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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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1. Auburn (18-1)

Challenge after challenge has been thrown at Auburn this season and these Tigers have responded at every corner. They united after that bizarre drama on their flight to Houston before getting an impressive win. They’ve added numerous solid or Quad 1 victories to that count as the season has gone and even won a few games last week without star center Johni Broome in the lineup.

Fortunately, the Tigers got Broome back on the court, albeit limited with his ankle injury, in a major matchup with Tennessee. A tough defensive battle inevitably went Auburn’s way as they clawed out a 53-51 win over the Volunteers. Broome had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his return, as the Tigers survived a rough shooting night and got just enough late to win yet another SEC contest.

Saturday was Auburn’s worst offensive performance of the entire season and they still found a way to win, digging deep with their defense and doing what was necessary to win. The Tigers are now 6-0 in a remarkably strong SEC and have won 11 games in a row. This train just keeps on rolling and Auburn will be especially dangerous when Broome returns to full form. They’re back on the road at LSU and Ole Miss next week, hoping to keep up the winning after three previous road wins.

We’re now finished with this week’s update to the Top 25 rankings, knowing full well that a lot more could change in the next seven days. Was there a team more worthy that didn’t quite make the list? Which of these teams do you think will make the greatest positive impressions in the weeks before March Madness?