NCAA Basketball: Illinois, Ohio State rises in latest top-25 power rankings

22. Virginia Tech Hokies (14-4, 8-3)

The Hokies were in a close game on the road at Pittsburgh in the first 28 minutes, before the Panthers’ barrage of three-pointers put the game away to give the ranked team an 83-72 loss. Virginia Tech nearly suffered another loss this weekend at Miami, before Hunter Catoor nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to force it into overtime. They pulled away in the extra period to win, 80-76. Justyn Mutts was the star of the game, going for a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for a near triple-double.

The Hokies will take on a pair of tougher ACC opponents in Louisville, assuming that game isn’t postponed, along with North Carolina on Saturday. Still two games back in the standings, Virginia Tech isn’t out of the ACC title conversation yet. But this week will tell us if they’ll still be in contention or take a step back.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-5, 5-5)

It was a somewhat surprising loss for OK State against TCU, suffering a three-point defeat. But they were game against Texas on Saturday, although there were a ton of missed shots. That included star freshman Cade Cunningham, who went 5-22 from the field for 19 points. The star for the Cowboys proved to be Kalib Boone, who had a game-high 22 points and 15 rebounds in the double-overtime victory.

OK State now gets to take on both Kansas schools this week, starting with a road trip at the reeling Jayhawks. It may be the best time to take on the struggling Big 12 juggernaut. The Wildcats follow on Saturday, giving them a chance to add to the win column in what should be an easy game.

20. Wisconsin Badgers (14-6, 8-5)

After losing to Penn State in the week prior, the Badgers were able to get some revenge, beating them by 16 points. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, they didn’t bring any leftover offense against Illinois this weekend, losing 75-60. D’Mitrik Trice had 22 points to lead the way but the rest of the starting lineup combined to produce just 17 points.

The Badgers have just one game this upcoming week and it’s against Nebraska, who just came off a three-week pause. They got destroyed against Michigan State and is still without a win in conference play. It should be an easy week for Wisconsin barring a complete disaster.