Here’s the Associated Press top 25 ballot of voter Kevin Dunleavy (Washington Examiner)
1. Duke (9-0)
While Ryan Kelly leads Duke in “Roland.” Coach K leads the nation in “Romney,” a statistical measure of phenomenal sexagenarian hair.
2. Syracuse (9-0)
Best in nation in field goal defense (33.1 percent), second best in points per possession defense (.76).
3. Ohio State (8-1)
After Winthrop on Tuesday, three of Buckeyes next six will be against teams in top-10.
4. Louisville (9-1)
Defense has forced a nation-high 22.3 turnovers per game.
5. Michigan (11-0)
Brooklyn brought out best in Burke, Hardaway — combined 52 points on 19 of 28 shooting in romp over West Virginia.
6. Arizona (8-0)
Lyons hit the big shot over Young to cap comeback against Florida.
7. Florida (7-1)
Gators somehow found a way to lose an 11-point lead at Arizona despite hitting 12 of 19 shots in second half.
8. Illinois (12-0)
More impressive stuff — handed Eastern Kentucky its first loss in decisive fashion on Sunday.
9. Kansas (8-1)
At Ohio State on Saturday. Jayhawks beat No. 2 Buckeyes in Lawrence last December.
10. Indiana (9-1)
Hoosiers G Hulls (+205) leads nation in plus/minus. In a sport where plus/minus actually matters, Davis and Dru Love shot -23 to win the Father-Son Challenge on Sunday.
11. Missouri (8-1)
Interesting matchup on Saturday: Haith (2012 AP coach of the year) faces 2013 candidate Groce of Illinois.
12. New Mexico (11-0)
No team has shot more free throws (317) than Lobos.
13. Cincinnati (10-0)
Play Xavier on Wednesday in rematch of the Thrilla in the Queen City.
14. Gonzaga (9-1)
Dominated boards and held Magruder to 1 for 9 shooting in decisive win over Kansas State.
15. Butler (8-2)
With win over Indiana, Bulldogs are giant-killers still.
16. UNC (8-2)
Even after losing Marshall to NBA, Tar Heels lead nation in assists (20.1 pg), thanks in part to up-tempo style.
17. Michigan St. (9-2)
Freshman G Harris (12.7 ppg) has settled in nicely as backcourt running mate for Appling.
18. San Diego State (8-1)
Aztecs are 8-0 indoors.
19. Creighton (10-1)
McDermott (34 points, nine rebounds) delivered in big way in win at Cal.
20. Notre Dame (9-1)
After Butler-Indiana, Irish 81-68 win over Purdue was anticlimax in Indy doubleheader.
21. Minnesota (11-1)
Four of Gophers’ first five in the Big Ten will come against ranked teams.
22. Georgetown (9-1)
Have tendency to go on Otto-pilot. But Whittington may be answer as secondary threat.
23. Pittsburgh (9-1)
Not many quality wins for Panthers. But they are darlings of the geeks with nation-high points per possession (1.27).
24. Oklahoma State (8-1)
Cowboys’ top five scorers are perimeter players.
25. Oregon (9-1)
Only loss is to Cincinnati.
Next six in no particular order
Wichita State (9-1)
VCU (7-3)
N.C. State (7-2)
UNLV (8-1)
Kentucky (7-3)
Maryland (9-1)
