Historic Achievement for Arizona Wildcats
In a historic achievement for Arizona, the Wildcats have attained the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll unanimously for the first time ever. Garnering all 61 votes in the latest poll, they maintain an impeccable 18-0 record after winning both their games last week.
Impact of Iowa State’s Setbacks
This milestone follows Iowa State’s setbacks, which resulted in their fall from grace after previously receiving a first-place vote. The Cyclones, who entered the week without a loss, plummeted from their No. 2 position to No. 9 after suffering two defeats against unranked teams.
Wildcats’ Streak and Rankings
Holding onto the top spot for an impressive six consecutive weeks—its longest streak since a run of eight weeks during the 2013-14 season when they started 21-0—the Wildcats now stand alongside UConn, Michigan, Purdue, and Duke in the top five. Meanwhile, Nebraska, ranked No. 7, also remains unbeaten at 18-0, climbing to its highest position in the poll’s history after securing two more wins last week.
Notable Comebacks and Rankings
Additionally, Saint Louis made a notable comeback, entering the poll at No. 24 for the first time since 2021. The Billikens’ success is highlighted by an 11-game winning streak. Similarly, Miami (Ohio) has returned to the rankings at No. 25 after a long absence, marked by significant victories including a thrilling overtime win against Buffalo, clinched by Pete Suder’s last-second three-pointer.
Movement in the Rankings
On the movement front, Clemson experienced the most significant rise among teams already in the rankings, jumping four spots to No. 18 following solid performances against Boston College and Miami. Texas Tech also improved, climbing to No. 12 after victories over Utah and former top 11 opponent BYU. Conversely, North Carolina suffered the largest decline, falling eight places after losing to both Bay Area schools. Iowa State and Vanderbilt also faced challenges, dropping notably after their previously undefeated streaks came to an end.
Return of Kansas and Conference Rankings
This week’s poll saw the return of Kansas at No. 19, following their decisive win over Iowa State and an 18-point victory against Baylor. The Jayhawks’ re-entry boosts the Big 12 Conference to an impressive total of six ranked teams, leading all conferences, while five teams each in the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten, and ACC follow behind. Meanwhile, both Tennessee and Utah State have dropped out of the rankings due to recent losses, with Seton Hall also being eliminated after failing to secure any votes this week.
Stay Updated
As teams continue to battle for ranking positions, updates and alerts on the AP Top 25 can be tracked through the AP News mobile app, ensuring fans stay connected to the unfolding college basketball season.
