NCAA Basketball: Texas Tech, Virginia rises in latest top- 25 power rankings

20. Missouri Tigers (8-2, 2-2)

The Tigers had what could’ve been a tricky road game against Texas A&M but instead, used it’s quality defense to get the 68-52 win. Dru Smith had 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while forward Jeremiah Tilmon had 14 points and 10 rebounds. It was the first game for the team since their brief pause.

Missouri now gets to face South Carolina at home before getting a chance at revenge against the Tennessee Volunteers, who beat them by 20 points a couple of weeks ago. Look for this time to be much closer.

19. Florida State Seminoles (7-2, 3-1)

When star freshman Scottie Barnes was declared out for this week’s games against NC State and North Carolina, it looked like a possibility that Florida State could drop both at home. Instead, the elite defense that Coach Leonard Hamilton has cultivated paid off big-time. The Seminoles dominated the Wolfpack by a final score of 105-73, before beating the Tar Heels, 82-75.

MJ Walker, Rayquan Evans, and Raiquan Gray all had big performances this week in what was some of the best offensive games all season for Florida State. But they’ll need Barnes back for the next couple of games, facing ranked foes Clemson and Louisville.

18. Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-4, 4-4)

After losing to Iowa by 15 points on the road, the Gophers had to face one of the hottest teams in the country in the Michigan Wolverines. However, they were at home, which seems to be the ultimate advantage in NCAA Basketball. And thanks to 22 points from Liam Robbins and a great defensive performance, Minnesota got the 18-point victory on Saturday.

Minnesota hopes to avoid its road issues this week against Nebraska, assuming they’re off pause due to their own covid issues at the moment. Then they get to return home on Saturday against Maryland.

17. West Virginia Mountaineers (9-4, 2-3)

Another team on pause, the Mountaineers had to cancel its matchup with the Baylor Bears. They look to get back on the court this upcoming Saturday against the Kansas State Wildcats on the road.