UCLA Enters the Top 10 as Florida Holds No. 1 in Men’s AP Poll

UCLA rises after Arizona win

UCLA climbed into the top 10 after beating Arizona 84-75 in Las Vegas. Trent Perry led the Bruins with 21 points, while Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov scored a career-best 38.

Arizona pulled within one point with 3:11 remaining, but UCLA held on. Bruins coach Mick Cronin called the win “massive,” saying Arizona had been a highly successful team in recent seasons.

Michigan State moves to fifth

Florida remained No. 1, and the top four teams held their positions. Michigan State took fifth place, moving ahead of Arizona after the Wildcats’ loss to UCLA. Virginia rose three places to sixth after winning three games, including a victory over then-No. 12 Arkansas. Texas and Houston followed, with UCLA next and Louisville moving up one spot to complete the top 10.

Iowa State leaves the poll

Nebraska entered the rankings after opening its season with wins over Le Moyne and Providence. Iowa State’s loss to Memphis helped create an opening; the Cyclones dropped out after starting the preseason at No. 18.

Memphis led teams outside the top 25 with 97 points in the voting. Saint Louis received 67, and Iowa State had 57, making it third among the teams receiving votes.

Conferences represented in rankings

The Southeastern Conference had seven teams in the Top 25, including No. 1 Florida. The Big Ten had six ranked teams, with three in the top 10. The Big 12 had five ranked teams and the ACC had four. The Big East placed two teams, while Gonzaga represented the new-look Pac-12 with one Top 25 spot.