The month of January for basketball programs is a turning point that can lead their compass to success or disappointment in the long run.
As it goes for D1 Men's Basketball, there were five standout ball clubs that took their first month of 2018 and utilized it to their absolute best, improving themselves in many areas to reach contention in the coming weeks.
Take a look at our candidates below for Team of The Month presented by HERO Sports, and vote in the following poll. Voting will close on Friday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. PST.
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Cincinnati
January Record: 8-0
BR Difference: +14
The Bearcats were a perfect 8-0 to begin 2018 and rose into the top seven of the BR rankings. As we head into February, Cincy may start to become a real tournament favorite if they keep up the top play.
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Middle Tennessee
January Record: 7-1
BR Difference: +30
The Blue Raiders continued their recent winning formulas of the last couple seasons with another superb month, helping to run their conference record to a current 10-1. Could another upset be brewing in the NCAA Tourney?
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Providence
January Record: 4-3
BR Difference: +24
The Friars may not have had the best record of any team in the country during January, but they definitely had one of the best wins. Early in the new year, the Friars took down Xavier who many consider to be a one-seed in the bracketology for the NCAA Tournament.
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Rhode Island
January Record: 9-0
BR Difference: +14
A team that keeps climbing in both the BR ranks and for potential seeding in the NCAA Tournament, the Rams were another team to have a perfect record to begin 2018.
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Loyola Chicago
January Record: 7-2
BR Difference: +47
A team that may not see the national spotlight as much as the other candidates we have listed, the Ramblers had an excellent month and are one of the top contenders in the MVC now.
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VOTE: D1 Men’s Basketball Team of The Month (January)
