Wisconsin basketball (11-3, 1-2 Big Ten) remains on the outside of the latest AP Poll Top 25 entering its road matchup at Rutgers.
The Badgers gained ground after their 1-0 week, however. They received 31 total votes (30th overall) in the newest poll, up from last week’s total of 18 votes (37th).
Related: Big Ten basketball power rankings (Jan. 6): Illinois, Indiana surge in first week of 2025
Wisconsin is inching toward the AP Top 25 after a record-breaking 116-85 win over Iowa. The win extended the team’s win streak to three as it rebuilds momentum after an early December losing streak dropped it from its previous No. 11 ranking.
The Badgers are eighth among Big Ten teams that are ranked or receiving votes behind Illinois (No. 13), Oregon (No. 15), Michigan State (No. 16), Purdue (No. 20), UCLA (No. 22), Michigan (No. 24) and Nebraska (receiving votes, 62).
Tennessee still holds the top spot after a 14-0 start. The Volunteers are followed by Auburn (13-1), Iowa State (12-1), Duke (12-2) and Alabama (12-2), just as in the latest coaches poll.
The rest of the top 10 is Kentucky (12-2), Marquette (13-2), Florida (13-1), UConn (12-3) and Texas A&M (12-2).
UPDATED AP TOP 25:
1. Tennessee
2. Auburn
3. Iowa State
4. Duke
5. Alabama
6. Kentucky
7. Marquette
8. Florida
9. UConn
10. Texas A&M
11. Kansas
12. Houston
13. Illinois
14. Mississippi State
15. Oregon
16. Michigan State
17. Oklahoma
18. Gonzaga
19. Memphis
20. Purdue
21. West…— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) January 6, 2025
Of note, Wisconsin’s three losses came against the AP No. 7 (Marquette), No. 13 (Illinois) and No. 24 (Michigan) teams. Its resume is highlighted by wins over Pittsburgh (receiving votes, 91) and Arizona (receiving votes, three).
The Badgers will have plenty of chances for resume-building victories as the Big Ten season continues. The team is back on the court on Monday night for an important road test at Rutgers (8-6, 1-2 Big Ten). Another undefeated week (at Rutgers, vs. Minnesota) could launch Wisconsin back into the top 25 and into Big Ten contention.
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