Another week, another shake-up at the top of college basketball. Duke has claimed the throne after a hard-fought 68-63 victory over Michigan in Washington, D.C.
The Blue Devils, now sitting at 25-2, have built an impressive resume with wins over powerhouses like Michigan, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, and Michigan State. Their only setbacks have been against Texas Tech and North Carolina.
As March approaches, Duke is eyeing the ACC regular season title, but they’ll need to get past the #11 Virginia Cavaliers next Saturday to keep that dream alive.
Following Duke in the rankings are Arizona, Michigan, Iowa State, and Houston. Arizona made a statement with a significant road win at Houston, knocking the Cougars down a peg in the Big 12 standings. Meanwhile, Iowa State also managed to edge out Houston with a 70-67 win, highlighting just how formidable Houston has been, even in defeat.
Here’s a look at the complete AP poll for Week 17:
Noteworthy Movements:
Miami-OH continues to climb steadily, rising one spot each week since making their poll debut in Week 12, with the exception of Week 15. Critics may point to their lack of Quad 1 wins and nonconference scheduling, but their undefeated record speaks volumes.
Florida has clawed its way back into the top ten after a flawless 2-0 week, showing glimpses of their preseason #3 potential.
Alabama is on a hot streak, winning six straight, including a thrilling double-overtime victory over Arkansas, 117-115. They’re set to face Tennessee this weekend, a team that’s won 9 of their last 11, with both losses coming at the hands of Kentucky.
Saint Louis stumbled against Rhode Island last Tuesday but rebounded with a decisive win over A-10 bubble contender VCU.
Key matchups this week include #15 St. John’s visiting #6 UConn, #3 Michigan traveling to #10 Illinois, and #11 Virginia taking on #1 Duke.
St. John’s is one of the few teams to have beaten UConn this season.
Illinois is looking to bounce back from an upset at UCLA, and Virginia has a shot at stealing the ACC title from Duke with a win at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The college basketball landscape is as thrilling as ever, with every game carrying significant implications as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.