Mon Jan 20 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## College Basketball Upsets Rock the Rankings in January Chaos

**FOX Sports** – January’s college basketball landscape has proven far more volatile than anticipated, with a flurry of upsets shaking up the rankings and leaving many pundits scrambling to adjust their predictions. This past week alone saw 18 teams from a prominent Top 25 ranking suffer defeat. While some powerhouses like Auburn and Duke remained undefeated, the chaos underscored the unpredictability of the season.

Several notable upsets highlighted the week’s action: Minnesota’s last-second victory over Michigan, Xavier’s stunning triumph over Marquette, West Virginia’s upset of No. 2 Iowa State, and Vanderbilt’s defeat of Tennessee all defied expectations.

Despite the widespread upsets, Auburn and Duke emerged unscathed. Auburn, playing without injured center Johni Broome, secured wins over Mississippi State and Georgia, fueled by the impressive performances of freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford. Meanwhile, Duke extended its winning streak to 12 games with a dominant victory over Boston College, spearheaded by Cooper Flagg’s consistent scoring prowess and Tyrese Proctor’s resurgence. Duke’s recent success has propelled them to the top of the KenPom rankings.

Despite Iowa State’s loss to West Virginia, their earlier victory over Kansas keeps them in contention. Alabama, while suffering a home loss to Ole Miss, rebounded with a win over Kentucky, maintaining their spot among the top five. Houston’s continued success under Kelvin Sampson, highlighted by their win over UCF, solidified their status. Florida also maintained a high ranking despite a loss to Missouri. Tennessee, despite a loss to Vanderbilt, remains a strong contender, although their bench performance remains a concern. Kentucky’s defense, having conceded over 100 points twice recently, needs improvement. Michigan State, currently on an 11-game win streak, continues to dominate the Big Ten. Marquette, despite their early season success, fell victim to Xavier’s upset, showcasing the tight competition in the Big East.

The author’s updated Top 25 ranking reflects these changes, with Auburn and Duke maintaining their positions near the top. The coming weeks promise more exciting matchups, including critical games between Auburn and Tennessee, and Houston’s upcoming clashes with Utah and Kansas. The unpredictable nature of this season underscores the thrill of college basketball, highlighting the need for fans to enjoy the “January chaos” alongside the anticipated “March Madness.”

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