Dec. 28--My Associated Press Top 25 ballot has a lot in common with most people during the holiday weekend: very little movement.
Without many games and with few losses, my ballot stayed mostly intact from last week with a little shifting.
(Last week's ranking in parentheses; records through Sunday)
1. (1) Michigan State 13-0.
2. (2) Kansas 10-1.
3. (3) Maryland 11-1.
4. (4) Oklahoma 11-0.
5. (5) Virginia 10-1.
6. (6) Arizona 12-1.
7. (7) North Carolina 10-2.
8. (8) Xavier 12-0.
9. (12) Kentucky 10-2.
10. (14) Iowa State 10-1.
11. (9) Providence 12-1.
12. (10) Miami 10-1.
13. (11) Butler 10-1.
14. (13) Louisville 11-2.
15. (15) Duke 9-2.
16. (16) Purdue 12-1.
17. (17) Villanova 9-2.
18. (18) SMU 11-0.
19. (19) West Virginia 10-1.
20. (21) Texas A 9-2.
21. (23) Utah 10-2.
22. (24) Baylor 9-2.
23. (NR) South Carolina 11-0.
24. (25) Pittsburgh 10-1.
25. (20) Cincinnati 10-3.
Dropped out: George Washington (22).
--The most significant game lived up to typical rivalry status when Kentucky beat Louisville 75-73 on Saturday. It was good enough to move the Wildcats back into my top 10. The Cardinals, who dropped only one spot in my ranking, didn't deserve much punishment.
--South Carolina hasn't beaten top-flight opponents, but the Gamecocks are off to their best start in 80 years under coach Frank Martin. They're one of just five unbeaten Division I teams remaining. That deserves some recognition, which is why they make my ranking this week.
sryan@tribpub.com
