In this week's Tipoff: top five most overrated teams in the preseason; our Sweet 16; who's hot and who's not; player of the week; must-see TV; five questions with Kansas forward Nick Collison; catching up with ex-Bearcat Danny Fortson; and your e-mails in our UC/XU Q&A.

TOP FIVE

This week's topic: The top five most overrated teams in the preseason

UCLA (ranked 14th in preseason) - The Bruins are 5-16 and at one point lost nine games in a row.

Alabama (8th) - The Crimson Tide rose to No. 1 before falling from the rankings. After a 9-0 start, they have gone 5-8.

Michigan State (9th) - MSU is on the NCAA Tournament bubble with a 14-10 record after a slew of injuries.

Indiana (21st) - IU is fighting for an NCAA berth at 16-9, with seven losses in its last 12 games.

Cincinnati (23rd) - UC has lost five of its last six games.

WHO'S HOT

Oklahoma

The big test comes Sunday against Kansas, but the No. 5 Sooners have re-entered the Big 12 title picture with impressive wins at Texas Tech and against Oklahoma State. Hollis Price could make a late push for Player of the Year.

Utah

Rick Majerus has built a model of consistency in Provo, where the No. 23 Utes have won 20 games for the 11th time in 14 years. They're on an eight-game win streak and could play into a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Memphis

It's sad, but the 17-5 Tigers probably needed Wednesday's win at Louisville to get into the NCAA Tournament. This is a good team getting better.

WHO'S NOT

Michigan State

What happened to the Spartans? It's OK to lose on the road, but Tuesday's effort at Illinois was one of the worst ever for a Tom Izzo team. These guys could be looking at a first-round exit - from the NIT.

Richmond

The Spiders have no bite left. Since losing to Xavier Feb. 1, Richmond has lost four straight. A home game today against Rhode Island could reverse the trend.

Kent State

The once mighty Golden Flashes have fallen recently, losers of three of their last four. KSU needs a good nonconference showing today against Hawaii to stay on the bubble.

MUST-SEE TV

Xavier at Dayton, 2 p.m. today (ESPN): The biggest XU-UD game ever will decide the Atlantic 10 champion.

Louisville at Cincinnati, 4 p.m. today (Ch. 12): It's the Bearcats' last chance to push for an at-large bid, and it's Louisville's opportunity to bounce back.

Tulsa at Gonzaga, midnight today (ESPN): If you're going to watch one of the Bracket Buster games, this is the one to see.

Kansas at Oklahoma, 4 p.m. Sunday (Ch. 12, 7): Wayne Simien is back and so are the Jayhawks, who can take hold of the Big 12.

Marquette at Louisville, 8 p.m. Thursday (ESPN2): Here's hoping the rematch is as good as the original.

Player of the week: Daniel Horton

The Michigan freshman scored 31 points on the road Wednesday, lifting the Wolverines past Purdue and into sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Horton is one of three freshmen starting for Michigan (16-9, 9-3), which began the season with six straight losses.

SWEET 16

1. Kentucky	Not shooting particularly well but still winning.
2. Arizona	Channing Frye adds a new dimension to the Wildcats.
3. Texas	Still unbeaten at home, has tough road test today at Oklahoma State.
4. Oklahoma	Pound for pound, as good as any of the top three.
5. Louisville	Cardinals struggling during a critical stretch.
6. Florida	What happened to Brett Nelson?
7. Kansas	The Jayhawks are catching fire at the right time.
8. Wake Forest	The Deacons are still in first in the ACC with the hardest part over.
9. Duke	Getting contributions from new freshmen every game.
10. Pitt	Brandin Knight is recovering from a midseason slump.
11. Maryland	Tough loss at Cameron probably ended Terps' ACC title hopes.
12. Notre Dame	Narrow victory at WVU was a little scary.
13. Syracuse	Sitting on top of the Big East standings behind the play of clutch freshmen.
14. Xavier	Needs win today at Dayton to challenge for the top 10.
15. Marquette	C-USA title hopes aren't dead yet, but Eagles need redemption win at U of L.
16. California	Looks like a very solid team that'll be dangerous come March.

TIPOFF

• Enquirer Tipoff page     • Catching up with Danny Fortson     • Five questions with Nick Collison     • UC-XU Q&A