Arizona men’s basketball remains on top of AP poll

Arizona men’s basketball remains the No. 1 team in the country, but its grip on the top ranking has weakened a little.

Arizona received 19 more first-place votes than No. 2 Michigan in this week’s Associated Press poll, compared to a week ago when the UA had 27 more top place votes than the Wolverines. No. 3 Iowa State received one first-place vote this week.

The closing gap between Arizona and Michigan may be reflective of computer metrics rankings. Michigan is atop in KenPom and the NCAA NET Rankings. Arizona is No. 2 in both KenPom and the NET.

Another possible factor for fewer voters choosing Arizona as their No. 1 team: It’s possible some voters went to bed Saturday night at halftime of Arizona’s game vs. San Diego State, when the Wildcats were ahead by just one point. Arizona went on to outscore the Aztecs 40-18 in the second half en route to a 68-45 victory.

Michigan beat the same San Diego State team 94-54 in Las Vegas last month at the Players Era Festival.

It could be awhile before either Arizona or Michigan or seriously tested. The Wildcats don’t play a currently ranked opponent until a Jan. 26 road matchup at No. 10 BYU. Michigan has n 89% or higher probability of winning its next nine games, according to KenPom. The Wolverines play at No. 9 Michigan State on Jan. 30 in a game that could present a challenge.

Arizona is one of six Big 12 teams ranked, joined by No. 3 Iowa State, No. 8 Houston, No. 10 BYU, No. 15 Texas Tech and No. 17 Kansas. Texas Tech was the biggest riser in the rankings, moving up four spots after beating then-No. 3 Duke in Madison Square Garden Saturday night.

Arizona faces Bethune-Cookman tonight at 7 p.m. MST. The game will be streamed on ESPN Plus. The Wildcats are a 39.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.