Defending NCAA Tournament champions UConn narrowly retained a spot in the AP Top 25 college basketball poll, sliding from No. 2 to No. 25 after an unfortunate 0-3 week at the Maui Invitational. The Huskies fell to three unranked opponents during the tournament but still managed to maintain their ranked streak, having been included in every AP poll since the preseason rankings for the 2022-23 season.
Meanwhile, Auburn benefitted from UConn’s struggles, moving up two spots to claim the No. 2 ranking. Tennessee, Kentucky, and Marquette also climbed into the top five as a result of UConn’s sharp decline. Kansas held on to the No. 1 position for a fifth consecutive week, though it lost some first-place votes to Auburn, who earned 26 votes, bringing Kansas’s total down from 51 to 35.
The past week saw a significant shakeup in the rankings, with 15 ranked teams suffering losses, leading to the entrance of six newcomers: No. 12 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis, No. 18 Pitt, No. 19 Illinois, No. 21 Oklahoma, and No. 24 San Diego State. Of these, only Illinois had been previously ranked this season.
The rankings highlight the SEC’s growing dominance in college basketball. Although the Big 12 boasts the top-ranked team in Kansas, the SEC has four teams in the top 10, including Auburn, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In total, the SEC has eight teams in the top 25, indicating its strength in the current season. Arkansas and Texas missed the rankings narrowly, receiving significant votes from voters.
Despite its recent setbacks, UConn’s experienced roster and opportunities for redemption could reinvigorate the team. Upcoming games against strong opponents like Baylor and Texas present a chance for UConn to improve its standing and re-establish itself as a contender.
This rollercoaster week in college basketball serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and the opportunity for teams to bounce back, exciting fans about what the remainder of the season holds.