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Arizona State Nears Top 25 in AP College Basketball Rankings

2024-12-09

The Arizona State men's basketball team has recently seen a relatively light schedule. However, despite only playing one game in the past week, the Sun Devils have continued to ascend in the rankings. As of Monday's update of The Associated Press rankings, ASU holds 143 points and is the second team outside the top 25. Just a week prior, they were the fifth team out of the rankings. Additionally, ASU is ranked 30th in the USA Today Coaches poll and 34th in the NET ratings, which are considered at the end of the season for NCAA Tournament seeding.

ASU's Recent Win and Player Performances

In their most recent game on Tuesday, ASU recorded a convincing 90 - 53 win against San Diego, improving their record to 8 - 1. Freshman Joson Sanon came off the bench to score 19 points, while forward Basheer Jihad added another 19. Freshman big man Jayden Quaintance also had a solid game, recording 10 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.The team's recent success is a testament to the talent and potential of the players. Their performances on the court have been a key factor in ASU's rise in the rankings.

Upcoming Game Against No. 9 Florida

ASU's next challenge is a showdown against No. 9 Florida on Saturday. This game will be a crucial test for the Sun Devils as they look to continue their upward trajectory. Florida has a strong record and is a highly ranked team, making this matchup one to watch.The team will need to bring their best game and play with confidence to have a chance of coming out on top. A win against Florida could further boost their rankings and solidify their position in the college basketball landscape.

AP Top 25 Men's Basketball Rankings

In the AP Top 25 rankings, Tennessee has taken the top spot after a massive shakeup. The Vols received 58 first-place votes and climbed two spots from last week. Auburn remains in second place with three first-place votes, while Iowa State climbed three places to third. Duke rounds out the top five.Overall, 14 ranked teams lost last week, including six teams in the top 10. This shows the volatility of the college basketball rankings and the importance of each game. ASU's performance has been impressive, and they will look to build on it in the coming weeks.

USA Today Coaches Top 25 Rankings

In the USA Today Coaches poll, Tennessee also holds the top spot with 770 points. Auburn and Iowa State follow in second and third place, respectively. The rankings reflect the competitive nature of college basketball and the constant battle for supremacy.ASU's position in both polls highlights their growing stature in the sport. They will continue to strive for excellence and aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

In this week's AP Poll, Purdue men's basketball faced a minor setback as they slipped 3 spots to land at 11th in the nation. Their recent week was a 1-1 affair, with a loss at Penn State followed by a victory over Maryland at home. This dip in the rankings showcases the competitive nature of college basketball. If we look beyond the top 25 in terms of votes received, Penn State would be ranked 30th and Maryland 37th. Purdue continues to hold the top spot among Big Ten teams, outperforming Oregon by one slot and Michigan by three. Other Big Ten teams making an appearance in the rankings are Wisconsin at 20th, Michigan State at 21st, and UCLA at 24th. Alongside Penn State and Maryland, Illinois and Indiana are also receiving votes, indicating their potential. This week, Purdue has a single game against #17 Texas A&M in the Indy Classic. Just a week later, they will travel to Alabama to take on the current #2 Auburn. These upcoming matchups will be crucial for Purdue as they strive to maintain their standing in the college basketball landscape. The team's performance in these games will likely have a significant impact on their future rankings and the Big Ten's overall standing.

Purdue's Basketball Journey - From Poll Slump to Big Games Ahead

Purdue's Poll Performance

Purdue's recent dip in the AP Poll to 11th place after a 1-1 week is a reminder of the volatility in college basketball rankings. Losing at Penn State and then winning against Maryland at home shows the team's ability to bounce back but also highlights the challenges they face against tough opponents. Their position as the best-ranked Big Ten team, ahead of Oregon and Michigan, showcases their strength within the conference.

Looking beyond the top 25, Penn State and Maryland's lower rankings based on votes received indicate the importance of consistent performance. Illinois and Indiana's inclusion in the votes-received category also adds to the competitive spirit within the Big Ten.

Upcoming Games and Challenges

This week's game against #17 Texas A&M in the Indy Classic presents a significant test for Purdue. Facing a ranked opponent will require the team to bring their A-game and showcase their skills on the court. One week later, traveling to Alabama to take on #2 Auburn will be an even tougher challenge.

The road ahead for Purdue is filled with tough opponents and high-stakes games. Each matchup will be an opportunity for the team to prove their worth and continue to climb the rankings. The Big Ten's standing in the college basketball world will also be influenced by Purdue's performance in these games.

Kansas men's basketball has faced a significant setback in the latest AP Poll. Once at the top, they have now dropped to the No. 10 spot after consecutive losses to Creighton and Missouri. This has raised questions about their early-season dominance.

Kansas Basketball's Journey from No. 1 to No. 10

Kansas' Early-Season Dominance and Its Downfall

The Jayhawks started the week with a narrow defeat against Creighton. Defensive lapses and turnovers became their Achilles' heel, enabling the Bluejays to claim a significant victory. It was a wake-up call for the team, showing that they couldn't afford to be complacent.Later in the week, the in-state rival Missouri presented a fiery challenge. The physical and emotionally charged matchup at home resulted in a Missouri win, further denting Kansas' standing. These losses have had a profound impact on their AP Poll position.

Analysis of Kansas' Defensive Lapses

The defensive issues that plagued Kansas during these losses are a cause for concern. Turnovers, which led to easy scoring opportunities for the opposing teams, were a recurring problem. It's clear that the team needs to address these weaknesses and improve their defensive discipline.Coaching strategies also need to be reevaluated to ensure that the players are better prepared to handle different opponents and game situations. Without a solid defense, it will be difficult for Kansas to regain their former glory.

Impact on the Team's Morale and Future Prospects

The consecutive losses have taken a toll on the team's morale. Players who were once confident and dominant are now facing doubts and setbacks. Rebuilding their confidence will be crucial as they look to bounce back and improve their performance.However, it's not all doom and gloom. Kansas still has a talented roster and a chance to turn things around. The team needs to learn from these experiences and use them as motivation to work harder and improve.In conclusion, Kansas men's basketball is facing a challenging period, but with the right adjustments and a renewed focus, they have the potential to regain their status as a top-tier team.