Upsets Shake AP Top 25 as College Basketball Season Heats Up

By 5h ago

The teams that made up last Monday’s AP Top 25 combined for 22 losses over the ensuing week, signaling a turbulent period in college basketball. While such upsets often indicate parity, this season appears to have a distinct elite tier at the top, despite injuries narrowing the gap. The ACC remains dominant, but other high-major conference races are shaping up to be highly competitive.

One standout moment came from freshman guard Pettiford, who delivered a crucial floater in Clemson’s 70-68 win at Georgia. Pettiford, a lefty, has shown remarkable versatility by making 6 of 8 right-handed floaters this season. His performance has been pivotal in the absence of forward Johni Broome, a Wooden Award candidate. Clemson went 2-0 this week without Broome, with Pettiford averaging 18 points in those games.

West Virginia capitalized on the absence of Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, who leads the Cyclones with a 44.3 percent 3-point shooting rate, in their 64-57 win. Iowa State struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 1 of 17, and had its highest turnover rate of the season. Coach T.J. Otzelberger confirmed Momcilovic is expected to miss four to six weeks due to a hand injury, potentially impacting Iowa State’s Big 12 title hopes.

Alabama’s Mark Sears continues to shine, boasting a nearly 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in SEC games. In a recent game, he recorded 24 points, nine assists, and just one turnover. His experience and understanding of Alabama’s system have made him a key player, capable of making extraordinary passes under pressure.

Tennessee’s defensive rebounding struggles have been a concern, with opponents grabbing 41.4 percent of their misses in the Vols’ four worst defensive games this season. This issue was evident in their recent 76-75 loss to Vanderbilt. Tennessee ranks 202nd nationally in defensive rebounding rate, a weakness that could hinder their performance in upcoming games against strong offensive rebounding teams like Auburn.

Houston narrowly escaped with a 69-68 win over UCF, thanks to a last-second play executed perfectly. Despite UCF’s late-game heroics, Houston’s defense held firm, deflecting the final inbounds pass to secure the victory. The Cougars now lead the nation in Bart Torvik’s rankings, edging out Auburn.

Michigan State remains the only unbeaten team in Big Ten play, boasting the top offensive and defensive efficiency in the conference. Their recent win over Illinois showcased their defensive adaptability, as they adjusted to counter the Illini’s ball-screen plays in the final seconds.

Mississippi State’s smart game plan against Ole Miss’s side defense highlighted their execution and adaptability. By exploiting Ole Miss’s defensive switches and cuts, the Bulldogs secured a significant win, scoring 1.14 points per possession against one of the nation’s top defenses.

Missouri’s turnaround from an 0-18 SEC record last season to a 4-1 start this year is one of the most remarkable stories in college basketball. With wins over strong opponents, the Tigers are trending toward an NCAA Tournament bid, a rare feat for a team that went winless in conference play the previous season.

Louisville’s resurgence under coach Pat Kelsey has been impressive, with the Cardinals winning eight straight games. Their ability to set up sharpshooter Ryne Smith for open 3-pointers has been a key factor in their success. Smith is averaging 4.1 made 3s per game during this streak, helping Louisville reestablish itself as a contender in the ACC.

As the season progresses, the AP Top 25 continues to fluctuate, with teams like Auburn, Duke, and Houston solidifying their positions while others struggle to maintain consistency. The coming weeks promise more drama and excitement as conference races heat up and the NCAA Tournament picture begins to take shape.