Duke Tops AP Men’s Poll for Record 148th Time; Florida, Alabama Climb
Duke University’s men’s basketball team has taken the top spot in the Associated Press poll for the 148th time, setting a new record in the sport. Their recent victory over Michigan, which ended 68-63, allowed the Blue Devils to leap from third to first in the rankings. The game featured two of the top contenders ahead of March Madness, significantly influencing their standings.
Duke’s Performance and Rankings
Currently sporting a record of 25 wins and 2 losses, Duke claimed 56 out of 61 first-place votes. This remarkable performance not only returned them to the top for a second consecutive season but also highlighted their achievements under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer. The team boasts 12 Quadrant 1 victories and has beaten nine ranked teams this season.
Top Teams in the Poll
- 1. Duke (25-2): 148th week at No. 1
- 2. Arizona: Up two spots after victories against BYU and Houston
- 3. Michigan (25-2): Dropped from No. 1 after a brief stay
- 4. Iowa State: Moved up despite a recent loss
- 5. Houston: Tied with Iowa State in the rankings
- 6. UConn: Fell one position after a loss to Creighton
- 7. Florida: Climbed five positions with a strong winning streak
- 8. Purdue: Continues to hold a top 10 spot
- 9. Gonzaga: Maintaining their ranking
- 10. Illinois: Rounding out the top 10
Florida’s impressive resurgence saw them climb to No. 7, the first time they have been in the top 10 since late November. The Gators have now won seven games in a row and 12 out of their last 13 contests.
Selection Committee Insights
The NCAA selection committee recently released its preliminary top 16 seeds for March Madness, which largely aligns with the AP rankings. Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State were each designated as No. 1 seeds, signaling a strong consensus on their performance so far this season.
Key Observations from This Week
- Alabama experienced the most significant rise, climbing eight spots after strong performances against Arkansas and LSU.
- Tennessee returned to the rankings at No. 22 following a four-game winning streak.
- Vanderbilt experienced a sharp decline, falling six spots after consecutive losses, bringing their record to 5-6 since a hot start.
Conferences such as the Big 12 led with six ranked teams while the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference each had five. The Atlantic Coast Conference followed with four ranked teams.
This week’s polling reflects fluctuating dynamics and intense competition, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
