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

1. Connecticut (17-2)

Last year’s defending champions reached the top of the national rankings for the first time in more than a decade last week. The Huskies have looked great all year, even while dealing with Donovan Clingan’s injury and a few other issues. They’ve hit quite the run in Big East play after dropping their opener to Seton Hall and that continued this week.

Back on Sunday, before they achieved that top ranking, the Huskies won 80-67 at home over Georgetown, getting 26 points from Alex Karaban in a nice performance. Another challenge came on Wednesday against a ranked Creighton squad, but the Huskies held serve at home again, winning 62-48. The defense was elite while Tristen Newton had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Perhaps the sweetest outing came on Saturday, with Connecticut pulling out a 66-65 road victory against Villanova, led again by Newton who had 25 points and 6 rebounds.

Now winners of seven straight, all against Big East foes, the Huskies are truly proving they belong atop these rankings. Three of those wins have come on the road against tough teams and their offense and defense have taken turns starring for a team still missing an elite frontcourt weapon. You have to believe this type of success continues into the future, especially with a whole week off before facing Xavier next Sunday.

We’ve completed this week’s look at the Top 25 teams in the nation and done our deep dive into them. Do you agree with who was included or are some deserving teams left outside of this list?