UNC, Duke losses precipitate big drop in AP Top 25 poll as Houston becomes new No. 1

There’s a new No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 men’s basketball poll and it’s been a long time coming.

Houston takes over the top spot after North Carolina lost twice at the Phil Knight Invitational. The Cougars last held the spot back before Hakeem Olajuwon added an ‘H’ to his first name in the 1982-83 season.

The Tar Heels were on a free fall from No. 1 all the way back to No. 18. But they’re in a familiar neighborhood, with rival Duke at No. 17, dropping nine spots from No. 8; and No. 19 Kentucky, which didn’t lose, but got surpassed by a group of high risers.

Highest rise

Three teams in the top 10 this week made double-digit jumps to get there. Purdue made the greatest leap after making its debut at No. 24 last week, wins over Gonzaga and Duke powered the Boilermakers up to No. 5.

Arizona went from No. 14 to No. 4 after winning the Maui Classic and beating Creighton and San Diego State along the way.

Connecticut climbed 12 spots after winning the Phil Knight Invitational going away with double digit wins over Alabama and Iowa State.

Biggest drop

Joining Carolina and Duke on the decline was Gonzaga, which fell eight spots to No. 14 and Michigan State, which also moved eight spots back to No. 20.

Welcome to the 25

Iowa State, on the strength of its 70-65 upset of UNC, cracked the poll for the first time this season at No. 23. And Ohio State, which will play at Duke on Wednesday, claimed the final spot at No. 25.

Outta here

Iowa and Texas Tech had short-lived stays. The Hawkeyes were No. 24 last week and the Red Raiders slipped after being No. 21.

AP Top 25 Poll

C.L. Brown’s ballot