First impressions aren't everything
— -- So you've lost a few games? Or can't seem to win a big one? Take heart, college basketball fan. It's not too late for your team to turn things around.
I'm looking at you, Ohio State. I see you on the west side, Oregon. Can't forget Colorado, either, despite Spencer Dinwiddie's deflating injury. There is time to rectify what's wrong and redirect the season.
Don't take my word for it. Just look at these nine teams that have changed the outlook of their season:
Michigan
Low point: Things seemed mighty bleak in Ann Arbor when center/forward Mitch McGary was lost to a back injury. But they were struggling to find their rhythm even with McGary in the lineup.
Turning point: The Wolverines nearly knocked off No. 1 Arizona on Dec. 14 before falling 72-70, a game that made them realize the way they needed to play with a depleted roster.
On point: Freshman Derrick Walton Jr. found his comfort zone at point guard and has limited his turnovers. Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III have welcomed bigger roles. And when needed, a third scorer can emerge. Caris LeVert had 20 points against Wisconsin on Jan. 18.
High point: Beating then-No. 3 Wisconsin in Madison 77-70.
Xavier
California
Low point: Credit the Bears for playing a true road game at UC Santa Barbara, but they got rocked by the Thunderdome 72-65. That capped off a stretch of three losses in four games in late November through early December.
Turning point: Opening Pac-12 play with a three-game road swing looked ominous -- until the Bears emerged 3-0 with wins at rival Stanford, at then-No. 17 Oregon and at Oregon State. No other Pac-12 team has recorded three league road wins.
On point: Cal has won six straight. Sophomore guard Tyrone Wallace, after scoring double figures in just three of his first nine games, has averaged 14.8 points in his past nine games.
High point: Beating Oregon 96-83 in Eugene.
Virginia
Low point: The Cavaliers absolutely did not show up in their 87-52 loss at Tennessee in late December.
Turning point: That loss prompted senior Joe Harris to meet with coach Tony Bennett, where he asked what needed to be done to finish strong. The Cavs committed to playing defense and accepting their roles on offense, and it has been working.
On point: This isn't the team that could muster only 38 points against Wisconsin at home. The Cavs share the ball as well as any team in the nation, which has led to more scoring. Since conference play began, they've averaged 71.8 points in their 5-1 start in the ACC.
High point: Winning early this month at Florida State 62-50.