Gonzaga is back in the top 10 of the Associated Press college basketball poll, thanks to a week filled with upsets that shook up the rankings. The Zags made a leap to No. 9 after decisive victories over San Francisco and Pacific, maintaining their lead in the West Coast Conference standings.
With a 27-2 overall record and a 15-1 conference mark, Gonzaga earned 1,039 points from the media panel, surpassing Nebraska, which fell to No. 12, and Illinois, which stayed at No. 10 despite a close overtime loss to UCLA. Illinois was the only top-19 team to hold its position in this chaotic week.
Kansas experienced a significant drop from No. 8 to 14 after a tough home loss to Cincinnati, while Florida surged to No. 7 with impressive wins over SEC opponents.
Duke claimed the No. 1 spot by defeating former leader Michigan, who now sits at third. This marks the 148th time Duke has held the top ranking.
Arizona, under the guidance of former Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd, climbed to second after a solid road win over Houston, which moved down to fifth. Iowa State rose to fourth place.
Duke received 56 first-place votes, with the remaining five going to Arizona.
The bottom half of the top 10 features UConn, Florida, Purdue, Gonzaga, and Illinois. Gonzaga is gearing up to face Portland and Saint Mary’s to close out their regular season. Saint Mary’s, just shy of the top 25, will meet Santa Clara next.
In the NCAA Tournament selection committee's latest reveal, 15 of the top 16 AP-ranked teams were among the top 16 seeds, although six of those teams suffered losses shortly after.
Gonzaga was listed as the 12th overall seed, the lowest on the three line in the West Region. To improve to a two seed, they likely need to win their remaining games before Selection Sunday.
Arizona and Purdue topped the seed list, with Michigan State at four in the West Region. Michigan, Duke, and Iowa State were the other No. 1 seeds.
Gonzaga is ranked No. 5 in the NET, up from No. 6 last week, with Saint Mary’s at No. 25. The top four in the NET are Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Illinois.
Gonzaga’s standout win came against Alabama, ranked No. 21 in the NET and No. 17 in the AP poll. The Crimson Tide, who fell to Gonzaga in Las Vegas, and Arkansas are just outside the top 16 seeds according to the committee.
In KenPom rankings, Gonzaga holds the ninth spot, with a No. 22 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 11 in defensive efficiency. They are also No. 9 in the USA Today coaches’ poll.