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Pope's Poll

Forty-one Catholic colleges and universities compete in NCAA Division 1 basketball - let's see how they compare in this exclusive and divinely inspired "Pope's Poll." Records and rankings have been updated to include games played through March 16 "Selection Sunday," a holy day of obligation for all college hoop fans.

Headed for Hoops Heaven (and post-season play): the “Apostolic Twelve”

1. Georgetown (27-5)
2. Xavier (27-6)
3. Notre Dame (24-7)
4. Marquette (24-9)
5. Gonzaga (25-7)
6. St. Mary's (CA)(25-6)
7. St. Joseph's (21-12)
8. Villanova (20-12)
9. Siena (22-10)
10. San Diego (21-13)
11. Creighton (21-10)
12. Dayton (21-10)

Projected in Purgatory: Boston College, DePaul, Duquesne, Fairfield, Holy Cross, LaSalle, Loyola (MD), Marist, Mount St. Mary's, Niagara, Providence, St. Louis, Sacred Heart, St. John's, Santa Clara and Seton Hall.

Destined for Hoops Hell: Canisus, Detroit, Fordham, Iona, Loyola (IL), Manhattan, Portland, San Francisco, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis (NY), St. Francis (PA), and St. Peter's.

"Benedict's Bum"(worst Catholic team in America): Loyola-Marymount (5-26).

In utero (provisional status this season awaiting NCAA D-1 membership): Seattle University.