Arizona’s Road Upset Shakes AP Top 25, Purdue Holds Firm at No. 1

The latest AP Top 25 college basketball poll shows major movement at the very top. The Purdue Boilermakers maintain their grip on the No. 1 ranking. Meanwhile, the Arizona Wildcats made the week’s biggest statement.

Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) is guarded by UConn guard Malachi Smith in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Arizona surged to No. 2 after a stunning road victory over then-No. 3 UConn. This reshuffling highlights the intense competition among the nation’s elite teams early this season.

Wildcats Stun Defending Champs on the Road

Arizona traveled to Storrs, Connecticut on November 19. They faced the defending national champion UConn Huskies in a marquee non-conference battle. The Wildcats emerged with a narrow 71-67 victory.

Guard Jaden Bradley led the way with 21 critical points. Center Motiejus Krivas scored the go-ahead basket with just over a minute remaining. The win proved Arizona is a legitimate national contender.

According to ESPN’s game recap, Arizona showed remarkable poise in a hostile environment. This signature road win was the key reason for their two-spot jump in the new rankings.

Purdue’s Dominance Earns Continued Respect from Voters

The Purdue Boilermakers remain the unanimous choice at the top. They received 46 of 61 possible first-place votes this week. Purdue’s perfect 6-0 record includes several impressive wins.

They most recently defeated then-No. 15 Texas Tech by 30 points. That dominant performance solidified voter confidence. The Boilermakers’ combination of size and guard play makes them a tough matchup for anyone.

Holding the top spot brings a target. Yet, Purdue’s experienced roster seems built to handle the pressure. Their consistent performance keeps them ahead of a chasing pack.

Reshuffled Top Five Sets Stage for Marathon Season

The new AP Top 25 poll shows a clear top tier. Following Purdue and Arizona, the Houston Cougars check in at No. 3. The Duke Blue Devils rise to No. 4 with an unblemished record.

UConn falls two spots to No. 5 after the home loss. This new hierarchy is far from settled. The season is a marathon, and several other strong teams are positioned just outside the top five.

Every game matters for these highly-ranked teams. A single loss can cause significant poll movement. The competition ensures an exciting season ahead for fans.

The updated AP Top 25 poll confirms Purdue’s elite status but signals Arizona’s arrival as a true title threat. The college basketball landscape has shifted dramatically after a single weekend of thrilling action.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Why did Arizona jump to No. 2?

Arizona earned the spot by beating No. 3 UConn on the road. Road wins against top-five teams are highly valued by AP voters. This was a decisive, resume-changing victory.

Q2: How many first-place votes did Purdue get?

Purdue received 46 first-place votes from the 61-member panel. This strong showing indicates they are still the clear favorite nationally. Their performance has left little room for doubt.

Q3: Where is UConn ranked now?

UConn fell two spots to No. 5 in this week’s poll. The loss to Arizona at home was the primary reason. They remain a top-tier team but now have a blemish on their record.

Q4: Who are the other undefeated teams in the top five?

Purdue (6-0), Arizona (5-0), Houston (5-0), and Duke (7-0) are all unbeaten. UConn is now 5-1. Maintaining a perfect record gets increasingly difficult as conference play approaches.

Q5: What is the biggest game next for a top-five team?

Each team faces challenging schedules ahead. Purdue’s upcoming Big Ten games will be major tests. Arizona must prove it can handle the new pressure that comes with a No. 2 ranking.

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