Wisconsin basketball AP Poll ranking Update Penn State loss

 

Wisconsin basketball (23-8, 13-7 Big Ten) fell to No. 18 in the latest edition of the AP Poll.

 

The poll’s update arrives after the Badgers’ 1-1 week on the hardwood, which included a much-needed seven-point road win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers and a disheartening 11-point defeat to Penn State.

 

While the triumph against Minnesota showcased Wisconsin’s poise and depth in a harsh road environment, the loss to the Nittany Lions was the most detrimental of any Wisconsin experienced this season. The result dropped Greg Gard’s team six spots in the latest AP Poll, down to No. 20 in the NCAA’s NET rankings and to No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Badgers are also down four spots (from No. 19 to No. 23) in the ESPN BPI and two spots in KenPom (from No. 10 to No. 12).

 

Most importantly, Wisconsin relinquished an opportunity to clinch a double-bye in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament. The team will now square off against the winner of Minnesota-Northwestern in the second round on Thursday, March 13.

 

Wisconsin is one of seven Big Ten teams in the latest AP Top 25. Michigan State holds the No. 7 position after wins over Iowa and Michigan. Maryland (No. 11), leapfrogged the Badgers after convincing wins over Michigan and Northwestern punctuated an outstanding 2024-25 slate. Purdue (No. 20), Michigan (No. 22), Oregon (No. 23) and Illinois (No. 24) all moved from the ‘receiving votes’ section into the top 25.

 

UCLA, which defeated Wisconsin in late January, also received 52 votes to remain in the ‘receiving votes’ section.

 

Texas A&M’s big-time win over Auburn on March 4 made the Aggies the biggest mover in this week’s poll (up eight spots from No. 22 to No. 14). The BYU Cougars were another big mover (up six spots from No. 23 to No. 17) after a road win over Iowa State on March 4.

 

Wisconsin, alongside Missouri, Michigan and Marquette, dropped at least five spots to close the regular season. No other program fell more than four spots in this week’s edition.

 

Outside of Penn State, every team to beat Wisconsin this season either made it into the AP Top 25 or the ‘receiving votes’ section. That type of resume accurately portrays Wisconsin’s top-end form throughout the year.

 

The Badgers’ NCAA Tournament seed will depend on how they perform in the conference tournament. Until then, UW will concentrate on preparing for the Golden Gophers or Wildcats on March 13.