Kansas basketball: Jayhawks move to second in erratic AP Poll
After a Maui Invitational win, Kansas basketball moved into second place in the latest AP Top 25.
Despite not facing a ranked team in the Maui Invitational, Kansas basketball moved from fourth to second after winning the tournament. Still, the quality of teams that the Jayhawks faced in Maui was elite.
Dayton, in particular, went from unranked to number 19 in the country after taking Kansas to overtime in the championship game at Maui. Kansas’ win over the Flyers on a neutral court could be a huge resume booster later this season, especially if Dayton continues to play at a high level.
Three different voters gave the Jayhawks first-place votes, while one voter ranked Kansas at seventh. Here are the top five teams including their total points, first-place votes, and previous ranking.
2. team. 462. . 1497(3). Previous: 3rd. Jayhawks
1446. Previous: 5th. Terrapins . 3. team. 439.
485. . 1429(9). Previous: . Wolverines . 4. team
446. . 1,424(5). Previous: 7th. Cavaliers . 5. team
Kansas basketball will be facing two ranked teams in the near future, including Colorado this Saturday at home. The #20 Buffaloes moved into the AP Top 20 this week, but it’s safe to say that this will be Colorado’s first test of the season. So far, the toughest team the Buffs have faced is Arizona State, plus Colorado has yet to play a true road game.
On Saturday, December 21, the Jayhawks will take on (currently) #23 Villanova on the road. The Wildcats already have two losses on the season, one to a top 10 Ohio State, and the other to a top 20 Baylor. It’s unlikely that Villanova loses again, so expect another ranked vs. ranked matchup later this month.
Louisville and Michigan are set to face off tomorrow at 6:30 PM (CT) on ESPN, and while normally it would be possible for Kansas basketball to move into first if Michigan wins, it may not happen. The Wolverines received the second-most first-place votes this week, and even assuming Kansas beats #20 Colorado, Michigan would probably move into first if they win over Louisville.
ku hoops. Five things to know about Colorado. light
While rankings don’t necessarily matter at this point in the season, getting wins over quality teams is important. Kansas basketball has two important opportunities coming up this month for wins over ranked teams, and they have to capitalize on those to help ensure a one or two seed come March.