No. 6 Florida shocked the college basketball world by taking down top-ranked Auburn on the road in a thrilling showdown that saw the Gators assert their dominance without Alijah Martin. This upset was part of an eventful weekend for AP-ranked teams, with several upsets reshuffling the rankings. Alongside Florida's victory, No. 2 Duke also fell on the road to Clemson, leading to a shift in the rankings.
Despite their home loss, Auburn managed to hold onto the No. 1 spot in the AP poll this week, though their unanimous status among voters took a hit. The Tigers secured 34 first-place votes, narrowly edging out Alabama, which moved up to No. 2 following impressive performances. Meanwhile, Florida's rise to No. 3, tied with Duke, marked a significant climb after their standout win over Auburn.
In the latest rankings, notable movement included St. John’s ascent to No. 9 after a successful week of victories, breaking into the top 10 for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Arizona made a notable jump, climbing seven spots to No. 13, showcasing their strong form with wins over quality opponents.
The SEC landscape continues to evolve, with teams like Tennessee and Florida rebounding strongly from previous setbacks. Tennessee impressed with wins over Missouri and Oklahoma, demonstrating their resilience in the competitive conference. Florida’s triumph over Auburn on the road highlighted their resurgence, securing their highest ranking since the 2013-14 season, when they reached No. 1.
In the broader AP Top 25, the rankings were met with some surprising outcomes. Arizona emerged as one of the hottest teams in college basketball, riding a 13-1 stretch after a slow start to the season. Coach Tommy Lloyd's strategic rotations and defensive prowess have propelled the Wildcats to success, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
Creighton also made waves by reentering the top 25 for the first time since the early weeks of the season. The Bluejays' nine-game win streak has put them in contention for the Big East title, led by standout players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth. Their efficient offense and disciplined defense have garnered attention, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup against St. John’s.
As the college basketball season unfolds, these rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the sport, where upsets and breakthrough performances shape the landscape. With top teams facing challenges and emerging contenders making their mark, the competitiveness of the NCAA men's basketball continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.
In a season filled with surprises and standout performances, the AP Top 25 rankings serve as a barometer of the shifting tides in college basketball, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and intense competition as teams vie for postseason success.
