Kansas Holds Strong at No. 1 as UConn Plummets in AP Poll
What a week it’s been in men’s college basketball! The latest Associated Press Top 25 poll dropped on Monday, and let’s just say it’s got fans buzzing. The Kansas Jayhawks are sitting pretty at No. 1, but the real story is the chaos that unfolded beneath them. From Auburn’s rise to UConn’s shocking tumble, this week’s rankings are a rollercoaster ride of emotions for college hoops fans.
Kansas Stays on Top
Let’s start with the kings of the court: the Kansas Jayhawks. They held off a surging Auburn team to keep their No. 1 spot in the AP poll. Kansas earned 35 of the 61 first-place votes, proving they’re still the team to beat. Rylan Griffen’s highlight-reel plays, like his coast-to-coast steal and slam, are just a glimpse of why this team is so dominant right now. The Jayhawks are showing they can get it done on both ends of the floor, and their consistency is paying off.
Auburn Makes a Statement
Speaking of Auburn, the Tigers are making waves. They climbed two spots to No. 2 after an impressive run to win the Maui Invitational. Auburn snagged the remaining 26 first-place votes, and their performance has fans wondering if they might soon dethrone Kansas. With the Tigers roaring and gaining momentum, the SEC is looking like a powerhouse conference this season.
UConn’s Freefall
Now, let’s talk about the jaw-dropping fall of the two-time reigning national champions, the UConn Huskies. After an 0-3 week at the Maui Invitational, UConn plummeted all the way to No. 25. They barely avoided becoming just the second team in nearly 40 years to drop from No. 2 to unranked in a single week. It’s a stunning turn of events for a program that seemed untouchable not long ago. Huskies fans are undoubtedly hoping this is just a blip on the radar and not a sign of deeper issues.
SEC Dominance
The Southeastern Conference is flexing its muscles in this week’s rankings. Auburn isn’t the only SEC team making noise. No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky both climbed four spots, solidifying the conference’s dominance. With three of the top four teams hailing from the SEC, it’s clear this league is a force to be reckoned with this season.
Top 10 Rundown
Here’s how the rest of the top 10 shakes out:
- No. 5: Marquette
- No. 6: Iowa State
- No. 7: Gonzaga
- No. 8: Purdue
- No. 9: Duke
- No. 10: Alabama
Marquette continues to impress, while perennial powerhouses like Gonzaga, Purdue, and Duke are holding steady. Alabama rounds out the top 10, giving the SEC yet another reason to celebrate.
New Faces in the Rankings
It wasn’t just about the top teams this week. Six new squads entered the rankings, shaking things up even more. No. 12 Oregon leads the pack of newcomers, followed by No. 16 Memphis, No. 18 Pittsburgh, No. 19 Illinois, No. 21 Oklahoma, and No. 24 San Diego State. These teams are making their presence known and could be ones to watch as the season progresses.
Who’s Out?
Of course, with new teams entering the poll, others had to make way. Indiana, Arkansas, Creighton, Xavier, Arizona, and Mississippi State all fell out of the rankings this week. It’s a tough pill to swallow for these programs, but there’s still plenty of time to bounce back.
What’s Next?
As we head deeper into the season, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Kansas hold on to the top spot? Auburn is breathing down their necks, and the SEC as a whole is looking stronger than ever. Meanwhile, UConn will be desperate to right the ship and prove they’re still a contender. One thing’s for sure—this season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
So, basketball fans, buckle up. If this week’s rankings are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. Stay tuned, because the drama is just getting started!
Originally Written by: Associated Press
