In recent rankings released by Andy Katz, Houston has surged to the top of the latest men's basketball Power 36 list. The Cougars claimed the top spot after a strong performance, defeating Iowa State and securing an overtime victory against Baylor. Following closely behind at second is UConn, who bounced back with a win against Villanova after a previous loss to Creighton.

Purdue holds steady at third place after dominant wins over Rutgers and Michigan, while Iowa State remains a formidable contender despite a loss to Houston. In the SEC, Tennessee is in a first-place tie with Alabama, setting the stage for an exciting matchup between the two teams.

Marquette, Arizona, and Baylor round out the top eight in the rankings, with notable performances and key matchups ahead for these teams. The college basketball season is heating up as teams vie for top seeds and conference titles with Selection Sunday approaching in less than a month.

In the upcoming weeks, fans can anticipate thrilling games such as Tennessee vs. Alabama, Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary's, and Kansas vs. Baylor. These matchups will play a pivotal role in shaping the tournament landscape as teams look to secure their spots in March Madness.

Amidst the action on the court, individual players are also making their mark. Hunter Sallis of Wake Forest emerged as the March Madness National Player of the Week, showcasing stellar performances in pivotal wins for the Demon Deacons. As the season progresses, teams and players alike are gearing up for an intense and competitive finish to the men's college basketball season.