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Colleges

Duke back atop AP poll, NC State falls to No. 18

Jan 21, 2013

Following losses last week by previously No. 1 Louisville and No. 2 Indiana, Duke reclaimed the top spot in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll by a slim margin over Michigan.

Despite playing just one game last week, a 16-point win over Georgia Tech, the Blue Devils garnered 39 first place votes while Michigan claimed 11 nods for the top spot. The teams are separated by just 39 points in the poll. More Info     AP men's college basketball poll

Duke held the top spot for four weeks earlier this season before being upset by NC State at PNC Arena on Jan 12.

NC State’s week got off to a rough start as their hangover following the Duke win translated into a loss at Maryland. The Wolfpack (15-3, 4-1 ACC) rebounded Sunday by beating Clemson and are slotted at No. 18 this week, a 4-spot drop from last week.

Miami (13-3, 4-0 ACC) cracked the Top 25 for the first time this season, entering the poll at No. 25. The Hurricanes sit alone atop the ACC as the only unbeaten in conference play and will host Duke on Wednesday.

Kansas (16-1, 4-0 Big 12), following wins last week against Baylor and at Texas, is tied at the No. 3 spot with Syracuse (17-1, 5-0 Big East). Louisville fell to No. 5, Indiana to No. 7. Arizona (16-1, 4-1 Pac 12) slides up to the No. 6 position.

Four teams dropped from the rankings this week - San Diego State, UCLA, Marquette and Illinois - allowing for newcomers Ole Miss, Cincinnati and Wichita State to join Miami.

North Carolina (12-5, 2-2 ACC) received three votes.

The Big 10 again led the way with five teams in the top 25. The ACC, SEC and Big East all placed three teams in the latest poll.

 

 

• Web Editor: Aaron Schoonmaker