January is coming to a close, and before we know it it will be time to start filling out those brackets. For teams that are in the top 15 at this point, they’ve been doing something right all season. However, come March, don’t count on these five teams just yet because they may let you down.
5. Baylor
Getty ImagesThe Bears have made it a habit to have early exits at the hands of upsets over the years -- just look at last year's disappointment when they lost to Georgia State in the first round. They have quite a few solid players led by Taurean Prince, but no one jumps out at you as somebody who can take over and lead them deep into March.
4. Miami
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The Hurricanes are a program that just isn't used to having much success and that can't be discounted. A lot of times what comes out on top in March is experience and a winning pedigree. I'm not sure if this Miami team has it. They've lost two of their last three games, and an early-season loss to Northeastern sits there as a reminder that they can't be trusted to win games they should.
3. Iowa
Getty ImagesIowa's on fire right now. They swept Michigan State this season and beat Michigan and Purdue. They are trending towards being a popular dark-horse pick, but I wouldn't trust them yet. One of the wins against MSU came without Denzel Valentine, and since coming back, the Spartans have fallen hard, so those wins may not be as impressive as you would think. Also, Iowa just simply and harshly doesn't have the athletic ability to keep up with the elite teams come March. They could make a Sweet 16 run but that's about it.
2. Xavier
Getty ImagesThe Musketeers have been a darling so far this season as they sit at No. 5 in the country. However, the Big East is being a bit overvalued this season. There are a handful or so good teams in the conference but not one elite squad. Xavier's top two scorers are underclassmen, and that could be an issue come pressure time. A home loss to Georgetown this week could also cause some concern.
1. Villanova
Getty ImagesVillanova is the king of being one of the better regular season teams, getting a high seed and then losing in the first weekend. It's in their DNA. Look at last year when as a No. 1 seed they went down to a No. 8 seed NC State. In a big neutral site test earlier this season against now No. 1 Oklahoma, they were crushed 78-55. That can surely be used as a litmus test for how good they really may be. They also lost to Virginia, so the out of conference results against the top teams just aren't there to trust the current No. 3 team in the nation.
