AP Men’s College Basketball Poll: Week 13 Reactions and Insights

AP Men’s College Basketball Poll: Week 13 Reactions and Insights

As the dust settles on a whirlwind Week 12 in men’s college basketball, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the shifting landscape of the AP Top 25. The Auburn Tigers continue to reign supreme, maintaining their position at the top of the rankings with a decisive win over Ole Miss. Meanwhile, the Duke Blue Devils solidified their hold on the No. 2 spot with a commanding victory over their arch-rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels. But below these two powerhouses, the rankings saw a fair share of upheaval.

Let’s dive into the details of the Week 13 poll for the 2024-25 season and explore the stories behind the numbers.

1. Auburn Tigers

Previous ranking: 1

2024-25 record: 20-1

Stat to know: Auburn is on a 13-game win streak. It is their fifth run of 12 or more consecutive wins since Bruce Pearl took over in 2014-15.

What’s next: Tuesday vs. Oklahoma, 9 p.m., SEC Network

The Auburn Tigers have been nothing short of spectacular this season. With a 20-1 record, they have proven themselves as a formidable force in college basketball. Their current 13-game win streak is a testament to their consistency and resilience under the leadership of Bruce Pearl. Fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming matchup against Oklahoma, where they hope to extend their winning streak even further.

2. Duke Blue Devils

Previous ranking: 2

2024-25 record: 19-2

Stat to know: Against North Carolina, Cooper Flagg reached 250 points, 75 rebounds, and 50 assists in conference play in just 11 games, the fewest games needed to hit those marks by any player in Division I in the last 25 years.

What’s next: Wednesday at Syracuse, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Duke’s Cooper Flagg has been a revelation this season, setting records and leading his team to victory after victory. His performance against North Carolina was nothing short of historic, and the Blue Devils will be looking to carry that momentum into their next game against Syracuse. With a 19-2 record, Duke is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Previous ranking: 4

2024-25 record: 19-3

Stat to know: Alabama has won 32 straight games when leading by double-digit points at halftime. The team’s last such loss came on March 10, 2022, vs. Vanderbilt.

What’s next: Saturday at Arkansas, 8 p.m., ESPN

Alabama’s ability to maintain leads has been a key factor in their success this season. With a 19-3 record, they have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the court. Their upcoming game against Arkansas will be a true test of their mettle, and fans are eager to see if they can continue their winning ways.

4. Tennessee Volunteers

Previous ranking: 8

2024-25 record: 18-4

Stat to know: Tennessee’s 20-point win over Florida was the largest win against an AP top 5 opponent in program history.

What’s next: Wednesday vs. Missouri, 7 p.m., SEC Network

The Tennessee Volunteers made a statement with their dominant victory over Florida, marking the largest win against an AP top 5 opponent in their program’s history. This impressive feat has catapulted them up the rankings, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming game against Missouri.

5. Houston Cougars

Previous ranking: 6

2024-25 record: 17-4

Stat to know: Houston’s loss to Texas Tech snapped its 33-game home win streak. At the time, that was the longest active home win streak in Division I.

What’s next: Tuesday vs. Oklahoma State, 8 p.m., ESPN+

Houston’s recent loss to Texas Tech was a tough pill to swallow, ending their impressive 33-game home win streak. Despite this setback, the Cougars remain a formidable team with a 17-4 record. They will be looking to bounce back in their next game against Oklahoma State.

6. Florida Gators

Previous ranking: 5

2024-25 record: 18-3

Stat to know: Saturday’s loss was Florida’s eighth straight at Tennessee.

What’s next: Tuesday vs. Vanderbilt, 7 p.m., SEC Network

The Florida Gators have had a strong season overall, but their recent loss to Tennessee marked their eighth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Volunteers. With an 18-3 record, they will be eager to get back on track in their upcoming game against Vanderbilt.

7. Purdue Boilermakers

Previous ranking: 10

2024-25 record: 17-5

Stat to know: Purdue is 9-1 in its past 10 home games vs. Indiana.

What’s next: Tuesday at Iowa, 7 p.m., Peacock

Purdue’s dominance at home against Indiana has been a key factor in their rise up the rankings. With a 17-5 record, the Boilermakers are poised to make a strong push in the latter part of the season. Their upcoming game against Iowa will be a crucial test of their abilities.

8. Iowa State Cyclones

Previous ranking: 3

2024-25 record: 17-4

Stat to know: Iowa State is the fourth team over the past 25 seasons to suffer consecutive double-digit losses to unranked opponents while in the AP top 5.

What’s next: Monday at Kansas, 9 p.m., ESPN

Iowa State’s recent struggles have been a cause for concern, as they have suffered consecutive double-digit losses to unranked opponents. Despite these setbacks, the Cyclones remain a talented team with a 17-4 record. Their upcoming game against Kansas will be a critical opportunity to right the ship.

9. Michigan State Spartans

Previous ranking: 7

2024-25 record: 18-3

Stat to know: Michigan State was the only undefeated team in Big Ten play before its loss to USC.

What’s next: Tuesday at UCLA, 10 p.m., Peacock

Michigan State’s loss to USC ended their undefeated streak in Big Ten play, but the Spartans remain a formidable team with an 18-3 record. They will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming game against UCLA, where they hope to regain their winning form.

10. Texas A&M Aggies

Previous ranking: 13

2024-25 record: 17-5

Stat to know: Texas A&M was 11-for-23 on 3-pointers as a team against South Carolina. That’s its second-best percentage in a game this season.

What’s next: Saturday at Missouri, 3:30 p.m., SEC Network

Texas A&M’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc has been a key factor in their success this season. With a 17-5 record, the Aggies are looking to continue their strong play in their upcoming game against Missouri. Fans are eager to see if they can maintain their hot shooting streak.

• Key Matchups to Watch:
• Auburn vs. Oklahoma: Can Auburn extend their win streak?
• Duke at Syracuse: Will Cooper Flagg continue his historic run?
• Alabama at Arkansas: Can Alabama maintain their halftime lead streak?
• Tennessee vs. Missouri: Will Tennessee build on their historic win?
• Houston vs. Oklahoma State: Can Houston bounce back from their home loss?

As we look ahead to Week 13, the college basketball landscape is as exciting and unpredictable as ever. With key matchups on the horizon, fans are in for a thrilling ride as teams jockey for position in the rankings. Stay tuned for more action and drama as the season unfolds.