On December 10, 2024, No. 14 Michigan will face off against Arkansas in a men’s college basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown, which will be broadcast live on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.
Those who prefer to stream the game can take advantage of free trials from DirecTV Stream and FuboTV. This game is a highlight in a week that has seen significant upheaval in the AP Top 25 rankings, with Tennessee climbing to the No. 1 spot for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
Key Matchup: Michigan vs. Arkansas
The Michigan Wolverines, ranked No. 14, are experiencing a resurgence under first-year coach Dusty May. They have won seven straight games, including tight victories over Wisconsin and Iowa, marking their first appearance in the rankings in nearly three years.
On the other hand, Arkansas is looking to make a statement in this high-profile matchup at Madison Square Garden.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the game on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET or opt for a live stream through DirecTV Stream and FuboTV, both of which offer free trials. This accessibility ensures that basketball enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the action.
AP Top 25 Shakeup
The latest AP Top 25 rankings have seen a significant shakeup. Tennessee has climbed to the No. 1 spot, receiving 58 first-place votes from a 62-person media panel. This marks the first time the Vols have been No. 1 since the 2018-19 season.
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They are currently 8-0, their best start since the 2000-01 season, and lead the NET rankings. Tennessee is also second in the KenPom ratings, with high rankings in both defensive and offensive efficiency.
Volatility in the Rankings
The past week has been turbulent for many teams. Kansas, previously No. 1 since the preseason poll, dropped to No. 10 after losses to Creighton and Missouri.
Auburn, despite being poised to take the top spot, fell to Duke before beating Richmond, landing them at No. 4. Iowa State, now ranked No. 3, had its highest preseason ranking at No. 5 and has continued to perform well, most recently blowing out Jackson State.
Teams on the Rise
Several teams have made significant climbs in the rankings. Oklahoma jumped eight spots to No. 13 after victories over Georgia Tech and Alcorn State.
Duke and Texas A&M each moved up five spots. UConn, the two-time reigning national champion, rebounded from a rough patch to climb seven spots to No. 18 after impressive wins over Baylor and Texas.
New Entrants
Multiple teams have entered the rankings for the first time this season. Michigan is back at No. 14, Clemson at No. 16, Michigan State at No. 21, UCLA at No. 24, and Mississippi State at No. 25. These teams have shown resilience and skill, earning their spots in the latest poll.
Teams on the Decline
Not all teams have had a positive week. Kansas experienced the biggest drop, followed by Wisconsin, which fell nine spots to No. 20.
Cincinnati also dropped eight places to No. 22. Baylor, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Illinois, and North Carolina have all dropped out of the rankings entirely.
Conference Dominance
The SEC leads all conferences with nine ranked teams, showcasing its depth and competitiveness. The Big Ten follows with six ranked teams, while the Big 12 has four.
The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East each have two ranked teams, and the West Coast and Mountain West conferences each have one.
Looking Ahead
As the college basketball season progresses, fans can expect more exciting matchups and potential upsets. The volatility in the rankings indicates a highly competitive season, with teams continuously battling for top spots. The upcoming Michigan vs. Arkansas game is just one of many highlights in this dynamic season.
Conclusion
The Michigan vs. Arkansas game on December 10, 2024, is a must-watch event for college basketball fans. With Michigan’s resurgence and Arkansas’s determination, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Don’t miss out on the action—tune in on ESPN or stream it live through DirecTV Stream and FuboTV. For more details and to stay updated on the latest sports news, check out the full article on NJ.com.
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