The Badger State had a phenomenal week, as both Marquette and Wisconsin achieved significant victories, propelling them to new heights in the Power Rankings.
Marquette showcased its dominance with an 18-point triumph over Purdue, building on an impressive road win at Maryland earlier on Friday.
The Golden Eagles bring continuity from last season, fielding a lineup composed entirely of juniors and seniors.
At the center of their success is Kam Jones, who is arguably playing some of the best basketball in the nation during the season’s opening weeks.
With their strong foundation and momentum, Marquette is a legitimate top-10 contender and appears poised to compete with UConn for supremacy in the Big East standings.
Wisconsin also delivered a shocker, posting the most surprising result of the week by scoring 103 points to upset Arizona on Friday night.
Though they had to grind out a win against UT Rio Grande Valley in their next game, the Badgers’ unexpected 5-0 start, including a victory over a top-10 team, secures them a well-deserved place in the Power Rankings.
For a team predicted to finish 12th in the preseason Big Ten media poll, the early season success is particularly noteworthy.
Looking ahead, Marquette and Wisconsin will rekindle their rivalry in their annual matchup on Dec. 7 at Marquette.
Power Rankings Recap
1. Kansas Jayhawks (5-0)
Previous ranking: 1
Kansas continues to rely on a blend of returning talent and standout newcomers but needs to address its inconsistent outside shooting.
Despite adding skilled shooters like Rylan Griffen, Zeke Mayo, and AJ Storr, the team has shot below 30% from beyond the arc in three of its five games.
Heavyweight matchups against Duke and Creighton in the coming weeks will provide opportunities to refine their perimeter offense.
Next seven days: vs. Duke at Vegas Showdown (Nov. 26).
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0)
Previous ranking: 3
Ryan Nembhard has been phenomenal, tallying 47 assists against just six turnovers through five games. His 44% accuracy from three-point range and consistent scoring make him a key playmaker.
Gonzaga faces tests in the Bahamas, with potential matchups against strong guards like Myles Rice and Caleb Love.
Next seven days: Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas (vs. West Virginia on Nov. 27).
3. Auburn Tigers (4-0)
Previous ranking: 2
Johni Broome has emerged as one of the most dominant big men in college basketball. Highlights include a stellar 30-point, 17-rebound performance against North Alabama.
Auburn’s efficiency near the basket makes them formidable, especially as they enter the Maui Invitational.
Next seven days: Maui Invitational in Hawaii (vs. Iowa State on Nov. 25).
4. UConn Huskies (4-0)
Previous ranking: 5
After breezing through their first four games, UConn is set for a tougher schedule in the Maui Invitational.
With Memphis in the opener and potential clashes against Colorado, Michigan State, or Auburn, the Huskies are poised to prove their mettle.
Next seven days: Maui Invitational in Hawaii (vs. Memphis on Nov. 25).
5. Iowa State Cyclones (3-0)
Previous ranking: 6
Iowa State’s showdown with Auburn promises to be a Feast Week highlight. To succeed, the Cyclones need to defend the rim effectively against Broome and improve their perimeter shooting, which has been inconsistent.
Next seven days: Maui Invitational in Hawaii (vs. Auburn on Nov. 25).
6. Houston Cougars (2-1)
Previous ranking: 7
Milos Uzan has seamlessly taken over the point guard role, maintaining efficiency with 19 assists to five turnovers. A matchup against Alabama’s Mark Sears looms as the Cougars aim to build on their early success.
Next seven days: vs. Hofstra (Nov. 22), Players Era Festival in Las Vegas (vs. Alabama on Nov. 26).
The rankings highlight impressive individual performances and team dynamics, including breakout stars and crucial upcoming matchups. For more detailed insights on each ranked team, let me know!
