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The third-ranked Ohio State men's basketball team had a chance to return to No. 1 after Kansas and Texas lost last week.
But No. 11 Purdue quashed that chance on Sunday, beating the visiting Buckeyes 76-63.
This should result in another close call when new polls are released today after a wacky week in which seven of the top 10 teams lost, including No. 4 Pittsburgh.
And it underscores the parity that exists in the Top 25. With less than three weeks until Selection Sunday for the NCAA tournament, there is no favorite for the title.
Don't be surprised if Kansas (25-2) remains No. 1 this week or if fifth-ranked Duke leap-frogs four teams for the top spot.
-- The case for Kansas: The Jayhawks barely went to No. 1 last Monday in the USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 Coaches Poll, edging Texas by seven points. That night, Kansas lost at Kansas State 84-68.
The Jayhawks rebounded Saturday by defeating Colorado 89-63. "At least our guys got a bad taste out of their mouth," Kansas coach Bill Self said.
They are unlikely to be passed by Texas, which has four losses after falling at Nebraska 70-67 on Saturday.
-- The case for Duke: The Blue Devils have won six in a row after beating Georgia Tech 79-57 Sunday at home. Duke was voted No. 1 in the preseason and stayed there until Jan. 17.
After winning its first 24 games, Ohio State lost two in eight days. Sunday, OSU succumbed to another capacity crowd and to E'Twaun Moore's 38 points.
"Purdue could have beaten anyone in the country," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said.
Yet another sign of parity.
So who do you think will take over the No. 1 spot when the coaches poll is released on Monday?
See photos of: Ohio State Buckeyes, Duke Blue Devils, Kansas Jayhawks, Pittsburgh Panthers, Purdue Boilermakers
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/UbTyBbyS6U4/1
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