Duke is No 1 in AP Poll After Beating Michigan

Duke is now ranked No 1 in the AP Poll, taking the top spot from Michigan. This is Duke's 148th time at No 1.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Overview

Duke has reclaimed the No. 1 position in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll. This shift in ranking is a direct consequence of their recent victory over Michigan. The latest poll reflects movement among several teams, with significant climbs and slides impacting the top 25.

Details of the Ranking Shift

Duke's ascent to the No. 1 spot marks their 148th time at the top of the AP poll, setting a new record. This familiar position was secured following their head-to-head win against Michigan. The Blue Devils' victory propelled them over the Wolverines, who now sit at No. 3 in the rankings after their second loss of the season.

Other notable movements in the poll include:

  • Florida and Alabama made significant leaps in their rankings.

  • Tennessee moved into the rankings, replacing Wisconsin, which fell out of the top 25 at No. 24 after a loss to Ohio State.

  • Kansas, ranked No. 14, experienced one of the biggest drops, sliding six spots, similar to Vanderbilt.

  • Saint Louis tumbled five spots to No. 23 after a loss to Rhode Island concluded an 18-game winning streak.

  • Illinois and Arkansas (ranked No. 20) were the only teams to maintain their positions from the previous week.

  • UConn dropped to No. 6 following a home loss to Creighton.

  • In total, 11 teams moved up in the rankings compared to the prior week, while 11 teams fell but remained within the top 25.

Context of the Poll

The Associated Press poll is a widely recognized ranking system in men's college basketball. Rankings are determined by votes cast by sports writers and broadcasters. First-place votes are awarded 25 points, with subsequent rankings receiving fewer points down to one point for the 25th-place team. This poll's data includes results through Sunday.

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Expert Insights

The competitive nature of college basketball often leads to frequent shifts in rankings. A direct win against a highly-ranked opponent, such as Duke's victory over Michigan, is a substantial factor in voters' decisions. The movement of teams like Florida and Alabama suggests a dynamic field where strong performances can lead to rapid advancement. Conversely, losses, particularly against unranked opponents or in crucial matchups, can result in considerable drops, as seen with Saint Louis and Kansas.

Conclusion and Implications

Duke's return to the No. 1 ranking underscores their strong performance and the impact of significant wins. The poll illustrates the fluidity of the top collegiate teams, with multiple teams experiencing upward or downward mobility. The standings for the week ahead will likely depend on upcoming matchups and potential upsets within the top 25.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Duke ranked No 1 in the latest AP Men's Basketball Poll?
Duke is now ranked No 1 after they beat Michigan. This win helped them move up in the poll. This is the 148th time Duke has been ranked No 1.
Q: Where did Michigan rank after losing to Duke?
Michigan is now ranked No 3 in the AP Poll. This is after they lost to Duke. It was their second loss this season.
Q: Which other teams moved up or down in the AP Poll?
Florida and Alabama moved up in the rankings. Kansas dropped six spots to No 14. Saint Louis fell five spots to No 23 after losing to Rhode Island.
Q: Did any teams enter or leave the top 25 in the AP Poll?
Yes, Tennessee entered the top 25. Wisconsin fell out of the top 25, now ranked No 24, after losing to Ohio State.
Q: Which teams stayed in the same spot in the AP Poll?
Illinois and Arkansas were the only teams that did not move. They are both still ranked in the top 25.