Duke University tops the AP men’s college basketball poll for the second week in a row, marking its 149th time in the number one spot. The Blue Devils earned 55 out of 59 first-place votes after dominating Notre Dame and then-No. 11 Virginia last week.
Arizona is in the second spot, claiming four first-place votes after its decisive 84-61 win over Kansas, which helped secure a share of the Big 12 regular-season title. Michigan, UConn, and Florida round out the top five.
Since a loss to North Carolina earlier this month, Duke (27-2) has excelled defensively, allowing an average of only 57 points over its last six games. Their recent performance includes a staggering 100-56 victory against Notre Dame and a commanding 77-51 win against Virginia, securing the top seed for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
In comparing rankings, both the NET and AP Top 25 currently place Duke at the forefront. However, in the NET rankings, Michigan sits at No. 2, ahead of Arizona, which is ranked third. This difference highlights how various metrics can paint different pictures of team standings.
Trending Teams
Texas Tech made the biggest leap this week, moving up six spots with recent wins. Michigan State jumped five positions after their victory over Purdue. Miami (Ohio) is noteworthy too, as it remains the only undefeated Division I team and has climbed impressively in the rankings.
Gonzaga’s fall is more concerning, dropping three places after losing to rival Saint Mary’s, which recently entered the AP Top 25 at No. 21 with a shared title in the West Coast Conference.
Conference Standings
The Big 12 has the most ranked teams, alongside the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, with five each. After BYU’s exit from the rankings, the ACC has four teams acknowledged.
As discussions around college basketball heat up, recent surveys indicate that fans are more engaged than ever. The NCAA reported that viewership of college basketball is up by 10% this season compared to last, and social media buzz around star players and exciting games continues to grow.
For those wanting to stay updated, you can follow the AP Top 25 for insights throughout the season. For further updates and details, check out the AP college basketball section here.
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