Florida Atlantic University’s Basketball Team Makes a Statement in AP Top 25 Rankings

Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team has made a significant impact on the college basketball scene, as they have climbed to the seventh position in the Associated Press (AP) men’s college basketball poll. This marks the highest ranking in the program’s history, surpassing their previous best of No. 10 in the preseason poll.

The Owls’ impressive performance can be attributed to their recent double-overtime victory against No. 4 Arizona. This win has not only boosted their ranking but also demonstrated their ability to compete against top-tier teams. Coach Dusty May expressed his excitement about the challenge and the importance of these games in elevating the program even further.

Purdue University has maintained its top ranking for the second consecutive week, receiving 46 first-place votes from a 60-person media panel. Kansas and Houston secured the second and third positions, respectively, with five and nine first-place votes, respectively. Arizona and UConn rounded out the top five.

Florida Atlantic’s success is noteworthy, as they made significant waves last season by earning their first-ever ranking in the AP Top 25 during the regular season. Their magical run in the NCAA Tournament, which saw them narrowly miss a shot at the national championship game, has further solidified their position as a formidable team.

The Owls have returned nearly their entire roster from last season, which has contributed to their continued success. Despite facing some unexpected setbacks, such as an early home loss to Bryant and a seven-point defeat to Illinois at Madison Square Garden, the team has shown resilience and determination.

Their recent victory over Arizona, one of the best games of the season so far, showcased their grit and ability to compete at a high level. Johnell Davis, who scored 35 points in the game, played a crucial role in securing the win.

Florida Atlantic’s impressive rise in the rankings is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The team has proven that their strong performance last season was not a fluke and that they are capable of making another deep run in the tournament.

In addition to Florida Atlantic’s rise, other notable changes in the AP Top 25 rankings include Duke climbing five places after beating Baylor, and Memphis moving up four places following wins over Virginia and Vanderbilt. On the other hand, Creighton experienced a significant drop of 10 places after losing to Villanova in overtime, and Oklahoma fell five places after losing to North Carolina by 12 points.

The Big 12 conference continues to dominate the rankings, with six teams making it to the list. The Big East follows closely with four teams, while the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC each have three representatives. The American Athletic Conference has two ranked teams, while the Pac-12, West Coast, Mountain West, and Sun Belt conferences each have one team in the rankings.

The return of Virginia to the AP Top 25 was short-lived, as they dropped out of the rankings after losing to Memphis. The Big 12 continues to lead the way with the most ranked teams, showcasing the strength of the conference.

In conclusion, Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team has made a significant impact on the college basketball scene, climbing to the seventh position in the AP men’s college basketball poll. Their impressive performance against top-tier teams, such as Arizona, has demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level. The team’s dedication and hard work have paid off, and they are poised to make another deep run in the tournament.