Tennessee has secured its position as the number one team in the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, holding its rank through a relatively uneventful holiday week.
During a week where many ranked teams were inactive, Tennessee maintained its dominance by winning their solo Christmas week game against Middle Tennessee, finishing with a score of 82-64. This victory, combined with their consistent performance, has kept them at the top for the third consecutive week. Tennessee received 41 first-place votes out of a 61-member media panel voting in the poll.
Auburn, ranked second, continued to close in on Tennessee’s lead, gathering 20 first-place votes despite also being inactive. Their steady accumulation of support reflects the competitive nature at the top of the rankings. Iowa State, Duke, and Alabama complete the top five, showcasing the strong talent pool this season.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is particularly strong this season, with Tennessee being one of four undefeated teams in Division I basketball. Notably, Florida and Oklahoma, also part of the SEC, remain unbeaten alongside Drake from the Missouri Valley Conference. Florida’s convincing win over Stetson (85-45) and Oklahoma’s triumph over Prairie View (89-67) reinforce the SEC’s strength, which boasts four teams in the top six.
Not only did Tennessee make headlines, but UCLA also captured attention by climbing seven spots to secure the 15th position after a significant win against Gonzaga. This game marked the first college basketball match at the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. UCLA, led by Eric Dailey Jr.’s 18-point performance, managed to overcome Gonzaga’s late rally, concluding with a narrow 65-62 victory. This result caused Gonzaga to fall five spots to 19th in the rankings.
Meanwhile, the SEC leads the pack among conferences with 10 teams ranked in the Top 25, demonstrating its depth and dominance in the current season. Additionally, the Big Ten and Big 12 have a solid presence with five ranked teams each, while the Big East, Atlantic Coast, West Coast, and American Athletic conferences also maintain representation.
Memphis made its way back into the rankings following a decisive win over Mississippi, who slipped eight places to just hold onto the 24th spot. On the other hand, San Diego State exited the rankings after a tight loss to Utah State, who managed to capture a win with a last-second three-pointer from Tucker Anderson.
As the college basketball season progresses, Tennessee’s firm grip on the number one spot exemplifies their consistent performance amidst a competitive landscape. The SEC’s strong representation in the Top 25 further underscores the conference’s prowess this season. With teams like UCLA rising and others faltering, the rankings continue to evolve, adding excitement to the unfolding basketball narrative.
Source: Local10
