Seth Davis's Hoop Thoughts

1 North Carolina's defense could be its downfall. The Tar Heels, who let Maryland shoot 46.9% from the field last Saturday, are ranked ninth in the ACC in field goal defense.

2 USC is better when it holds the Mayo. Trojans freshman O.J. Mayo scored 16 points in Saturday's upset at UCLA, but he had four assists and kept his teammates involved. That's a better formula for USC than its more common M.O.—having Mayo go one-on-five and jack up shots.

3 It's time to give Bill Walker (above) some love. Kansas State's other freshman has been overshadowed by Michael Beasley, but Walker averaged 22.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in the last five games and went for 19 in K-State's win over Texas A&M.