Following a stacked week of video games full of upsets and assertion victories, this week’s Related Press Prime 25 males’s basketball ballot, launched on Monday, seems a lot totally different.
Listed below are 5 takeaways from the ballot:
Prime two unchanged; Duke’s Cooper Flagg makes extra historical past
Though Auburn (20-1, 8-0 SEC) and Duke (19-2, 11-0 ACC) keep put on the high of the rankings, the Blue Devils’ freshman continues to showcase his skills.
In a uncommon blowout over in-state rival North Carolina, 87-70, on Saturday, Flagg reached 250 factors, 75 rebounds and 50 assists in ACC play in his eleventh recreation. That’s the fewest quantity of video games it has taken a participant to succeed in these milestones in Division I within the final 25 years.
Duke’s 15-game profitable streak ought to get examined this week, although, with street video games at Syracuse and Clemson. Whereas the Orange (10-12, 4-7 ACC) have struggled, the Tigers (18-4, 10-1 ACC) are second to Duke within the ACC standings and pose one of many greatest remaining exams for the Blue Devils.
Previous to the win over the Tar Heels, Duke performed from behind and struggled to attain in opposition to Wake Forest and NC State. That’s one thing to keep watch over because the season progresses.
Tennessee strikes up 4 spots after avenging earlier loss to Florida
Again on Jan. 7, the Volunteers — ranked No. 1 on the time — suffered a 30-point beatdown by the Gators. On Saturday, Tennessee (18-4, 5-4 SEC), up 4 spots to No. 4, returned the favor with a 64-44 win, which was its largest win in opposition to an AP top-five opponent in program historical past.
The win was much more spectacular, given senior guard Zakai Zeigler (proper knee) and senior ahead Igor Milicic Jr. (flu-like signs) didn’t play. Based on NCAA.com, Tennessee’s protection (58.6 PPG) is third within the nation. Its defensive effectivity goes to be essential to its success as March approaches.
Texas Tech climbs 9 spots after large street win
It’s exhausting to make the argument that any group had a greater week than the Crimson Raiders. Texas Tech (17-4, 8-2 Massive 12), up 9 spots to No. 13, handed Houston its first convention lack of the season and snapped the Cougars’ 33-game dwelling profitable streak, which was the longest energetic on the time in Division I.
It was the primary time Texas Tech received a street recreation in opposition to an AP high 10 opponent since 2022. Within the win over Houston, the Crimson Raiders hit 12 threes and made 24 of their 34 free-throw makes an attempt. Trailing solely Houston and Arizona within the Massive 12 standings, Texas Tech might be the group to beat within the convention, particularly if it may maintain attending to the foul line and changing because it did in opposition to the Cougars.
Kansas drops 5 spots following beautiful second-half collapse
The Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Massive 12), down 5 spots to No. 16, have misplaced two of their final three after a traditionally dangerous second half on Saturday. Kansas led by as many as 21 factors earlier than being outscored 60-30 after the half in opposition to Baylor. That was essentially the most factors Kansas has allowed and the worst level differential in a half within the Invoice Self period. It was additionally the largest blown lead in a loss in program historical past.
Kansas was solely 6-of-22 from deep and misplaced the rebounding benefit, 40-27. The Jayhawks are in an unfamiliar place at this level within the season. If these areas don’t enhance, it could not get a lot better for the “blue blood” program that began the season because the No. 1 group.
Maryland enters the ballot after current surge
For the primary time since 2023, the Terrapins (17-5, 7-4 Massive Ten) are ranked. Following a 76-68 win over then-No. 17 Wisconsin — its second over a ranked group within the final 4 video games — Maryland has now received 4 straight.
Within the win over the Badgers, Maryland was 12-of-24 from deep. With 5 gamers averaging double-figure scoring, the Terrapins have the potential to be critical contenders within the Massive Ten assuming the effectivity from long-range continues.
