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Houston Cougars rise to No. 7 in AP Poll after thrilling wins, showcasing strength in college basketball.

Houston Cougars have made a significant leap in the AP Top 25 Poll, rising to No. 7 following a thrilling week. Their ascent was fueled by a nail-biting 69-68 victory over UCF, clinched by J`Wan Roberts` last-second layup, alongside a commanding 70-54 win against West Virginia. With a record of 14-3 and an unbeaten 6-0 in the Big 12, the Cougars are also ranked No. 3 in the NCAA NET Rankings, showcasing their strength in the competitive landscape of college basketball.

Auburn continues to dominate the rankings, holding the top position with all 62 first-place votes. The Big 12 conference is well-represented, featuring four ranked teams: No. 3 Iowa State, No. 7 Houston, No. 12 Kansas, and No. 23 West Virginia, who recently entered the poll after an upset victory over Iowa State.

Illinois had a noteworthy week as well, climbing two spots to No. 17 despite a mixed 1-1 record. Their rise was bolstered by a decisive win over Indiana and a close contest against Michigan State. Purdue and Wisconsin also made significant strides, each moving up six spots to No. 11 and No. 18, respectively. Michigan State`s victory over Illinois propelled them up four spots to No. 8, while Michigan narrowly escaped an overtime challenge against Northwestern, winning 80-76 in a game filled with referee reviews and a staggering 68 free throws.

The latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll reflects the dynamic shifts in rankings, with Auburn leading the pack, followed by Duke, Iowa State, and Alabama. The excitement of college basketball continues to build as teams vie for supremacy in this competitive season. For more details, check out the full rankings here and additional insights here.

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