Villanova’s slide out of No. 1 in the AP Top 25 lasted just a week. Michigan State’s stay at No. 1 lasted just as long.
The Wildcats returned to the top spot in Monday’s poll after an upset-filled week that included losses by No. 1 Michigan State and No. 2 Duke. Villanova got 52 of 65 first-place votes to move up from third to No. 1, where it spent three weeks in December.
Michigan State (15-2) dropped to No. 4 in the poll, following its 80-64 loss to Ohio State on Sunday. Michigan (14-3), riding a seven-game winning streak, remains unranked, but the Wolverines received five points in voting.