NCAA Basketball: Kansas State, Providence on the rise on latest top 25 power ranking

13. Kansas State (14-1)

Many coaches and players and fans alike dream of having a week like what Kansas State just experienced. The Wildcats have been outstanding this season under new coach Jerome Tang and the results speak for themselves. A road loss at Butler in late November is the sole blemish on a resume that got drastically better this past week.

This unexpected journey began on Tuesday night in Austin, as the Wildcats came out of nowhere for a 116-103 win at #6 Texas. All five starters were heavily involved in the offensive explosion, with 36 points and 9 assists from Markquis Nowell and 28 points and 9 rebounds from Keyontae Johnson. There was no letdown on Saturday night, as the Wildcats delivered with another road upset, this time beating Baylor 97-95 in overtime in Waco. Those same two stars stood out again, with 32 points and 14 assists from Nowell and a 24-point, 9-rebound effort from Johnson in a second incredible win.

Last week, we praised Kansas State’s great start, but it was hard to anticipate that they’d turn in these kinds of performances. The Wildcats look like one of these top-level Big 12 teams right away; a lot of elite teams would not have beaten both Texas and Baylor on the road this week. With their offensive fireworks carrying the load this week, it’ll be interesting to see how much they lean on that top-level defense in the weeks to come, especially with an intriguing road test at TCU next weekend.