MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Last week I had Purdue as my No. 1 team. Despite both programs winning, here is why I am flipping to UConn this week:
The Huskies pummeled Butler 68-46 at Hinkle Fieldhouse to improve to 12-0. They are the third team in the last decade to win each of their first 12 games by double digits, joining Kentucky and Duke, who both did so in 2014-15.
In defeating Butler, UConn picked up a quad one win. Their blowout of Florida also rose to Q1 status, while Purdue's win over Nebraska dropped to Q2, leaving both programs with four Q1 victories.
Last week, Purdue's 5 Q1 wins was the deciding factor for my No. 1 vote. Now that that gap is closed, UConn's lopsided wins over every opponent they have faced gets the Huskies my top ranking.
With Villanova and Creighton having disappointing starts, UConn is primed to run away with the Big East, especially if Adama Sanogo continues playing at an All-American level.
The Boilermakers close games against Nebraska and Davidson helped make the decision easier, but this is still one of the scariest teams in college basketball. UConn and Purdue should be Top 2 on every ballot.
MY AP TOP 25 BALLOT:
1.UConn
2.Purdue
3.Houston
4.Kansas
5.Arizona
6.Virginia
7.Alabama
8.Tennessee
9.Texas
10.Baylor
11.Gonzaga
12.UCLA
13.Arkansas
14.Duke
15.Wisconsin
16.Mississippi State
17.Kentucky
18.Indiana
19.Virginia Tech
20.Maryland
21.Illinois
22.Xavier
23.Marquette
24.West Virginia
25.Miami
IN THE MIX: Arizona State, College of Charleston, TCU, Memphis, Auburn, Ohio State, Utah State, USC, New Mexico, Boise State
