NCAA Basketball: OK State jumps up, Villanova crashes down in latest top-25 ranking

9. Ohio State Buckeyes (18-8, 12-8)

The Buckeyes lost both games this week against Illinois and Iowa at home, extending the streak to four games. In the loss to the Illini on the weekend, they only got contributions from EJ Liddell, Duane Washington Jr., and Justin Sueing. They’ve either given up too many points on the defensive or suffered big scoring droughts in the past couple of weeks.

Still, Ohio State is still projected to get a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and could move up to a 1 if they can win the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. But they’ll have to make a run of their own to make that happen.

8. Houston Cougars (20-3, 13-3)

The Cougars haven’t played since last Sunday, destroying South Florida by a final score of 98-52. Quentin Grimes continues his individual scoring run, scoring 22 points to lead all scorers. Dejon Jarreau had arguably the best game though, going for 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Houston will end the regular season on Sunday against Memphis, who needs this victory or will have to win the upcoming AAC Tournament to get a bid. The Cougars will be a 2 seed in it, as Wichita State wrapped up the regular-season title on Saturday.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide (21-6, 16-2)

The Tide was able to take care of a depleted Auburn squad earlier in the week, before having a major scare against Georgia this weekend. Down double-digits for a good portion, Alabama’s elite scoring offense came through with 59 second-half points to win, 89-79. Jahvon Quinerly led the team with 18 points off the bench, one of five players in double-digit scoring.

As the 1 seed in the SEC Tournament, the Crimson Tide looks to solidify themselves as a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. And who knows, if mayhem occurs in the Big Ten Tournament and affects both Illinois and Ohio State, Alabama would be the main beneficiary for that last No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.