MEN’S RANKINGS

1. No. 7 Pittsburgh: (20-3, 8-1 Big East)

The win against Villanova showed that this team has character, resiliency and depth, three things that will prove to be quite valuable when it’s time for the Big East and NCAA tournaments. (Previous rank: 2)

2. No. 14 Marquette: (19-4, 6-2)

Marquette’s win against Pitt was impressive, but the Golden Eagles followed it up by needing the final few seconds to beat South Florida the other day. Thank goodness for Jerel McNeal’s buzzer beater. (Previous rank: 1)

3. No. 21 Notre Dame: (18-4, 6-3)

Notre Dame’s win over Villanova stretched its home record to 17-0 this year but more importantly, it finally proved it could beat a tough conference team on the road when it knocked off Syracuse on Tuesday. (Previous rank: 3)

4. Georgetown: (15-5, 5-2)

Panned this year as a Big East flop, the Hoyas have quietly gotten back on track by beating up on the basement dwellers of the conference. Big man Roy Hibbert is shooting an eye-popping 71 percent from the field. (Previous rank: NR)

5. Louisville: (15-6, 5-2)

The Cardinals have gotten off to a fast start in the Big East, highlighted by wins over DePaul, Connecticut and Syracuse. They have a big week coming up, with important games against Villanova and Georgetown. (Previous rank: NR)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1. No. 6 Connecticut: (19-2, 9-0)

The Huskies continued their reign of dominance over the Big East this week, with double-digit wins against DePaul and Notre Dame. Their game this Saturday at Marquette will be their biggest conference challenge yet. (Previous rank: 1)

2. No. 19 Louisville: (20-2, 6-2)

The high-flying Cardinals are in good shape after completing the Pennsylvania state sweep, knocking off Pittsburgh and Villanova in back-to-back games this week. (Previous rank: 2)

3. No. 16 Marquette: (19-3, 7-2)

The Golden Eagles were off to a hot start in conference play, winning a mixture of close games and blow outs, but cooled down Wednesday at Rutgers. (Previous rank: 3)

4. No. 23 Rutgers: (13-6, 4-2)

Here’s the Rutgers all of New Jersey knows and loves. The Scarlet Knights got a big win over Michigan State this week to get themselves back to their usual ranked status, and should ascend higher after beating Marquette. (Previous rank: 5)

5. South Florida: (16-5, 6-2)

The Bulls responded to their embarrassing loss to Pittsburgh by beating up on bottom-feeders Syracuse and Georgetown by a combined 55 points. After St. John’s and DePaul, South Florida gets another shot against Pitt. (Previous rank: NR)