Five takeaways from AP Top 25 men's basketball poll

Following a stacked week of games filled with upsets and statement victories, this week's Associated Press Top 25 men's basketball poll, released on Monday, looks much different.

Here are five takeaways from the poll:

Top two unchanged; Duke's Cooper Flagg makes more history

Although Auburn (20-1, 8-0 SEC) and Duke (19-2, 11-0 ACC) stay put at the top of the rankings, the Blue Devils' freshman continues to showcase his talents.

In a rare blowout over in-state rival North Carolina, 87-70, on Saturday, Flagg reached 250 points, 75 rebounds and 50 assists in ACC play in his 11th game. That is the fewest amount of games it has taken a player to reach those milestones in Division I in the last 25 years.

Duke's 15-game winning streak should get tested this week, though, with road games at Syracuse and Clemson. While the Orange (10-12, 4-7 ACC) have struggled, the Tigers (18-4, 10-1 ACC) are second to Duke in the ACC standings and pose one of the biggest remaining tests for the Blue Devils.

Prior to the win over the Tar Heels, Duke played from behind and struggled to score against Wake Forest and NC State. That is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Tennessee moves up four spots after avenging earlier loss to Florida

Back on Jan. 7, the Volunteers — ranked No. 1 at the time —  suffered a 30-point beatdown by the Gators. On Saturday, Tennessee (18-4, 5-4 SEC), up four spots to No. 4, returned the favor with a 64-44 win, which was its largest win against an AP top-five opponent in program history.

The win was even more impressive, given senior guard Zakai Zeigler (right knee) and senior forward Igor Milicic Jr. (flu-like symptoms) did not play. According to NCAA.com, Tennessee's defense (58.6 PPG) is third in the country. Its defensive efficiency is going to be crucial to its success as March approaches.

Texas Tech climbs nine spots after massive road win

It is hard to make the argument that any team had a better week than the Red Raiders. Texas Tech (17-4, 8-2 Big 12), up nine spots to No. 13, handed Houston its first conference loss of the season and snapped the Cougars' 33-game home winning streak, which was the longest active at the time in Division I.

It was the first time Texas Tech won a road game against an AP top 10 opponent since 2022. In the win over Houston, the Red Raiders hit 12 threes and made 24 of their 34 free-throw attempts. Trailing only Houston and Arizona in the Big 12 standings, Texas Tech could be the team to beat in the conference, especially if it can keep getting to the foul line and converting as it did against the Cougars.

Kansas drops five spots following stunning second-half collapse

The Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12), down five spots to No. 16, have lost two of their last three after a historically bad second half on Saturday. Kansas led by as many as 21 points before being outscored 60-30 after the half against Baylor. That was the most points Kansas has allowed and the worst point differential in a half in the Bill Self era. It was also the largest blown lead in a loss in program history.

Kansas was only 6-of-22 from deep and lost the rebounding advantage, 40-27. The Jayhawks are in an unfamiliar position at this point in the season. If those areas do not improve, it may not get much better for the "blue blood" program that started the season as the No. 1 team.

Maryland enters the poll after recent surge

For the first time since 2023, the Terrapins (17-5, 7-4 Big Ten) are ranked. Following a 76-68 win over then-No. 17 Wisconsin — its second over a ranked team in the last four games — Maryland has now won four straight.

In the win over the Badgers, Maryland was 12-of-24 from deep. With five players averaging double-figure scoring, the Terrapins have the potential to be serious contenders in the Big Ten assuming the efficiency from long-range continues.