Arizona Sports reports that the Arizona Wildcats have surged from eighth to fifth in the most recent men’s college basketball rankings released by The Associated Press. With a current record of 19-5, the Wildcats have secured a five-game winning streak. This includes a dramatic victory over Utah in a three-overtime showdown and a commanding 20-point win against Colorado. The Wildcats’ ascent in the rankings sees them overtaking teams such as Kansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona team boasts a strong 10-3 record in Pac-12 play, currently leading the conference with a one-game advantage over second-place Washington State. The Cougars are the sole other Pac-12 team receiving votes in the top 25, sitting just five slots below with 82 points.
A pivotal matchup between Washington State and Arizona is set for 10 days from now, following Arizona’s upcoming clash with in-state rival Arizona State this Saturday.
Arizona isn’t the only representative from the state in AP’s radar. Grand Canyon University, with a record of 22-2, is just outside the top 25, holding the 13th spot in terms of receiving votes, garnering 13 points.
Grand Canyon, dominating the WAC with a 12-1 record, stands two games ahead of Tarleton State. They’ve also secured a five-game winning streak, highlighted by a commanding 94-65 victory over Southern Utah this past week.
AP college basketball rankings Feb. 12,2024
| Record | Pts | Prv | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. UConn (45) | 22-2 | 1509 | 1 |
| 2. Purdue (16) | 22-2 | 1480 | 2 |
| 3. Houston | 21-3 | 1386 | 5 |
| 4. Marquette | 18-5 | 1273 | 7 |
| 5. Arizona | 19-5 | 1241 | 8 |
| 6. Kansas | 19-5 | 1227 | 4 |
| 7. North Carolina | 19-5 | 1216 | 3 |
| 8. Tennessee | 17-6 | 1033 | 6 |
| 9. Duke | 18-5 | 1025 | 9 |
| 10. Iowa St. | 18-5 | 969 | 14 |
| 11. South Carolina | 21-3 | 921 | 15 |
| 12. Baylor | 17-6 | 811 | 13 |
| 13. Auburn | 19-5 | 799 | 12 |
| 14. Illinois | 17-6 | 728 | 10 |
| 15. Alabama | 17-7 | 618 | 16 |
| 16. Dayton | 19-4 | 425 | 18 |
| 17. Creighton | 17-7 | 410 | 19 |
| 18. Saint Mary’s | 20-6 | 296 | – |
| 19. BYU | 17-6 | 294 | 21 |
| 20. Wisconsin | 16-8 | 249 | 11 |
| 21. Virginia | 19-5 | 218 | – |
| 22. Kentucky | 16-7 | 217 | 17 |
| 23. Indiana St | 22-3 | 209 | – |
| 24. FAU | 19-5 | 206 | 20 |
| 25. Oklahoma | 18-6 | 178 | – |