NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Iowa State, Houston rise in latest top 25 power rankings

4. Arizona (19-5)

There have been times this season where Arizona has left us shaking our heads. There have been other times when the Wildcats have looked like one of the very best teams in the nation. It’s been more of the latter in recent weeks, much like it was during impressive wins over Duke, Wisconsin, and Alabama earlier this season. Now they’re finally settling into a groove in Pac-12 play, albeit with some drama at times.

That drama came on Thursday in quite the thriller against Utah, with the Wildcats surviving on the road 105-99 in triple overtime. They avoided what would have been a fourth road loss in conference play, getting 27 points from Pelle Larsson and double-doubles from both Oumar Ballo and Caleb Love. Saturday’s performance was fantastic, as the Wildcats won 99-79 at Colorado. Love led the team with 19 points while Ballo had another double-double, with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The Wildcats have now won five straight games and have themselves back in great position nationally. That 10-3 mark against this Pac-12 might be insurmountable if the Wildcats avoid further upset, and they’ve certainly been playing better ball for the most part these last few weeks. They won’t even leave Arizona for the next two weeks, with a home date against Arizona State next on the agenda.