After Duke split its week with a win and a loss, a new AP Poll came out on Monday afternoon. The Blue Zone breaks down the new rankings:
Duke slips
While the Blue Devils finished their week with a tight win on the road against Virginia, it was a difficult start to the week. Duke was dominated from start to finish by No. 9 Virginia Tech, losing 61-45 in Blacksburg, Va. The Blue Devils struggled on offense throughout the game, scoring just three points in the second quarter and shooting just 34% from the field. Against the Cavaliers, Duke led by just six points at the half, and held on down the stretch en route to a 56-52 victory in Charlottesville, Va. Ultimately, the weak performance against the Hokies cost the Blue Devils, who dropped out of the top 10 to No. 11.
Tar Heels lose grip
North Carolina opened its week with a dominant 73-55 win against Boston College, but struggled in its second game of the week against N.C. State. The Tar Heels were in control for most of the game but ultimately fell apart late, as the Wolfpack stormed back and forced overtime where they prevailed in 77-66. The loss to unranked N.C. State hurt North Carolina in the rankings, who dropped to No. 22 in the poll.
Arizona climbs
It was a strong week for the Wildcats, who had two big-time ranked wins against then-No.4 Utah and then-No. 21 Colorado. Arizona opened its week by hosting the Utes, and played a strong game against a very good Utah team. Both teams shot dismally from three, combining for a miserable 7-for-33 from behind the arc. Against the Buffaloes, it was a dominant win for the Wildcats. Arizona allowed just seven points in the third quarter against Colorado, ultimately coming up trumps 61-42. Ultimately, the two ranked wins, and especially the big victory against then-top-five Utah, moved the Wildcats up in the rankings. Arizona rose to No. 14.
Virginia Tech moves up
It was a good week for the Hokies, who opened strong with the aforementioned win against the Blue Devils, and followed that up with a solid victory against a strong N.C. State team. Virginia Tech was rewarded with a top-10 spot in the poll, moving up to No. 9 Monday afternoon.
Full rankings
1. South Carolina
2. Indiana
3. Stanford
4. UConn
5. LSU
6. Iowa
7. Maryland
8. Utah
9. Virginia Tech
10. Notre Dame
11. Duke
12. Michigan
13. Oklahoma
14. Arizona
15. Villanova
16. Ohio State
17. UCLA
18. Gonzaga
19. Texas
20. Iowa State
21. Colorado
22. North Carolina
23. Florida State
24. UNLV
25. Illinois
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