The Résumé Builders (and Killers)

WINNERS

ST. LOUIS (10--1)

Raise your hand if you picked the Billikens to fell teams from the Pac-12 (Washington), ACC (Boston College), Big East (Villanova) and Big 12 (Oklahoma). That's what Rick Majerus's team, led by forward Brian Conklin (15.3 ppg), did. St. Louis now ranks 51st and 11th in offensive and defensive efficiency, respectively, heading into Atlantic 10 play.

MURRAY STATE (12--0)

No team has gone unbeaten in the regular season since UNLV in 1991, but the sharp-shooting Racers—who rank seventh nationally from behind the arc (42.6%) and 11th from the free throw line (76.7%)—are the sport's latest hope. Isaiah Canaan (19.3 ppg) and Murray State beat then No. 21 Memphis; in Ohio Valley play, the Racers will be favored in every game.

HARVARD (9--1)

Only twice in its last seven games has the Crimson defense given up more than 52 points: in a 67--53 loss at then No. 9 UConn and an 80--70 win against Seattle. With a methodical offense, a Top 25 scalp (No. 20 Florida State) and athletes such as forward Kyle Casey (11.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Harvard enters conference play as the heavy, heavy favorite in the Ivy League.

LOSERS

VANDERBILT (6--4)

A credible Final Four pick in the off-season, the Commodores lost to Cleveland State, Xavier, Louisville and Indiana State and generally sputtered down low without center Festus Ezeli (who's finally recovered from a right knee injury). Guard John Jenkins (20.1 ppg) and Vandy's offense (43rd in efficiency) is there; the defense (80th-most efficient) is lacking, once again.