College basketball rankings have placed the Auburn Tigers at the forefront of men’s college basketball.
While Tennessee remains undefeated and has showcased their talent with a notable victory over Illinois, the recent performances of Bruce Pearl’s team cannot be overlooked. Despite a setback at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Auburn’s recent dominance, including a staggering 38-point win over Ohio State and an 87-69 victory against Purdue, solidifies their position at the top of the rankings.
The Tigers, boasting an impressive 11-1 record, have outscored their opponents by an average of over 23 points per game. Leading the charge is Johni Broome, a frontrunner for National Player of the Year. After recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Georgia State, Broome delivered a stellar performance against Purdue, securing his eighth double-double of the season with 23 points and 11 rebounds. His ability to dominate inside, coupled with a strong perimeter game, provides Pearl with a wealth of options.
Auburn’s victory over Purdue exemplifies their depth. Despite Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly struggling from beyond the arc, Denver Jones stepped up, shooting 6-for-10 and contributing 15 points. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford, a dynamic 6-foot-1 guard, also made his mark with 18 points and five assists, showcasing the team’s versatility and depth.
Auburn’s offensive prowess is complemented by a strong defensive strategy, currently ranked 10th by KenPom. This balance is reminiscent of the team’s journey to their first Final Four in 2019. Pearl’s ability to cultivate a competitive program has made Auburn a significant contender once again.
Here are five additional insights from the weekend:
The Buckeyes make a statement!
Ohio State began the season with high expectations, but after a buzzer-beater loss to Pittsburgh and defeats by Auburn and Maryland, doubts emerged about the Jake Diebler era. However, the Buckeyes rebounded impressively, defeating Kentucky 85-65, showcasing their NCAA Tournament potential. This victory marked a significant turnaround, especially given their strong defensive effort against a top-10 Kentucky offense.
Bruce Thornton led the charge with a career-high 30 points, demonstrating his ability to control the game. With contributions from Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw and freshman John Mobley, Ohio State proved they can compete with the best.
North Carolina saved its season with a comeback from 16 down to shock UCLA.
The Tar Heels faced a critical moment, sitting at 6-6 and risking missing the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. However, RJ Davis and Ian Jackson led a thrilling comeback, with Jackson finishing with 24 points. This victory not only boosted their morale but also highlighted their need for a strong finish in the ACC.
Michigan State may be the best team in the Big Ten.
Tom Izzo’s team, unranked at the beginning of the season, has now won five straight games, including a victory over Florida Atlantic. Players like Jeremy Fears and Jaden Akins have stepped up, establishing a strong foundation for a potential NCAA Tournament run.
Cincinnati showed it’s a matchup nightmare poised for a big year in the Big 12.
Cincinnati’s season under Wes Miller has been marked by high expectations, and their recent win over Dayton signals a potential return to the NCAA Tournament. The Bearcats’ strong defensive performance and the contributions from players like Dan Skillings Jr. highlight their readiness to compete at a high level.
Now, let’s take a look at the current Top 25 rankings:
1. Auburn (11-1)
The Tigers will be off until December 30, when they host Monmouth to conclude their non-conference schedule.
2. Tennessee (11-0)
The Vols recently defeated Western Carolina and will face Middle Tennessee on Monday night before wrapping up non-conference play against Norfolk State on New Year’s Eve.
3. Iowa State (10-1)
The Cyclones are set to face 9-2 Colorado on December 30, followed by a matchup against Baylor in January.
4. Duke (10-2)
Duke continues to impress, with key performances from players like Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, and they will host Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve.
5. Alabama (10-2)
The Crimson Tide have secured seven wins in their last eight games and will conclude non-conference play against South Dakota State on December 29.
6. Florida (12-0)
The Gators remain unbeaten, thanks to standout performances from their guards, and will face Stetson before heading to Kentucky.
7. Marquette (11-2)
Marquette continues to thrive, recently winning a close game against Xavier, and will visit Providence on New Year’s Eve.
8. Kansas (9-2)
Kansas finished non-conference play at 9-2 and will begin Big 12 competition against West Virginia on New Year’s Eve.
9. Kentucky (10-2)
Kentucky remains in the top 10 but needs to address their slow starts and three-point shooting struggles.
10. UConn (10-3)
UConn has bounced back, winning six straight games and regaining momentum after a rough start.
11. Oregon (11-1)
12. Oklahoma (12-0)
13. Houston (8-3)
14. Texas A&M (10-2)
15. Michigan State (10-2)
16. Gonzaga (9-3)
17. Cincinnati (10-1)
18. Mississippi State (11-1)
19. Ole Miss (11-1)
20. Maryland (10-2)
21. San Diego State (8-2)
22. Illinois (8-3)
23. Arkansas (10-2)
24. Baylor (7-3)
25. Georgia (11-1)
