Men

(AP 1-9-23) Houston is back at No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the second time this season. The Cougars claimed 34 of 60 first-place votes in Monday’s latest poll to return to the top after a two-week stay there earlier this season. They led No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Purdue. Kansas State also continued its strong start by leaping from unranked to No. 11 under first-year coach Jerome Tang. No. 19 Providence, No. 23 San Diego State and No. 25 Marquette joined Kansas State as new additions. Indiana, Baylor, New Mexico and Ohio State fell out.

Women

Illinois women end 23-year AP Top 25 drought, LSU on rise

No. 24 Illinois has earned its first ranking in 23 years coming inThe Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll. The Illini are off to one of the best starts in school history and have had a remarkable turnaround after going 7-20 last season. South Carolina remained the No. 1 team, still garnering all 28 votes from a national media panel. The Gamecocks have been No. 1 for 29 consecutive weeks. Stanford, Ohio State and UConn are next. LSU moved up to fifth. It’s the first time the Tigers have been that high since 2009.