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Projected college basketball rankings after Kansas tops Duke, Kentucky upset by Michigan State

By Cody Williams

Nov 15, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Gradey Dick (4) lays up the ball during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jayhawks defeat the Blue Devils 69 to 64. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Gradey Dick (4) lays up the ball during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jayhawks defeat the Blue Devils 69 to 64. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Champions Classic had huge results with Kentucky losing to Michigan State and Kansas topping Duke. Now we project our college basketball rankings.

College basketball officially got underway a little more than a week ago, but it often feels like the Champions Classic is the unofficial start of the season. And with four historic programs in action on Tuesday night, it felt like that even more with the drama that unfolded.

The night began with an absolute classic between the Kentucky Wildcats and Michigan State Spartans. Though Tom Izzo’s team is not in the Top 25 college basketball rankings, Sparty has shown their moxie early as they played No. 2 Gonzaga to a one-point game last week. Now they have a resumé win to their credit after outlasting John Calipari’s team in a double-overtime marathon.

After the long wait to take the floor, the Duke Blue Devils and Kansas Jayhawks offered a phenomenal sequel. In a back-and-forth game that Duke looked like it might pull away in down the stretch, Kansas got a lift from freshman Gradey Dick that allowed the Jayhawks to take the lead and hold on for the win.

With three top-10 teams in action and two of them losing on Tuesday, it’s time to check in on the projected college basketball rankings.

Projected college basketball rankings after Kansas beats Duke, Kentucky upset by Michigan State

  1. North Carolina Tar Heels
  2. Gonzaga Bulldogs
  3. Houston Cougars
  4. Kansas Jayhawks
  5. Baylor Bears
  6. UCLA Bruins
  7. Arkansas Razorbacks
  8. Duke Blue Devils
  9. Creighton Bluejays
  10. Kentucky Wildcats
  11. Texas Longhorns
  12. Indiana Hoosiers
  13. Auburn Tigers
  14. Arizona Wildcats
  15. Virginia Cavaliers
  16. San Diego State Aztecs
  17. Alabama Crimson Tide
  18. Illinois Fighting Illini
  19. Michigan Wolverines
  20. Tennessee Volunteers
  21. Texas Tech Red Raiders
  22. Texas A&M Aggies
  23. Michigan State Spartans
  24. UConn Huskies
  25. Purdue Boilermakers

With Kansas getting the win over Duke despite not having MJ Rice on the floor, it feels right for the defending national champions to jump Baylor and claim the No. 4 spot. As for Duke, they only fall one spot while Kentucky clings onto the last spot in the Top 10.

It should be noted that North Carolina had some trouble with Gardner Webb on Tuesday as well. The Heels won, but their claim to the No. 1 spot could be getting thinner. Moreover, Gonzaga and Texas are set for a showdown on Wednesday night that could have big rankings implications as well.

Next. College basketball power rankings: Houston sets an early tone. dark

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.