Five rising:

Boston College: What a great week for Steve Donahue and the Eaglets, two tough, close wins at home against Clemson and Virginia Tech. It wasn’t that long ago when I wondered if they could even win one league game.

Oregon: The Ducks have quietly improved and could do something in the Lack 10 after sweeping the Arizona schools for only the second time in 33 years. The Ducks are 13-5 overall and 4-2 in the Lack 10.

Saint Mary’s: The Gaels, led by All-Sully point guard Matthew Dellavedova (Aussie, Aussie, Aussie), are 17-2 and have won seven in a row including a complete dismantling of Gonzaga 83-61.

San Diego State: The Aztecs weren’t supposed to be good this season but after upsetting Vegas 69-67 they are 15-2 with eight straight wins.

Wagner: The Seahawks are back here after beating Central Connecticut. They’ve won seven in a row for the first time since 1979-80 and their 14-3 start is the team’s best since the school joined Division 1 in 1976-77.

Five falling:

Iowa State: I’m still intrigued by the Cyclones but they had a tough week. There was a chance to make a mark but they lost at home to Missouri at home and at Kansas (despite 18 points and 17 rebounds from our new favorite player Royce White).

Kansas State: Frank Martin has a permanent scowl on his face, his Purple Popguns lost at home to Baylor (and had a chance to win), then went to Oklahoma and lost. They’re off to a 1-3 start in the Big 12.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels played nine straight home games (all victories) then got clobbered at Florida State 90-57 Saturday. They’re only 1-2 on the road.

Pitt: A disastrous season continues with sixth straight losses including the unimaginable 62-39 loss at home to Rutgers.

Radford: The Highlanders were an NCAA Tournament three seasons ago, now they’re on a 15-game losing streak and are 3-16.

This week’s George Mason (best mid-major): Murray State, 18 in a row and counting for the Racers.

This week’s Final Four: Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State, Missouri. Suddenly, I’m not sure how good North Carolina is away from Chapel Hill.

This week’s national champion: Syracuse