Mon Jan 20 18:50:00 UTC 2025: **Auburn Holds Onto No. 1 Spot in AP Poll After Wild Week of Upsets**

**BIRMINGHAM, AL -** The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll released Monday reflects a dramatic shakeup after a week of stunning upsets. Auburn, despite playing without injured center Johni Broome, remains at the top, holding onto the No. 1 ranking unanimously. The Tigers secured two wins, including a nail-biting 70-68 victory over Georgia, where a missed inbound pass in the final seconds prevented the Bulldogs from forcing overtime.

Nineteen ranked teams suffered at least one loss last week, including seven from the top 10, creating significant movement in the rankings. While Auburn held firm at the top, several teams experienced dramatic shifts. Duke moved to No. 2, swapping places with Iowa State (No. 3). Alabama and Florida round out the top five despite recent losses. Only Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee retained their previous week’s rankings.

Several teams made significant jumps, including Michigan State (No. 8), Missouri (No. 22), and Purdue (No. 11), who all climbed multiple spots. Louisville’s resurgence, with eight straight wins after a three-game skid, earned them a No. 25 ranking— their first in four years. St. John’s, also back in the rankings at No. 20, boasts their highest ranking since 2014.

Conversely, several teams experienced declines. Memphis dropped six places after losses, while UConn fell five spots after losing their 28-game home winning streak. Gonzaga, Baylor, Utah State, and Georgia all fell out of the rankings completely after suffering multiple losses.

The SEC boasts eight ranked teams, including five in the top 10, followed by the Big Ten with six. The shakeup underscores the competitiveness of college basketball, with upsets and close calls defining the week.

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