Houston Rises in College Basketball Rankings After Kansas Win

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Cougars have solidified their place among college basketball’s elite after a dramatic overtime victory against Kansas and a dominant performance against West Virginia. The Cougars, who had previously fallen to No. 17 in the Associated Press poll following three November losses, have surged back into contention with a 13-game winning streak, including 11 double-digit victories.

Houston’s resilience was on full display last Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, where they overcame a six-point deficit in the final seconds of both regulation and overtime to secure a 78-75 win against Kansas. The Cougars followed up with a 14-point victory over West Virginia on Wednesday, further cementing their status as a top-tier team. According to KenPom, Houston now ranks No. 1 in adjusted efficiency, ahead of perennial powerhouses Auburn and Duke.

“The win at Kansas is a statement,” said head coach Kelvin Sampson. “Our guys showed grit and determination when it mattered most. We’re not just winning games; we’re winning them in different ways.”

Houston’s success is built on a foundation of strong metrics. Despite their early-season struggles, the Cougars never dropped below No. 5 in KenPom’s rankings. Their defense, which ranks among the nation’s best, has been a key factor, holding opponents to an average of 49 points in their recent win over West Virginia.

The Cougars’ next challenge comes against Texas Tech on February 1, followed by a matchup with Oklahoma State on February 4. With their current momentum, Houston is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Meanwhile, Duke’s Cooper Flagg continues to dominate, averaging 25.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in January. Flagg’s performance has propelled Duke to the top of the national title conversation. “He’s been unguardable,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “Cooper’s ability to take over games is special.”

In the SEC, Auburn’s Johni Broome has emerged as a standout player, posting multiple 20-point, 10-rebound games this season. Broome’s contributions have been critical as Auburn prepares for a pivotal matchup against Ole Miss on February 1.

As the college basketball season heats up, Houston’s rise, Duke’s dominance, and Auburn’s consistency highlight the competitive landscape of the sport. With March Madness on the horizon, these teams are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the national championship.