Auburn's victory over Alabama solidified their hold on the No. 1 spot in The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll for the sixth consecutive week. The Tigers, with a record of 23-2, received 59 out of 60 first-place votes in the latest poll, reaffirming their dominance in the rankings.
Following a brief setback with a loss to Florida on February 8, Auburn managed to retain the top spot in the poll despite facing stiff competition from other top teams like Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. However, their recent win against Alabama in a highly anticipated 1-vs.-2 matchup helped them maintain their position at the summit.
Florida climbed to the second spot in the rankings, edging out Duke, who now sits at third. Alabama dropped to fourth place, with Houston, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and St. John's rounding out the top 10.
Michigan made the biggest leap in the rankings, moving up eight spots to claim the 12th position after a series of impressive victories. Missouri, Wisconsin, Clemson, and Maryland also saw significant upward movement in the rankings.
On the other hand, Memphis experienced the most significant drop, falling eight spots to 22nd place after a tough overtime loss. Purdue, Arizona, Kansas, and Mississippi were among the other teams that slid down in the rankings.
Louisville made a return to the poll at 25th place, marking their second appearance this season. The team's success under first-year coach Pat Kelsey has been noteworthy, with the Cardinals boasting a strong record.
The Southeastern Conference led the way with nine teams in the rankings, showcasing its depth and competitiveness. The Big 12 and Big Ten each had five teams represented, with the Big 12 having three teams in the top 10.
Overall, the latest AP Top 25 poll reflects the intense competition and shifting dynamics in men's college basketball, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
