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NCAA Basketball: Houston, Florida, Louisville rise in latest top 25 power rankings

Jan 25, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Houston Cougars forward J'Wan Roberts (13) controls the ball as Kansas Jayhawks guard AJ Storr (2) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Houston Cougars forward J'Wan Roberts (13) controls the ball as Kansas Jayhawks guard AJ Storr (2) defends during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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10. Kentucky (14-5)

The players responsible for Kentucky’s success likely didn’t picture themselves as Wildcats twelve months ago, when ever single player on this roster was at a different school. Mark Pope’s new team is doing good things and proving themselves on a regular basis, but it hasn’t been a perfect season by any means. They’ve had a few rough performances, including last weekend’s tough one at home against Alabama and unfortunately it happened again.

For the first time this season, the Wildcats dropped consecutive games, losing their only game of the week on Saturday afternoon. Kentucky headed to Vanderbilt and fell 74-69 against the upset-hungry Commodores. Otega Oweh had 21 points and 12 rebounds, continuing a season of inspired play, but Vanderbilt built a 14-point halftime lead and did enough to hold on, handing the Wildcats their fifth loss of the season.

The results have been mixed since conference play began for Kentucky, with a few impressive showings over Florida and Texas A&M but a record of just 3-3 in the league. The defense needs definite work, leaving this new-look offense to really carry the load. In wins over Duke or Gonzaga they got enough, but can they keep winning and playing consistently in the weeks ahead? Considering they’re heading to Tennessee next week, the task ahead is tall.