Kansas Tightens No. 1 Spot in AP Top 25; College Basketball Landscape Shifts
In the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, Kansas solidified its position at No. 1, receiving 49 out of 61 first-place votes. Following closely behind is UConn at No. 2 with seven first-place votes, while Gonzaga and Auburn secured the third and fourth spots, respectively. Iowa State climbed two ranks to round out the top five.
The week saw significant movement within the top 10, initiated by No. 8 Alabama’s 87-78 defeat to No. 6 Purdue, resulting in a six-spot dive for the Crimson Tide and a seven-spot rise for the Boilermakers. Other upsets included No. 12 Duke, which fell to No. 9 Kentucky, dropping six places, while Arizona suffered a major setback, tumbling eight spots after a loss to No. 19 Wisconsin.
Kansas showcased its dominance early in the season with victories over North Carolina, Michigan State, and Oakland. UConn cruised past Le Moyne with a commanding 90-49 victory, while Gonzaga and Auburn also secured decisive wins. Iowa State continued to impress with a convincing 26-point win against Kansas City.
Wisconsin emerged as a surprise contender, making waves after a standout victory over Arizona, capped by John Tonje’s impressive 41-point performance. Coach Greg Gard’s squad, initially underestimated for the season, is showing promise after reloading via the transfer portal.
In the rankings, Illinois joined Wisconsin as the only newcomers, while Ole Miss and Ohio State fell out of the top 25. The Southeastern Conference leads with seven ranked teams, followed by the Big 12 and Big Ten. As the season progresses, the competition intensifies, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next round of games.
Source
Photo credit aldailynews.com