“Top 3 are so fraudulent” “Duke about to make a run”: Fans of college basketball respond to the most recent AP Top 25 Poll as Auburn is defeated by the Blue Devils

In a college basketball season filled with surprises, one of the most talked-about events of late was the Duke Blue Devils’ stunning victory over the Auburn Tigers. As the game unfolded, it not only had major implications for the NCAA rankings but also led to a wave of reactions from fans, analysts, and players alike, particularly in response to the most recent AP Top 25 Poll. Following Duke’s convincing win, many fans began questioning the legitimacy of the top-ranked teams, with some even labeling them “fraudulent” and predicting that Duke was on the verge of making a significant postseason run.

This article will explore the fans’ reactions, dive into the key takeaways from Duke’s triumph over Auburn, and analyze what the AP Top 25 Poll means for both the Blue Devils and the rest of the teams in college basketball.

The Context: Auburn’s Loss to Duke

Before delving into the fan reactions, it’s important to contextualize the monumental game between Auburn and Duke. Auburn, ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll, had been cruising through the season with impressive wins and a roster that boasted a lot of talent. The Tigers were considered a legitimate contender for a deep run in March Madness. Meanwhile, Duke had been experiencing its own ups and downs under coach Jon Scheyer, but with a team of skilled freshmen, including Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor, they were poised for a resurgence.

In what many described as a statement game, Duke dismantled Auburn in a dominant 85-74 victory. The Blue Devils controlled the game from the start, with Filipowski leading the charge with a double-double, and their defense stifled Auburn’s top players. Auburn, despite the best efforts of their star guard Wendell Green Jr., struggled to match Duke’s intensity and overall play.

The win by Duke had several ripple effects throughout the college basketball landscape. It not only boosted their stock as a team with championship potential but also raised a lot of eyebrows regarding the current state of the AP Top 25 Poll.

The Fans’ Reaction: “Top 3 Are So Fraudulent”

With the AP Top 25 Poll released shortly after Duke’s win over Auburn, fans took to social media, forums, and sports shows to express their frustrations with the current rankings. The general sentiment was that the top three teams—Purdue, Kansas, and Houston—were not as dominant as their rankings suggested.

Many fans, especially those who supported Duke, believed that the Top 3 had been given a pass by the voters and had not faced the same level of competition or pressure as other teams like Duke, Alabama, or Arizona. “Top 3 are so fraudulent” became a common refrain among many of Duke’s supporters, who felt that the Blue Devils’ win over Auburn proved they deserved to be ranked higher than their current standing.

The frustration with the Top 3 was rooted in a few key criticisms:

1. Purdue’s Weak Schedule: Purdue’s ranking at No. 1 was questioned by many, particularly because of their soft schedule and reliance on a dominant but one-dimensional player, Zach Edey. While Edey is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the country, critics argued that Purdue’s struggles against more balanced and athletic teams indicated that they were not invincible. Despite winning games, their lack of top-tier competition made some fans skeptical about their true strength.
2. Kansas’ Inconsistency: As the defending national champions, Kansas was expected to be dominant again this season. However, their up-and-down performances, especially in games against ranked opponents, led many to question their No. 2 ranking. Critics pointed to Kansas’ struggles in close games and questioned whether they had the depth and versatility to make another deep run in March.
3. Houston’s Lack of Competition: While Houston was undefeated at the time, many fans argued that they had yet to face a truly challenging slate of games. Their conference schedule in the American Athletic Conference was considered weaker than that of teams in the ACC, Big 12, or SEC. Houston’s impressive stats were counterbalanced by their soft schedule, leading fans to wonder whether they were as good as their ranking suggested.

As these discussions unfolded, many fans and analysts began to rally behind the idea that Duke, with its recent win over Auburn, had proven they were a team that could compete with the best. The narrative quickly shifted from skepticism about their preseason ranking to optimism about their potential. “Duke about to make a run” became a popular sentiment, with fans predicting that the Blue Devils were set to go on a tear through the rest of the season.

The Blue Devils’ Strengths and Momentum

Duke’s victory over Auburn was not just a lucky win—it was a reflection of the team’s growth and ability to play at a high level against tough competition. Several factors played a role in Duke’s impressive performance and made them a team to watch moving forward:

1. Kyle Filipowski’s Dominance: The standout freshman forward was a major force in the victory. Filipowski’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a matchup nightmare for Auburn. His ability to score both inside and from the perimeter, coupled with his rebounding and shot-blocking, gave Duke an all-around presence on the court.
2. Tyrese Proctor’s Playmaking: Proctor, another talented freshman, has been a steady playmaker for Duke. His vision and ability to create shots for others made him a key contributor against Auburn, especially in setting up Duke’s offense. Proctor’s development as a leader on the floor has been crucial to Duke’s success.
3. Improved Team Defense: Duke’s defense was one of the most impressive aspects of their win. Their ability to contain Auburn’s high-scoring players, especially in critical moments, was a testament to their commitment on that side of the ball. Duke’s physicality and discipline in guarding the perimeter and controlling the paint were major advantages in this matchup.
4. Coaching by Jon Scheyer: In just his second season as Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer has proven that he can handle the pressure of big games. His game plan against Auburn showed his ability to make strategic adjustments and get the best out of his players. His calm demeanor on the sideline and ability to motivate his team under pressure were key in securing the win.

Given these factors, Duke’s win over Auburn seemed to signify that the Blue Devils were finally clicking and could make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Their physicality, talent, and depth gave them a solid foundation to build on, especially with March Madness around the corner.

What This Means for the AP Top 25 Poll

The reaction from fans to the AP Top 25 Poll and Duke’s win over Auburn reflects a growing dissatisfaction with how rankings are determined, particularly when it comes to teams that have not been tested in the same way as others. As March approaches, the gap between the ranked teams and those just outside the top 10 is narrowing, and the fanbase is ready to see the AP Poll shake up.

Duke’s strong performance and their recent victory suggest that they could rise through the ranks, potentially overtaking some of the top teams in the poll. With Filipowski and Proctor leading the charge, and a defense that has grown stronger as the season has progressed, Duke looks like a team capable of challenging for a Final Four spot.

Meanwhile, teams like Purdue, Kansas, and Houston will have to prove themselves in tougher matchups if they want to maintain their standing. The Blue Devils’ victory over Auburn may have been the turning point for a team that is peaking at the right time, and with their newfound momentum, it’s possible that they could make a serious run in March and beyond.