College basketball rankings: Michigan State, Duke move up; Tennessee slides

Road Tests and Top Team Battles
Auburn's Health Concerns
College basketball teams faced tough road tests over the weekend, including Auburn. Unfortunately, the Tigers faced a significant setback with Johni Broome's ankle sprain. Despite the injury, Auburn managed to edge out South Carolina, but their top spot is now under scrutiny.
"This team does have one of the best backcourt units in the country, but without Broome, they could struggle some." - Andy Katz
Other Notable Performers
Iowa State secured a thrilling overtime victory over Texas Tech, thanks to Joshua Jefferson's heroics. Alabama battled past Texas A&M, led by Mark Sears' 27 points. Tennessee rebounded from a loss with a narrow win over Texas.
Returning Contenders
St. John's is back in the top rankings after a series of wins, with RJ Luis emerging as a star. Mike White and Georgia continue to impress, with a pair of top-25 victories.
Utah State's Success Despite Coaching Changes
Utah State has found success under coach Jerrod Calhoun, maintaining their strong performance. They face New Mexico, another undefeated team, in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday.
Updated Top 25
Despite the concerns surrounding Auburn, they remain atop the rankings. Iowa State has earned the No. 2 spot, while Duke, Alabama, and Tennessee follow.
Rising Stars
Tahaad Pettiford has stepped up for Auburn, while Curtis Jones has been a consistent contributor for Iowa State. Cooper Flagg's extraordinary performance against Notre Dame makes him a national player of the year contender.
Big East Standings
Marquette remains undefeated in the Big East, while St. John's is also in the top 25.
Kentucky's Roller Coaster
Despite Kentucky's struggles against Georgia, they bounced back with a win over Mississippi State. However, their inconsistent performances raise questions about their ultimate potential.
Michigan State's Strength
Tom Izzo's Spartans have won nine consecutive games, showcasing a balanced attack led by Jeremy Fears, Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, and Jaxon Kohler.
Concluding Thoughts
John Fanta concludes by highlighting the evolving landscape of college basketball, with teams battling injuries and rising stars emerging to reshape the national picture.