NCAAM Power Rankings: Duke Claims Top Spot, Final Weekend Showdowns Set
Duke rises to No. 1 in the final NCAAM Power Rankings as the regular season wraps up. Key matchups and stakes for ranked teams this weekend.
Duke Takes Over as New No. 1
The Duke Blue Devils have surged to the top of the final NCAAM Power Rankings following a dominant seven-game winning streak, including a 33-point victory over Wake Forest. This marks the fourth consecutive 30-point win for Duke, tying a program record. Meanwhile, Auburn's loss to Texas A&M knocked them from the top spot, despite their strong Quadrant 1 record.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Duke vs. North Carolina: The Blue Devils face a desperate Tar Heels team in the ACC's marquee matchup.
- Auburn vs. Alabama: The SEC showdown could keep Alabama's faint 1-seed hopes alive.
- St. John's at Marquette: A win could solidify St. John's case for a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
- Arizona vs. Kansas: Both teams look to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Final Top 25 Rankings
- Duke Blue Devils (27-3): Duke has outscored ACC opponents by 180 points in their last six games.
- Auburn Tigers (27-3): Struggles on defense led to Auburn's drop after a loss to Texas A&M.
- Houston Cougars (26-4): Houston continues to dominate in the Big 12 with an impressive 33-4 record.
- Florida Gators (26-4): Florida boasts high-end road wins over Auburn and Alabama.
- Tennessee Volunteers (24-6): A buzzer-beater win over Alabama was followed by a tough loss to Ole Miss.
What’s At Stake?
The final weekend of the regular season will have significant implications for NCAA Tournament seeding and conference titles. Teams like Duke, Auburn, and Florida are vying for 1-seeds, while others like St. John's and Baylor look to strengthen their positions.
Players to Watch
- RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's): A strong contender for Big East Player of the Year.
- Johni Broome (Auburn): The Tigers need Broome to return to his dominant form.
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech): All-American level performances make him a key player for the Red Raiders.
Conference Tournament Outlook
As the regular season concludes, all eyes turn to the conference tournaments, where teams will battle for automatic bids and improved seeding in the NCAA Tournament. The ACC, SEC, and Big 12 tournaments promise to be especially competitive.
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