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Michigan basketball a top 20 team in Associated Press poll

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•about 11 hours•

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Nimari Burnett
Michigan Wolverines basketball guard Nimari Burnett put up 20 points against Rutgers. (Photo by Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

Michigan Wolverines basketball has dropped in the Associated Press top 25 following a 2-1 week. The Maize and Blue checked in No. 15 last week but have fallen to No. 17 in the March 3 release. Michigan is No. 15 in the coaches poll.

This is the Wolverines’ fifth-straight week in the AP poll. They’ve been in the top 25 in 10 different weeks, with their highest placement being No. 12.

First-year head coach Dusty May‘s team is 22-7 overall and 14-4 in the Big Ten, sitting in second in the conference standings with two regular-season contests left. Michigan can win at least a share of the conference crown if it wins against Maryland and at Michigan State this week. The Spartans are a game up in the standings and play Iowa before hosting U-M Sunday.

Michigan has lost two of its last four games, after winning six in a row from Jan. 27 to Feb. 16. The Wolverines have gutted out many close wins, with their last nine victories coming by four points or fewer. That included last week’s victories over Nebraska (49-46) and Rutgers (82-82). May’s crew needed a long three by graduate guard Nimari Burnett as time expired to beat the Scarlet Knights in epic fashion. Michigan was embarrassed at home by Illinois, 93-73, Sunday afternoon, however, dominated on the defensive glass and from the three-point line.

“Well, what a great opportunity this week, with Maryland, an extremely talented, well-coached, fun team to watch coming in on Wednesday and then a chance to go to East Lansing with the championship on the line if we can take care of business and hold it down at home,” May said Monday morning.

Michigan has beaten two teams that are currently ranked in the AP poll: No. 12 Wisconsin in Madison and No. 18 Purdue in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines fell in the first meeting against Purdue.

The Wolverines can add to that total this week, with matchups against No. 13 Maryland March 5 and No. 8 Michigan State March 9.

College basketball AP poll: Michigan ranked No. 17

1. Auburn (27-2)
2. Duke (26-3)
3. Houston (25-4)
4. Tennesse (24-5)
5. Florida (25-4)
6. St. John’s (26-4)
7. Alabama (23-6)
8. Michigan State (24-5)
9. Texas Tech (22-7)
10. Iowa State (22-7)
11. Clemson (24-5)
12. Wisconsin (22-7)
13. Maryland (22-7)
14. Louisville (23-6)
15. Missouri (21-8)
16. Memphis (24-5)
17. Michigan (22-7)
18. Purdue (20-9)
19. Kentucky (19-10)
20. Marquette (22-7)
21. Saint Mary’s (27-4)
22. Texas A&M (20-9)
23. BYU (21-8)
24. Arizona (19-10)
25. Mississippi State (20-9)

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