Indiana remains at number one, while Miami from the ACC clawed closer to the Hoosiers at number two. Gonzaga is number three while Michigan State and Florida round out the top five. Coming up next is Duke, Michigan and Syracuse, all three teams who dropped this week after losing key conference games. Kansas and Louisville round out the top 10. Georgetown and Oklahoma State both moved up in the poll, with the Hoyas rising to 11, and Oklahoma State sitting at 14. In the middle of these two schools is Arizona and Kansas State at 12 and 13. Butler, New Mexico, Marquette, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Pittsburgh round out the top 20.

The lone new entry to the poll this week is VCU, which enters at 24. Memphis, Colorado State and Oregon sit right in front of the Rams, while Notre Dame is 25.

Big games this week:

Notre Dame already defeated Pittsburgh in a battle of ranked teams this afternoon, 51-42.

Tomorrow, Indiana and Michigan State battle in East Lansing. On Wednesday, Oklahoma State hosts Kansas in a huge rematch. Saturday has Syracuse hosting Georgetown and Colorado State welcoming New Mexico to town.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook @ through the phog

Feb 18, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (24) has his team back in the top 10 of the nation once again this week.  Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Gonzaga starts up the next five, followed by Arizona, Miami, Syracuse and Ohio State. The Hurricanes moved up six spots from 14 this past week. Louisville, Michigan State, Kansas State, Butler and New Mexico are numbers 11-15. Butler fell five spots after losing to Saint Louis. Oregon fell nine spots after losing to Stanford and California this last week, their first two losses in conference play on the year. Creighton, Cincinnati, and Minnesota are right in front of the Ducks.

Rounding out the poll are two new teams to the rankings this week: Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh. The Cowboys enter the rankings at 22 after beating Kansas and Iowa State this past week. Pittsburgh is ranked 23rd. Missouri is at 21, and two Big East teams finish the rankings in Marquette and Notre Dame at 24 and 25.

Big games this week include: Tuesday’s nights encounter between Ohio State and Michigan in Ann Arbor. Wednesday has another Big 10 tilt that showcases ranked teams in Minnesota and Michigan State. On Saturday, Louisville and Notre Dame clash along with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Sunday showcases Ohio State in a showdown with top-ranked Indiana in Columbus.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook @ through the phog

February 04, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Markel Brown (22) has lead the team back into the top 25. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas fell to 19-2 on the season, and 7-1 in Big 12 conference action. Oklahoma State improved to 15-5 overall, and 5-3 in conference. Markel Brown led the way for the Cowboys with 28 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocked shots. Marcus Smart scored 25 points, and added nine rebounds, three assists and five steals. Smart outshined Kansas freshman Ben McLemore in a battle of elite Big 12 freshman. McLemore did lead the Jayhawks with 23 points and five rebounds.

Kevin Young added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jeff Withey scored 11 points to go along with eight boards.

Oklahoma State grabbed control early, bolting out to a 26-12 lead. Kansas began pecking away at the lead, cutting it down to six at halftime. After McLemore dunked the ball, Kansas held a 50-47 lead and things were looking bright. Oklahoma State grabbed control yet again, thanks to Smart. The freshman scored  eight straight points down the stretch pushing the Cowboys lead to eight with 1:07 left.

Kansas attempted to rally yet again, with back to back three-point field goals from McLemore and Naadir Thorpe, cutting the lead to three with 41 seconds left. After senior Elijah Johnson scored, the lead was one with 19 seconds remaining. Then Phil Forte made two free throws for the Cowboys to put the lead at three. Next possession Johnson committed a turnover, aiding the Cowboys quest.

Next up for the Jayhawks is TCU on Wednesday.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook @ through the phog

February 02, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Oklahmoa State won 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports