The early returns for Chris Mullin at St. John's have been more than promising. The Red Storm, who were picked to finish last in the Big East preseason poll, are coming off a victory against rival Syracuse and carry a three-game winning streak into Friday's contest against visiting Incarnate Word.

Connecticut broke a string of sluggish starts its last time out, sending Ohio State to its most lopsided loss of the season last weekend. Following a seven-day break to concentrate on final exams, the Huskies return to action Sunday when they host UMass Lowell at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn.

One of the hotter teams over the last couple weeks, Wake Forest looks to extend its four-game winning streak when it hosts Coastal Carolina in a non-conference matchup Friday night. The Demon Deacons could have their longest win streak in three seasons with a victory over the Chanticleers, who come in having won three straight.

South Carolina puts its undefeated record on the line when the No. 25 Gamecocks play their first true road game Friday against rival Clemson. A win would give the Gamecocks their best start since the 1933-34 team won 17 straight to begin the season. 

Stefan Moody may finally be getting some help from his Ole Miss teammates, who will ride a five-game winning steak into Friday's matchup at Memphis. Up to this point, the senior point guard and the nation's sixth-leading scorer at 24.1 points per game has averaged more than double the Rebel's No. 2 scorer, something head coach Andy Kennedy would like to see change.

Oregon will be trying to string together two straight wins for the first time this month when the Ducks host Long Beach State in a non-conference game Friday night. Oregon was ranked as high as No. 16 in the coaches' poll two weeks ago, but then lost two of its next three games -- both to Mountain West Conference opponents -- before straightening out in a 78-63 win Tuesday against visiting UC Irvine.

Off to its best start since 2010-11, Washington State plays its final home non-conference game of the season Friday night when it hosts Texas State. The Cougars aren't complaining about having to play their final three non-conference games on the road because they will be spending Christmas in Hawaii as part of the field for the Diamond Head Classic.

Colorado has reeled off eight straight wins heading into Friday’s home date with Nicholls, and depth has played a big role. Seven Buffaloes have made a start and nine are averaging more than 13 minutes and 3.8 points per game.

Oregon State's Gary Payton II vowed to stay away from social media this season - even though he blew up the internet with an electrifying dunk recently - and he'll keep his focus on the court when the Beavers meet Cal State Fullerton on Friday in the Far West Classic at Portland, Ore. Payton averages team bests of 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.9 steals as he tries to lead Oregon State to its first NCAA Tournament since 1990.