Performance in nonconference play for college basketball teams can be predictive of future success or entirely non-prescriptive depending upon how tough the schedule was, the momentum and direction of a team and plenty of other factors. Some start hot then stumble into league play, while some go full Kentucky and stumble through both. (You do not want to go full Kentucky right now.)
So which teams meet that criteria this season?
Earlier this week, I tackled seven teams set to storm into the heart of league play after sluggish starts; today I’m back with seven more set to go in the opposite direction by hitting some struggles after finding early success. These teams range from top-three teams to unranked teams. The list is not formulated as a wishcast on any team’s downfall, but rather a clear-eyed look at where teams are at while acknowledging that what lies ahead may not be as sunshine-and-rainbows riddled as things have been.
Hot teams most likely to cool off
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