Houston returns to No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball coaches poll
Eddie Timanus
The No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll changes hands once again this week.
Houston is back atop the rankings after posting a 2-0 mark in American Athletic play this week, including Sunday’s home win against Memphis. The Cougars received 24 of 32 first-place votes to move ahead of Alabama. The Crimson Tide bounced back from a mid-week loss to Tennessee with a resounding demolition of Georgia and retained six No. 1 votes but slip to second overall.
UCLA maintained its lead in the Pac-12 and moves up a spot to No. 3. Kansas climbs three places to No. 4, grabbing a first-place vote in the process. Purdue slides a couple of slots to No. 5, with the final first-place nod going to No. 6 Virginia. Arizona, Texas, Marquette and Baylor round out the top 10.
TOP 25:Complete USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
SUNDAY STORYLINES:Winners, losers led by North Carolina, Purdue
SUPER SATURDAY:Kansas thrives, Michigan State-Michigan inspires
There was little movement throughout the rest of the Top 25, with no teams shifting up or down more than three positions. There is, however, one newcomer to the rankings as Northwestern debuts at No. 22. The red-hot Wildcats are in the poll for the first time since a one-week stay in late December of 2020.
TCU falls out but has a chance to move right back in with a home opportunity against Kansas highlighting the Monday schedule.
