As the college basketball regular season concludes and teams gear up for their respective conference tournaments, the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll is expected to reflect the latest shifts in team performances. Notably, recent games have influenced the rankings, with some teams climbing due to strong finishes, while others have slipped following unexpected losses.

 

**Projected Top 10 Teams:**

 

1. **Duke Blue Devils**: Duke secured the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season title with a decisive 82-69 victory over archrival North Carolina. This win extended their winning streak to eight games, solidifying their position at the top. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg has been instrumental, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. citeturn0search5

 

2. **Auburn Tigers**: Despite a recent overtime loss to Alabama, Auburn’s impressive season record keeps them among the elite. Forward Johni Broome’s consistent double-double performances, averaging 18.6 points and 10.6 rebounds, have been pivotal for the Tigers. citeturn0search5

 

3. **Houston Cougars**: Houston concluded their regular season with a 27-4 record, boasting a 10-game winning streak. Their resilience in close games and dominance in the Big 12 highlight their readiness for postseason challenges. citeturn0search5

 

4. **Florida Gators**: The Gators rebounded from a late-season loss to Georgia by defeating ranked opponents Texas A&M and Alabama. Their strong finish positions them favorably entering the Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament. citeturn0search5

 

5. **Alabama Crimson Tide**: Alabama’s thrilling overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn showcased their potential. Guard Mark Sears’ game-winning shot exemplified the team’s resilience, making them a formidable contender in the upcoming SEC tournament. citeturn0search5

 

6. **Tennessee Volunteers**: Despite a setback against Ole Miss, Tennessee’s overall performance, including a recent win over South Carolina, maintains their status within the top ten. Their balanced approach will be crucial in the SEC tournament. citeturn0search5

 

7. **Iowa State Cyclones**: The Cyclones faced challenges late in the season but secured a dominant win over Kansas State to close the regular season. Their resilience will be tested as they aim for a deep run in the Big 12 tournament. citeturn0search5

 

8. **Texas Tech Red Raiders**: Emerging from preseason obscurity, Texas Tech’s 15-5 conference record underscores their growth. Their second-place finish in the Big 12 sets a positive tone heading into postseason play. citeturn0search5

 

9. **Gonzaga Bulldogs**: Despite early non-conference losses, Gonzaga finished strong in the West Coast Conference (WCC), securing a 23-8 record. Their experience and late-season momentum make them a team to watch. citeturn0search5

 

10. **Arizona Wildcats**: The Wildcats faced challenges late in the season but remain a top-tier team. Their performance in the Big 12 tournament will be pivotal for their NCAA tournament seeding. citeturn0search5

 

**Notable Movements and Teams to Watch:**

 

– **St. John’s Red Storm**: Clinching the Big East regular-season title propelled St. John’s to the No. 6 spot in recent polls. Their consistent performance makes them a formidable opponent in the conference tournament. citeturn0news12

 

– **Marquette Golden Eagles**: After a strong start, Marquette faced challenges, dropping seven of their last 11 games. This slump has led to their omission from some AP ballots, highlighting the team’s need to regroup ahead of the postseason. citeturn0news10

 

– **Kentucky Wildcats**: A mixed week, featuring a win against Oklahoma and a loss to Auburn, resulted in Kentucky dropping to No. 19 in the AP poll. Their upcoming SEC tournament performance will be crucial for improving their national standing. citeturn0news13

 

– **Louisville Cardinals**: A significant jump to No. 14 in the rankings reflects Louisville’s late-season surge. Their momentum could translate into a deep conference tournament run. citeturn0news12

 

– **Xavier Musketeers**: Replacing Marquette in some AP ballots, Xavier’s seven-game winning streak and securing the No. 4 seed in the Big East tournament highlight their upward trajectory. citeturn0news10

 

As conference tournaments commence, these rankings are poised for further adjustments. Teams peaking at the right moment will not only vie for conference titles but also aim to secure favorable seeds in the NCAA tournament. The upcoming games promise excitement and potential surprises, embodying the unpredictable nature of March Madness.

 

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