Auburn Tigers Prove Their Dominance in Historic SEC Showdown
If there was ever a time to doubt Auburn, keep waiting. The AP No. 1 team proved why it deserved to stay at the top after taking down No. 2 Alabama on the road on Saturday. The outcome of the SEC’s first ever AP No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup keeps the Tigers at No. 1 for a sixth consecutive week — the longest streak at No. 1 by an SEC school since Kentucky, which was ranked No. 1 for the entire 2014-15 season, according to ESPN States & Information. The loss drops the Crimson Tide three spots, to No. 4.
Florida, Duke, and Houston round out the top 5, with Tennessee dropping a spot to No. 6. Louisville replaces Creighton this week, coming in at No. 25 after winning four straight.
The biggest risers in the poll are Michigan (eight spots), Missouri (six), Wisconsin (five), Clemson (five), and Maryland (five). The biggest fallers in the poll are Memphis (eight spots), Purdue (six), Arizona (six), Kansas (six), and Ole Miss (five).
Here’s a look at the full Week 15 poll for the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season.
- 1. Auburn Tigers
- 2. Florida Gators
- 3. Duke Blue Devils
- 4. Alabama Crimson Tide
- 5. Houston Cougars
Previous ranking: 1
2024-25 record: 23-2
Stat to know: Bruce Pearl is the first head coach in AP poll history to win multiple AP No. 1 vs. 2 matchups on the road — and the first to win an AP No. 1 vs. 2 matchup at multiple schools (he did it with No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 1 Memphis in 2008).
What’s next: Wednesday vs. Arkansas, 9 p.m., ESPN
Previous ranking: 3
2024-25 record: 22-3
Stat to know: Saturday’s 88-67 win over South Carolina was Florida’s 18th double-digit win this season — tied for second most with Gonzaga in Division I behind Duke (19).
What’s next: Tuesday vs. Oklahoma, 7 p.m., ESPN2
Previous ranking: 3
2024-25 record: 22-3
Stat to know: With six regular-season games left to play, Cooper Flagg currently has 494 points, 101 assists, and 29 blocks this season. No ACC player has had 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in the regular season in the past 25 years.
What’s next: Monday at Virginia, 8 p.m., ESPN
Previous ranking: 2
2024-25 record: 21-4
Stat to know: Alabama never led in Saturday’s loss to Auburn. It was the first time for the program in 87 home games under Nate Oats.
What’s next: Wednesday at Missouri, 9 p.m., SEC Network
Previous ranking: 6
2024-25 record: 21-4
Stat to know: The Cougars continue to own the longest active road win streak in Division I men’s basketball at 11 games.
What’s next: Tuesday at Arizona State, 9 p.m., ESPN2
As we delve deeper into the rankings, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. Tennessee Volunteers, now at No. 6, have shown resilience despite dropping a spot. Zakai Zeigler’s consistent performance is a testament to their strength. Meanwhile, Texas A&M Aggies, Iowa State Cyclones, and Texas Tech Red Raiders are making significant strides, each with impressive records and standout players.
St. John’s Red Storm, holding the No. 10 spot, boasts the longest active home win streak in Division I, a feat shared with St. Thomas and South Dakota State. This consistency at home is a crucial factor in their success this season.
Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines are among the biggest risers, with both teams showcasing remarkable performances. John Tonje’s scoring prowess for Wisconsin and Danny Wolf’s double-doubles for Michigan highlight their respective teams’ strengths.
On the flip side, teams like Purdue Boilermakers and Arizona Wildcats have faced challenges, resulting in their drop in rankings. However, individual performances, such as Trey Kaufman-Renn’s scoring streak for Purdue, offer a silver lining.
As we look ahead, the upcoming games promise more excitement and potential shifts in rankings. With matchups like Michigan State vs. Purdue and Missouri vs. Alabama, fans can expect thrilling contests that could redefine the standings.
Stay tuned as the season progresses, and keep an eye on these top teams as they battle for supremacy in the world of college basketball.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
