Defending NCAA Tournament champion UConn faced a challenging week at the Maui Invitational, where it struggled to secure any wins, ending with a disappointing 0-3 record against three unranked teams. As a result, the Huskies fell 23 spots in the AP Top 25 poll, dropping from No. 2 to No. 25. This marks the team’s second-lowest ranking in nearly two years, since they were last in the 25th position in the initial poll of the 2022-23 season.
Despite the rough week, UConn was able to maintain its presence in the rankings, marking an impressive streak of being included in the top 25 since the start of the previous season. Meanwhile, Auburn took the opportunity to rise to No. 2, with Tennessee, Kentucky, and Marquette also making significant gains in the rankings as UConn’s ranking fell.
Kansas continues to hold its place at the top of the poll for the fifth consecutive week, although its lead has been slightly narrowed due to Auburn’s stellar performance in Hawaii. The Jayhawks received 35 first-place votes this week, down from 51, while Auburn claimed 26.
The latest rankings also saw six new teams entering the top 25: No. 12 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis, No. 18 Pitt, No. 19 Illinois, No. 21 Oklahoma, and No. 24 San Diego State. This significant reshuffling reflects the competitive landscape of college basketball, with the SEC regionally dominating the top positions.
Looking ahead, UConn has the opportunity to redeem itself in upcoming matchups against Baylor and Texas. These games will be critical for the Huskies to bolster their rankings and maintain their presence in the AP Top 25.
Overall, while UConn’s recent performance has been a setback, the college basketball season is still young, and there’s ample opportunity for them to bounce back and reclaim a higher ranking. The current landscape of college basketball remains dynamic, and surprising outcomes are still possible.