AP Top 25 College Basketball Rankings: Week 13 Takeaways



AP Top 25 college basketball rankings, reactions and takeaways from Week 13, including Duke’s absence from the polls for the first time in eight years.


Could there have been a more entertaining weekend for college basketball?

There were numerous upsets, some downright shockers, and a closely-fought Big 12/SEC Challenge to top things off. Between Oklahoma and LSU, Kansas and Kentucky, and an Iowa State-Texas A&M matchup, Saturday was arguably the best day of college hoops so far this season.

As a result, here’s how this week’s rankings have shaped up.


1. Oklahoma (18-2)
2. North Carolina (19-2)

3. Villanova (18-3)
4. Maryland (19-3)

5. Iowa (17-4)

6. Xavier (19-2)
7. Kansas (17-4)
8. Texas A&M (18-3)

9. Virginia (17-4)

10. Michigan State (19-4)

11. Providence (18-4)

12. SMU (19-1)

13. Iowa State (16-5)

14. West Virginia (17-4)

15. Baylor (17-4)

16. Oregon (18-4)

17. Miami (FL) (16-4)

18. Purdue (19-4)

19. Louisville (17-4)

20. Kentucky (16-5)

21. Wichita State (16-5)

22. Indiana (18-4)

23. Arizona (17-5)

24. Dayton (18-3)

25. South Carolina (19-2)


What was the most glaring storyline here?

The Duke Blue Devils are not in the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2007 after falling to Miami and losing four of their last five outings.

First off, you have to tip the cap to Duke for remaining in the polls for eight straight years. If that doesn’t signify the level of success and dominance Coach K has had in his time in Durham, N.C., then nothing does — except maybe the five national titles . But there’s no denying the loss of Amile Jefferson has had a stronger impact on this team than some may have anticipated.

With Jefferson in the lineup, Duke’s defensive efficiency was No. 40 in the nation. Without him, they drop all the way down to No. 150. So, the problem has been identified, now it’s just a matter of fixing it.

With Coach K still behind the wheel, he’ll most likely steer his team in the right direction and out of this rut. But for right now, things aren’t too bright for the Cameron Crazies.

South Carolina and Dayton have found their way back into the polls. The Gamecocks, in particular, are holding their heads high after boasting a 6-2 record in the SEC and standing at second place in the conference. Although, they have yet to face the teeth of their conference slate.

Moving to the west coast, Oregon is up to No. 16 in the nation after snapping Arizona’s 49-game home winning streak. That’s an amazing accomplishment and one the Ducks will have stamped in large, bold font on top of their resume come March.

Arizona, on the other hand, has now dropped back-to-back conference games twice this year. The Wildcats’ road trip to Los Angeles was a nightmare, and now they have consecutive defeats after falling to Cal prior to the Oregon loss.

With a tough game against an underrated Washington Huskies squad coming up, Arizona will need to pull it together if it wants to avoid the same fate as Duke.

With all that being said… Calendar. Sharpie. Go.



Villanova vs Providence, Saturday

If this game is anything like the last matchup between these two schools, we’re in for a treat. A last-second dagger from Ryan Arcidiacono sent last week’s game into overtime, but Providence outlasted the Cats to snap its 22-game conference winning streak.

In the back-and-forth affair, neither team led by more than six points after halftime. It was an all-out battle between two of the nation’s most potent offenses, and it was awesome.

Villanova admittedly focused too much of its efforts on trying to stop Kris Dunn, and it was enough to cost them the game. Expect a Wildcats team with a new game plan and a hunger for revenge.



Purdue vs Maryland, Saturday

While the Terrapins are the undoubted favorite for this matchup, it wouldn’t be wise to sleep on the Boilermakers. Yes, Purdue hasn’t performed to its best ability in big games, but that just means it’s due.

Purdue is in heavy need of a signature victory. After a season sweep by the Iowa Hawkeyes, a poor outing against a mediocre Illinois team, and zero wins over ranked opponents, the Boilers are looking to make a statement. And a win over Maryland would more than suffice.

Purdue has the talent to pull it off, boasting one of the best frontcourts in the country with names like AJ Hammons, Isaac Haas, and Caleb Swanigan. But they need to play better defensively if they’re going to have any shot. In Purdue’s last game against Iowa, it allowed the Hawkeyes to shoot 50 percent from the floor and 55 percent behind the arc.

If it allows the same for Maryland, this game will be a blowout. But don’t expect that kind of underwhelming defensive effort to happen again. The Boilermakers are learning how to perform in big games, and eventually, they are going to show they’re for real and draw more national attention. The question is will that come against the Terps?



Michigan vs Michigan State, Saturday

There may be some people scratching their heads here — understandably so. Why would Michigan, a team with its fair share of struggles this season, stand a chance against a Michigan State squad with Denzel Valentine in the lineup?

One must look past the eye test here to see the true nature of this matchup. First off, it’s a rivalry game. Those are always entertaining, even with lopsided predictions.

But most importantly, the Wolverines are an impressive 7-2 in conference play, with one of those victories coming over Maryland. It’s also crucial to note Caris LeVert, the best player for Michigan, was injured for a six-game conference stretch, but he’s since returned and recovered. 

Michigan State, meanwhile, looks completely rejuvenated after pulling off the thrilling win over Maryland two weeks ago. The Spartans haven’t fallen back to earth since and followed that big performance by demolishing Northwestern and Rutgers.

With both teams in the midst of dominant stretches, it’s fair to expect this will be an exciting battle between two of the best the Big Ten has to offer. The Wolverines aren’t on the same level as Michigan State in terms of pure talent, but there’s no doubt they’ll put up a strong fight on their home floor.

MORE: NCAA Basketball Rankings, Week 13: Power 32