NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Kansas drops, Duke, UNC rises in latest top 25 power ranking

7. Kansas State Wildcats – 17-2 (6-1 Big 12)

There are defining moments in every successful head coach’s first year at a program. For Jerome Tang, he had that this past week against rival Kansas. The Wildcats raced out to a double-digit lead in the first half but as usual, the Jayhawks were able to make the comeback and ultimately force it to overtime. But in the end, it was the home team that pulled out the 83-82 win in extra time.

Keyontae Johnson had a fantastic game, scoring 24 points and eight rebounds. Forward Nae’Quan Tomlin had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Desi Sills had 24 points off the bench to make up for star point guard Markquis Nowell struggling. The leading scorer for Kansas State had just four points and seven assists in the game, in 42 minutes, which makes the team’s win all the more impressive.

Against Texas Tech, the Wildcats were the ones that had to make a comeback, trailing at the half. But thanks to a 40-25 edge in the second half, Kansas State kept the Red Raiders winless in Big 12 play and is now first themselves, winning 68-58. Nowell bounced back with 23 points, while Johnson had 15 points and 11 rebounds on the night.

Kansas State looks to protect its lead in the standings this week, going on the road at Iowa State. After that, they return home to take on Florida in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.