As the 2024-25 college basketball season heads toward the midway point, the action is heating up, especially as teams look to solidify their NCAA tournament spots. With just over two months until Selection Sunday, the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings are becoming increasingly crucial.
This year marks the seventh season of using the NET rankings to evaluate teams for the NCAA Tournament selection and seeding. The NET assesses factors such as game results, strength of schedule, game location, and offensive and defensive efficiency. The rankings categorize wins and losses into quadrants based on location and opponent quality—known as Quad 1, which is vital for teams aiming for a spot in the tournament. For instance, teams earn credit for victories against high-ranking opponents, particularly in Quad 1.
As of January 11, Auburn is on track to become the new No. 1 team. With a strong overall record of 15-1 and impressive Quad 1 record of 7-1, the Tigers recently secured a tense 66-63 win against South Carolina, although standout forward Johni Broome suffered an ankle injury during the match, concerning fans and team alike.
Duke has also been performing well, boasting a 14-2 record with five wins against Quad 1 opponents. The Blue Devils are currently on a 10-game winning streak, with freshman star Cooper Flagg shining bright after scoring 42 points against Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Houston continues to dominate in the Big 12, riding an eight-game win streak after their latest victory against Kansas State.
The season has been unpredictable, and Tennessee, previously unbeaten, faced a shocking 73-43 loss at Florida. However, the Volunteers bounced back, showcasing their resilience with a subsequent win against Texas. Florida’s performance has been solid as well, ending Tennessee’s perfect start and picking up significant wins that could impact conference standings come March.
The ongoing competitions keep fans engaged as many teams vie for the coveted spots in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Teams like Iowa State, with an 11-game win streak, and Alabama, riding an eight-game winning run, are also making strong pushes for postseason success. As teams navigate through a highly competitive landscape, the countdown to March Madness continues, making for exciting basketball ahead.
