Texas Tech cracked the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 released Monday for the first time this season, also a first for new head coach Mark Adams.
The Red Raiders (18-5) rose to No. 9 after beating archrival Texas last week. Texas Tech also won on the road at West Virginia.
Auburn (22-1) avoided an upset over the weekend to keep its hold on No. 1 with 48 first-place votes while Gonzaga (19-2) holds steady at No. 2. The Tigers were taken to the wire at Georgia on Saturday before pulling out a 74-72 win.
Purdue (20-3) climbed one spot to No. 3, Arizona (19-2) moved up to No. 4, and No. 5 Kentucky (19-4) held steady.
Houston (20-2), Duke (19-3) and Kansas (19-3) precede the Red Raiders at No. 9 while Baylor (19-4) fell to No. 10.
UCLA (16-4) is this week’s biggest faller after a triple-overtime loss to Arizona State late Saturday night. The Bruins, who also lost at Arizona, dropped nine spots to No. 12.
Marquette (16-7) is the week’s biggest riser, jumping six spots to No. 18 after its win over Villanova.
Providence (20-2) rose four spots to No. 11, its highest ranking since 2015-16.
Murray State (22-2) is back in the Top 25 for the first time in nearly seven years. The No. 23 Racers have won 12 straight since a loss to then-No. 12 Auburn on Dec. 22.
No. 22 Saint Mary’s (19-4) makes its first appearance in two years.
Iowa State and LSU dropped out of the poll.
–Field Level Media
