The world of college basketball has been rocked by a whirlwind week of upsets and court stormings, leading to a seismic shift in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings. Amidst the chaos, one constant remains – the Auburn Tigers, who solidified their grip on the No. 1 spot with a unanimous vote from the AP pollsters.
Auburn Proves Resilient At The Top
Despite playing without star big man Johni Broome due to injury, Auburn showcased their depth and talent by dispatching No. 14 Mississippi State 88-66 and narrowly escaping an upset bid from then-No. 19 Georgia, winning 70-68. The Tigers’ ability to thrive in the face of adversity has cemented their status as the nation’s top team.
Duke Surges To No. 2 As Iowa State Slips
In a notable shift, the Duke Blue Devils climbed to the No. 2 spot after winning both of their games last week. Duke swapped places with Iowa State, who suffered a stunning loss to No. 23 West Virginia despite blowing out No. 12 Kansas earlier in the week. The Cyclones’ inconsistency cost them their brief stay in the second position.
Only Three Teams Hold Steady Amidst Upheaval
In a week where 19 ranked teams lost at least once, including seven teams in the top 10, only Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee managed to maintain their exact position from the previous poll. The Crimson Tide and Gators round out the top five, with the Volunteers holding steady at No. 6.
This week was absolute mayhem in college basketball. It just goes to show that on any given night, anyone can beat anyone in this sport.
– Jay Bilas, ESPN College Basketball Analyst
Michigan State, Missouri Make Moves
The tumultuous week allowed Michigan State to break into the top 10 for the first time this season, landing at No. 8. Meanwhile, Missouri entered the poll for the first time since 2022-23, checking in at No. 22 after impressive wins over Florida and Arkansas.
Louisville’s Resurgence Under Kelsey
One of the most remarkable stories of the season has been the turnaround of Louisville under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey. After winning just 12 games combined over the previous two seasons, the Cardinals have roared back to relevance, entering the poll at No. 25 on the strength of an eight-game winning streak.
What Coach Kelsey has done at Louisville in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. They’re playing with a passion and intensity that we haven’t seen from them in years.
– Seth Davis, CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst
Conference Breakdown
The SEC leads all conferences with eight ranked teams, including five in the top 10. The Big Ten follows with six representatives, while the Big 12 boasts five ranked squads. The ACC and Big East each have two teams in the poll, with the American and Mountain West claiming one spot apiece.
- SEC: 8 teams (5 in top 10)
- Big Ten: 6 teams
- Big 12: 5 teams
- ACC: 2 teams
- Big East: 2 teams
Looking Ahead
As the college basketball season enters its final stretch, the jockeying for position in the polls will only intensify. With conference tournaments and March Madness on the horizon, every game takes on added significance. Will Auburn maintain its stranglehold on the top spot, or will a new contender emerge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the road to the Final Four promises to be a wild ride.
