walk into an ambush or what? Gregory can't be that important to this deep a team.
Up Next: Redemption at DePaul? (Dec. 12)
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No. 3 Seeds
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TEAM
 Florida
Record: 5-1
 Connecticut
Record: 7-1
 Syracuse
Record: 8-0
 Virginia
Record: 6-0
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COMMENT
After rematch turns into a replay, there's nothing like having an "A&M" to kick around.
Up Next: Orange Bowl! Not that one (Gonzaga, Dec. 16).
Even Huskie Nation isn't sure if UConn belongs in top 10. But we do. For the record: The ball was on the way up.
Up Next: Border battle with UMass (Dec. 12).
Orange have put together another strong start behind Shumpert. Even winning outside state borders.
Up Next: Wisconsin-G.B. (Dec. 17).
Best kept secret in ACC. Vols stand in way of perfect record heading into conference play, where Wake awaits.
Up Next: Tennessee in Jimmy V Classic (Dec. 19).
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No. 4 Seeds
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TEAM
 Seton Hall
Record: 5-1
 Maryland
Record: 5-3
 Wisconsin
Record: 5-1
 USC
Record: 6-0
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COMMENT
Gotta admit, the Pirates are entertaining. But losing sort of takes the fun out of the high-flying act.
Up Next: Pennsylvania (Dec. 13).
Won't lose again this year. Then again, December's foes don't exactly resemble November's gauntlet.
Up Next: The Maryland with a "B.C." (Dec. 13).
Is watching the Badgers win really that exhausting? Christmas came early for Soderberg.
Up Next: Wis.-Milw. (Dec. 11); Temple (Dec. 14).
Who needs football? Trojans proving Sports Arena can indeed be a home to a winner.
Up Next: Pepperdine (Dec. 14).
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ALSO SEE
Undefeateds Iowa, Georgetown crack coaches poll
AthletesDirect: Mike Krzyzewski's official Web site
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