NCAA Basketball: Houston rises, Duke, Arizona, UConn and Baylor fall in latest top-25 power rankings

17. Washington State Cougars - 21-7 (12-5 Pac-12)

Washington State’s seven-game win streak had not only put them in a position to not only get ranked but also to possibly win the Pac-12 regular season for the first time in program history. And it was perfect timing, as they faced Arizona on the road for the chance to be first in the standings.

It was one of the best games of the NCAA Basketball season, with the Cougars taking everything that the Wildcats threw at them for 40 minutes. And thanks to a career-high effort from Jaylen Wells, Washington State pulled off the 77-74 road win to get the season sweep.

Wells scored the last eight points for the Cougars, finishing with 27 points overall. Isaac Jones had 16 points and six rebounds, while Rueben Chimyelu had 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench to have a big impact inside. They were able to survive an off-game from Myles Rice, who only had five points on the night.

Things weren't perfect for Wazzu, as they seemed to have an emotional letdown against Arizona State a couple of days later. They were down early and often as they ultimately were defeated, 73-61. Jones had 16 points and 11 rebounds, with Rice having 13 points on 6/15 shooting. In the end, the Cougars got the road split, it just didn’t go as expected.

Washington State isn’t first in the Pac-12 standings, but they’re right there with Arizona, knowing they have the tiebreaker. And they’ll be at home for the final three games as well, taking on both Los Angeles schools in the next week.