The latest Associated Press men's college basketball poll has been released, and while Arizona remains the top-ranked team, Michigan is closing the gap. The Wildcats have held the number one spot for three consecutive weeks, but the Wolverines are gaining momentum, receiving 19 first-place votes and narrowing the point difference to just 20.
Arizona's dominant defensive performance against San Diego, resulting in a 68-45 win, and their 92-62 rout of Abilene Christian, have contributed to their continued success. The Wildcats have won their last six games by at least 20 points, a streak that has not been seen since the 1942-43 season. This impressive run has solidified their position at the top of the rankings, but Michigan is hot on their heels.
Michigan's Rise to Prominence
The Wolverines have been on a tear, with their 102-50 win over La Salle being their fifth game in six where they scored over 100 points. This level of offense, combined with their stifling defense, has resulted in eight consecutive wins by 15 points or more. Michigan's impressive performance has earned them 19 first-place votes, a significant increase from last week, and has them poised to potentially overtake Arizona in the near future.
Notable Moves in the Rankings
No. 13 Nebraska has continued their ascent, moving up two spots to achieve their highest ranking since the 1991-92 season. Meanwhile, No. 15 Texas Tech made the largest jump, rising four spots after their thrilling comeback victory over Duke. The Red Raiders' 82-81 win ended the Blue Devils' unbeaten start to the season and dropped them three places to No. 6.
On the other hand, No. 16 Louisville experienced the biggest fall, dropping five spots after losses to Tennessee and a blowout win over Montana. No. 18 Arkansas also fell four places following a 94-85 loss to Houston. These significant changes in the rankings reflect the competitive nature of college basketball and the constant shifting of power among teams.
The rankings are a testament to the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, where teams can quickly rise or fall based on their performance. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these teams adapt and respond to the challenges ahead.
New Additions and Departures
No. 24 USC has re-entered the rankings for the second time this season, following convincing wins over UTSA and UC Santa Cruz. No. 25 Iowa, with a 10-2 record, has also joined the rankings for the first time since early in the 2022-23 season, marking their best start since 2020. Conversely, Auburn dropped out of the rankings from No. 21 after being blown out by Purdue, while St. John's fell out from No. 22 following a 78-66 loss to Kentucky.
Conference Breakdown
As the college basketball season continues to unfold, these conference dynamics will play a significant role in shaping the rankings and ultimately determining the top teams. With Michigan closing in on Arizona and other teams making significant moves, the competition is heating up, and fans can expect an exciting remainder of the season.
The next AP Top 25 poll will be released on January 5, and it will be interesting to see how the rankings change after the holiday break. Will Arizona maintain their top spot, or will Michigan overtake them? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the world of college basketball will be watching with bated breath.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
