Arizona basketball just jumped into contention for college hoops’ elite after an explosive start. The Wildcats soared to No. 2 in the AP Poll on Nov. 24 following a stunning 71-67 victory over No. 3 UConn on Nov. 19. Meanwhile, Michigan State is making serious noise after dismantling No. 12 Kentucky 83-66, pushing the Spartans into No. 12 rankings. Week 3 has been absolutely wild.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Arizona jumps to No. 2 in AP Poll with a 5-0 record as of Nov. 24, 2025
- Purdue holds down the No. 1 spot with 6-0 record and received 46 first-place votes
- Michigan State now ranked No. 12 after beating Kentucky in a 17-point rout
- Arizona received 11 first-place votes, signaling strong belief from voters
- Feast Week kicks off with major matchups ahead for top contenders
Arizona’s Incredible Rise Takes College Hoops by Storm
Tommy Lloyd’s squad has become must-watch basketball this season. Arizona demolished UConn—the third-ranked team in the nation—with a clinical performance that shocked the college basketball world. That win catapulted the Wildcats two spots in the rankings. Before that signature victory, Arizona was already turning heads with impeccable performances.
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The Wildcats didn’t get the No. 1 spot despite their stellar play. But receiving 11 first-place votes shows voters recognize their championship-caliber potential. Purdue still commands the No. 1 ranking with 46 first-place votes, but Arizona is clearly in the conversation. Coaches also love what they’re seeing—Arizona jumped to No. 3 in the Coaches Poll.
Michigan State Makes Its Explosive Statement
Hold on. Don’t sleep on the Spartans. Michigan State just handed Kentucky a brutal 83-66 beatdown on Nov. 19. That performance alone would get attention. But here’s what made it wild: the Spartans were absolutely lights-out from three-point range. They drained 11 three-pointers after entering the game shooting just 21.7% from deep.
The victory pushed Michigan State into top rankings after a slow start to the season. Tom Izzo’s squad is 5-0 now and climbing fast. This team showcased the resilience and defensive precision that makes Big Ten basketball so special.
This Week’s Ranking Shake-Up by the Numbers
| Team | AP Ranking | Record | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue | 1 | 6-0 | 46 |
| Arizona | 2 (↑2) | 5-0 | 11 |
| Houston | 3 (↓1) | 5-0 | TBA |
| Duke | 4 (↑1) | 4-0 | TBA |
| UConn | 5 (↓2) | 4-0 | TBA |
| Michigan | 7 | 4-0 | TBA |
| Michigan State | 12 (↑6) | 5-0 | TBA |
Arizona’s jump of two spots shows the AP poll voters taking serious notice. Houston dropped just one spot despite losing ground in the conversation. Duke gained ground at No. 4. UConn took the biggest hit, falling from No. 3 to No. 5 after that loss to Arizona. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s six-spot climb is one of Week 3’s most impressive moves.
What’s Next as Feast Week Arrives
The college basketball calendar enters Feast Week with major tournament matchups coming. Arizona faces Denver on Nov. 24. Purdue plays Eastern Illinois next. These games could shake things up even more. The top teams are about to face real competition.
Here’s what to watch:
- Can Arizona maintain momentum approaching a potential No. 1 ranking?
- Will UConn bounce back fast after losing at home to the Wildcats?
- Can Purdue hold the top spot through Feast Week?
- Does Michigan State keep climbing with consistency on defense?
- Who emerges from the middle tier to join the elite four or five?
Is Arizona Ready for the Final Four Conversation?
Let’s be real. Arizona breaking into the top two brings them into serious title contention territory. ESPN’s Bracketology had Arizona originally penciled in as a 4-seed preseason. Now? They’re on the precipice of a potential 1-seed if this keeps up. Ranking fifth in the overall field right now shows just how far they’ve come.
The question isn’t whether Arizona can make the NCAA tournament anymore. It’s whether they can sustain this elite level through March. College basketball fans should be excited. This Wildcats team looks different. They look championship-capable.
Sources
- ESPN – AP poll breakdown and Bracketology projections
- CBS Sports – Coaches Poll rankings update
- USA Today – Week 3 AP and Coaches Poll rankings
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.