There are quite a few changes in this week’s AP men’s basketball top 25 poll, but Houston and Baylor continue to lead the way for Texas programs.
The Cougars and the Bears each climbed one spot this week to No.2 and No.11, respectively, as they aim to close the regular season strong. Both were also among the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s top 16 teams that were revealed on Saturday, but they will get stiff competition from No.6 Iowa State, No.9 Kansas, and others in the Big 12, which features six top-25 teams.
The Big 12 has led all conferences in ranked teams every week, but the SEC has closed the gap and tied things up with the addition of Florida this week.
Florida is one of five new teams in the rankings after Wisconsin, Virginia, Indiana State, Florida Atlantic, and Oklahoma all fell out. Washington State also made its season debut in the top 25, while Texas Tech, Colorado State, and San Diego State have been in and out of the poll all season.
TCU was the only other in-state program to receive votes but not make the top 25.
South Carolina had the most significant drop this week — falling nine spots — while San Diego State’s seven-spot jump was the biggest rise.
Here is this week’s full AP Top 25, roughly a month out from “Selection Sunday.”
1. UConn Huskies (24-2)
2. Houston Cougars (22-3)
3. Purdue Boilermakers (23-3)
4. Arizona Wildcats (20-5)
5. Tennessee Volunteers (19-6)
6. Iowa State Cyclones (20-5)
7. Marquette Golden Eagles (19-6)
8. Duke Blue Devils (20-5)
9. Kansas Jayhawks (20-6)
10. North Carolina Tar Heels (20-6)
11. Baylor Bears (19-6)
12. Illinois Fighting Illini (19-6)
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (18-7)
14. Auburn Tigers (20-6)
15. Creighton Bluejays (19-7)
16. Dayton Flyers (21-4)
17. Kentucky Wildcats (18-7)
18. Saint Mary’s Gaels (21-6)
19. San Diego State Aztecs (20-6)
20. South Carolina Gamecocks (21-5)
21. Washington State Cougars (20-6)
22. Colorado State Rams (20-6)
23. Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-7)
24. Florida Gators (18-7)
25. BYU Cougars (18-7)
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Virginia 103, Gonzaga 99, Wisconsin 88, Michigan State 64, TCU 54, South Florida 45, New Mexico 27, FAU 27, Utah State 22, Grand Canyon 16, Nevada 11, Pittsburgh 4, Clemson 3, Appalachian State 1, McNeese State 1, Drake 1.
