College basketball rankings highlight Kansas, UConn, and Alabama at the top. The excitement of the season is palpable as teams strive to establish their identities early on. The return of college basketball brings a sense of anticipation, and it’s evident that the journey toward March Madness has officially commenced.
High-major programs deserve commendation for stepping up their competition this week. A heartfelt shoutout goes to Kansas and North Carolina for their thrilling home-and-home series, which created an electric atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night. Gonzaga and Baylor also deserve recognition for their opening night clash in Spokane, while Houston and Auburn showcased their prowess in a game that felt like a regional final. Such matchups serve as early benchmarks for teams eager to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
College basketball thrives on relevance during this time of year, and events like Saturday night’s Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 in Houston, featuring ranked teams, are precisely what fans crave. These contests not only energize the fanbase but also provide crucial insights into team dynamics and capabilities.
Before diving into the updated Top 25 rankings, here are three key takeaways from the opening week.
Game of the Year Contender: Auburn’s Historic Win Over Houston
Auburn made headlines by securing its first non-conference victory over a top-four team in program history, triumphing 74-69 against Houston. With just over 15 minutes left in the game at the Toyota Center, the Cougars held a 41-32 advantage. For a team coached by Kelvin Sampson, a nine-point lead often feels much larger due to their formidable defense.
However, Auburn refused to back down. The Tigers shot an impressive 57% in the second half, with freshman Tahaad Pettiford stepping up to score 21 points and dish out three assists. In a thrilling contest marked by 13 lead changes and six ties, Auburn rallied from a 60-59 deficit with just over four minutes remaining. Despite quiet performances from JP Pegues and Denver Jones, Pettiford’s clutch shot-making proved vital for the victory.
Auburn’s resilience was particularly noteworthy considering the chaos that preceded the game. Just a day earlier, a flight incident involving two players led to a last-minute scramble to reach Houston. Despite these challenges, Auburn’s performance solidified its position at the top of the KenPom rankings, showcasing their potential as a formidable contender this season.
In contrast, Houston’s strong showing, despite the loss, highlighted their capabilities. The Cougars’ Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer struggled with shooting, which ultimately affected their performance against a determined Auburn squad.
Auburn’s victory not only marked a historic achievement but also demonstrated their ability to rise above adversity, stealing headlines from other marquee matchups like Kansas versus North Carolina. Pettiford’s transformation from a scoreless outing against Vermont to a game-high performance against Houston speaks volumes about his potential.
North Carolina’s Grit Against Kansas
North Carolina displayed remarkable resilience in their matchup against Kansas, coming back from a significant deficit. When Kansas was up 49-29 with just 90 seconds left in the first half, many assumed the game was over. However, UNC fought back to take an 87-83 lead late in the game, showcasing their tenacity.
Hunter Dickinson, a key player for Kansas, proved his worth by helping secure the win with a strong finish alongside Zeke Mayo. North Carolina’s performance, particularly in the second half, demonstrated their potential and the talent of their guards, even in a narrow loss.
For the Tar Heels, the game served as a valuable learning experience. Despite the defeat, they showcased depth and potential, with Elliot Cadeau stepping up and RJ Davis looking to improve his shooting moving forward.
Baylor’s Tough Scheduling Philosophy
Baylor’s approach to scheduling tough opponents early in the season is commendable. While no team is perfect at this stage, challenging matchups provide invaluable experience. Historical examples, like Villanova’s turnaround after a tough loss, illustrate that early setbacks can lead to success later in the season.
With this context in mind, the updated Top 25 rankings reflect the evolving landscape of college basketball.
1. Kansas Jayhawks (2-0)
Kansas has passed its early tests, with Mayo showcasing his offensive skills, amassing 40 points in two games. The Jayhawks will face Michigan State in the Champions Classic, presenting another opportunity to solidify their ranking.
2. UConn Huskies (2-0)
UConn, the reigning national champions, have dominated their first two games with a combined victory margin of 75 points. Alex Karaban has emerged as a key leader, and freshman Liam McNeeley has made an impressive start to his career.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0)
Alabama has displayed depth with five players scoring in double figures in their recent win over Arkansas State. The team looks poised for a strong season as they prepare to face Purdue, offering a crucial test.
4. Auburn Tigers (2-0)
Auburn’s impressive performance against Houston has propelled them into the spotlight. Their next challenge at the Maui Invitational will test their mettle against Iowa State.
5. Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0)
Gonzaga maintains its position in the rankings after a challenging week, highlighted by a strong win against Baylor and a narrow victory over Arizona State.
6. Houston Cougars (1-1)
Houston’s rankings remain stable after a competitive game against Auburn. J’Wan Roberts provided leadership, while Cryer’s off-night impacted their chances.
7. Duke Blue Devils (2-0)
Duke’s impressive victories have been overshadowed by concerns over freshman Cooper Flagg’s health as they prepare for a significant matchup against Kentucky.
8. Iowa State Cyclones (1-0)
Iowa State’s strong defensive start positions them well for the Maui Invitational, where they will face tough competition.
9. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0)
Tennessee’s commanding win at Louisville showcases their potential, but ball control will be critical moving forward.
10. Arizona Wildcats (2-0)
Arizona’s recent performances, including standout contributions from Tobe Awaka, position them well for their upcoming game against Wisconsin.
11. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-1)
12. Baylor Bears (1-1)
13. Creighton Bluejays (2-0)
14. Purdue Boilermakers (2-0)
15. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0)
16. Cincinnati Bearcats (2-0)
17. Kentucky Wildcats (2-0)
18. Xavier Musketeers (2-0)
19. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0)
20. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
21. Marquette Golden Eagles (2-0)
22. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1)
23. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0)
24. St. John’s Red Storm (2-0)
25. Oregon Ducks (2-0)
