College Basketball Rankings: ESPN releases updated BPI Top 25 following monster Saturday slate

ESPN released its latest BPI rankings and top 25 teams following a monster Saturday slate of college basketball.

We have polls every week, but the BPI takes a different look at the rankings in terms of analytics, strength of schedule and offensive and defensive efficiency. So it’s an interesting look at the landscape of the sport.

Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s latest Top 25 BPI.

1. Auburn (+3)

Auburn just had an absolutely dominant display Saturday with a 91-53 win over Ohio State. This wasn’t even close and now the Tigers are back on top of the BPI.

Johni Broome had 21 points, 20 rebounds and six assists in the win. Denver Jones added 14 points and Dylan Cardwell had 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

2. Houston (-1)

Houston last played Tuesday, a 62-42 win over Troy. However, it dropped its last ranked game on November 30th against San Diego State.

Still, the Cougars have a great squad this season and a favorable schedule coming up. They actually don’t have a ranked matchup until playing Kansas on January 25th. Still, this team is near the top of the BPI.

3. Duke

Duke’s been rolling so far this season, now at 8-2 through the first third of the campaign. Coming up, the Blue Devils have George Mason Tuesday and Georgia Tech next Saturday.

Duke didn’t move in this updated edition of the BPI. In fact, Jon Scheyer and crew don’t play a ranked opponent until February 8th against Clemson, at least how it currently stands.

4. Tennessee (-2)

How about the Volunteers? Despite the 10-0 record and win over Illinois on Saturday, Tennessee dropped two spots in the BPI.

Whatever ESPN’s metrics measure, Tennessee is still rolling. The schedule lightens up until they get back into SEC play in January. Jordan Gainey led the way over the Illini by the way: putting up 23 points, two rebounds and two assists.

5. Gonzaga

Gonzaga fell to UConn 77-71 to fall to 7-3 on the season. However, the Bulldogs did not move in this edition of the BPI.

Khalif Battle had 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ryan Nembhard added 16 points, four rebounds and seven assists.

6. Alabama

Alabama took down Creighton Saturday 83-75 to improve to 8-2 on the season. The Crimson Tide stayed right at No. 6 in the BPI in this edition.

In the win, Mark Sears had 27 points, six rebounds and four rebounds. Labaron Philon added 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.

7. Iowa State (+2)

Iowa State improved two spots in this BPI after a win over rival Iowa on Thursday. The Cyclones are now 8-1 on the season.

Curtis Jones had 23 points and six rebounds in the win. Joshua Jefferson added 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

8. Kansas (-1)

The Jayhawks went through a little bit of a rough patch but got right with a 75-60 win over NC State Saturday. It was the type of performance needed for Bill Self’s crew.

In the win, Zeke Mayo had 26 points, three rebounds and two assists. Hunter Dickinson had another double-double with 21 points , 14 rebounds and seven assists.

9. UConn (+1)

As far as the Huskies are concerned, Dan Hurley and company improve to 8-3 on the season following an upset over Gonzaga. UConn moved up a spot in the BPI.

Liam McNeeley put up 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tarris Reed Jr. added 12 points and six rebounds in the win.

10. Baylor (+1)

Baylor didn’t play this weekend but moved up a spot in the BPI. The Bears last played Wednesday, beating Norfolk State 94-69.

Coming up next is Arlington Baptist on December 27th, followed by Big 12 games against Utah and Iowa State on the 31st and January 4th. Circle the Cyclones’ game!

ESPN BPI Top 25 after Saturday slate

11. Kentucky (-3)
12. Illinois (+1)
13. Arizona (-1)
14. Marquette
15. North Carolina (+5)
16. Florida (+1)
17. Michigan State (+7)
18. Cincinnati (-3)
19. Texas A&M (+10)
20. Maryland (+3)
21. Purdue (+1)
22. Texas Tech (-1)
23. UCLA (+3)
24. Clemson (-5)
25. Texas (-7)

There was a lot of movement outside the top 10 with Kentucky dropping three spots in the BPI and North Carolina moving up five spots. Heck, look at Texas A&M moving up 10 spots in the BPI! The season rolls on!