Purdue Reclaims AP Top 25 No. 1 Spot After Statement Road Win Over Alabama

The Purdue Boilermakers are back on top of the college basketball world. They reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 poll on Monday, November 18. This follows a critical 87-80 road victory over the then-No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide. The win showcased Purdue’s resilience and championship pedigree early in the season.

This ranking shift highlights the intense competition at the elite level. Houston, which held the top spot for just one week, dropped to No. 2. Purdue’s triumph in a hostile road environment solidified their position as the team to beat. It was a statement win that resonated with voters across the country.

Smith’s Second-Half Surge Seals Historic Victory

Guard Braden Smith was the hero for Purdue in Tuscaloosa. He scored a career-high 29 points, with 21 coming in a dominant second-half performance. The game itself was a tense back-and-forth battle, featuring 21 lead changes. Smith’s clutch play down the stretch was the decisive factor.

According to ESPN, the victory also marked a major milestone for head coach Matt Painter. It was his 500th career win, a testament to his sustained success at Purdue. The Boilermakers improved to a perfect 4-0 on the young season. Alabama, meanwhile, suffered its first loss and fell in the subsequent rankings.

Ranking Implications and the March Madness Picture

Early-season results like this carry significant weight. They influence tournament seeding and national perception for months. Purdue’s return to No. 1 establishes them as the early favorite for the NCAA championship. Beating a top-10 team on the road is a resume-booster that committees notice.

The updated AP Top 25 reflects a tight race at the very top. Purdue received 44 first-place votes. Houston, still undefeated, garnered 12 first-place votes but now sits at No. 2. Powerhouses UConn and Arizona are tied for third, with Duke rounding out the top five. Every team in the top five holds a 4-0 record.

Updated AP Top 5 (Nov. 18)

1. Purdue (4-0)

2. Houston (4-0)

T3. UConn (4-0)

T3. Arizona (4-0)

5. Duke (4-0)

The competition remains fierce. Maintaining the top ranking is a week-to-week challenge. Purdue’s ability to handle this new pressure will be tested immediately. Their performance sets the stage for an exciting race through conference play and beyond.

Purdue’s return to the No. 1 spot is a powerful early-season declaration. It signals their intent to compete for a national title after last year’s tournament disappointment. The Boilermakers have the talent and now the top-ranking target on their backs.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Purdue move back to No. 1?

Purdue moved back to the top spot because of their impressive road win over a highly-ranked Alabama team. Voters were convinced by their performance in a tough environment, outweighing Houston’s resume for the week.

What is Purdue’s next big game?

Purdue will face continued tests in the non-conference schedule before Big Ten play begins. Every game now carries the pressure of defending their new No. 1 national ranking against motivated opponents.

How far did Alabama fall in the rankings?

Following the loss to Purdue, Alabama dropped several spots out of the top 10. The exact placement varies by poll, but it was a significant drop reflecting the impact of losing at home to the nation’s new top team.

Can Purdue hold the No. 1 ranking all season?

It is very difficult to hold the top spot all season due to the competitive nature of college basketball. However, their strong start and proven ability to win big games give them a solid chance to remain near the top.

How often is the AP Top 25 poll updated?

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is updated and released every Monday throughout the regular season. Each week’s rankings reflect the results of games played through the previous Sunday.