Arizona is now at the top of the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. This marks the first time since December 2023 that they claim the No. 1 spot, after a stellar start this season, including decisive wins over ranked teams like Auburn.
Purdue, which had held the top position for three weeks, dropped to sixth after losing to Iowa State. This week’s poll saw major changes, with only two teams retaining their previous ranks.
Arizona received 33 out of 60 first-place votes, narrowly beating out Michigan, which garnered 19 votes. Michigan has made a strong impression with wins over teams like Florida and UConn, and recently dominated Auburn.
“Being No. 1 is expected at a program like this,” commented Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd. “But we’re focused on bigger goals.”
Michigan, now ranked second, has its best ranking since March 2021. Duke comes in at third, while Iowa State climbed to fourth after their impressive win in West Lafayette, marking the school’s highest ranking despite never being No. 1 in the AP poll era.
Purdue coach Matt Painter expressed frustration over the loss, saying, “They stole our spirit. They’re a tough team.” Meanwhile, UConn remains fifth after beating Kansas last week.
The top ten is rounded out by Houston, Gonzaga, Michigan State, and BYU, following a week full of high-stakes games. Notably, Nebraska made its debut at No. 23 after a remarkable 9-0 start, tied for the third-longest winning streak in school history.
As for the conference rankings, the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC lead with six ranked teams each. However, the Big 12 currently boasts the top-ranked team.
Overall, this week’s polls have created a buzz in college basketball, reflecting the ongoing shifts and competition as teams strive for dominance. For more updates on college basketball rankings, you can check out the latest on AP News’ college basketball hub.
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