Maryland men’s basketball climbs back to No. 7 in latest AP Top 25

After yet another 2-0 week — extending its winning streak to eight games — Maryland men’s basketball is back on the rise in the latest AP Top 25.

In the Week 16 poll released Monday, the Terps clock in at No. 7 — where they began the season over three months ago — moving up two spots from the week prior. This is the third time they’ve been ranked at that spot in 2019-20.

Following a closer-than-expected 72-70 win over Nebraska Tuesday, Maryland went on the road to beat Michigan State, 67-60, even after blowing a 15-point lead late. The Terps sit a full game ahead of Penn State in the Big Ten standings, pushing closer and closer to a conference championship.

Maryland jumped Louisville — which had losses to unranked Georgia Tech and Clemson — and Florida State — which fell to then-No. 7 Duke — in the rankings.

The Terps remain the highest-ranked team in the Big Ten, but it’s not a runaway lead. The Nittany Lions, now No. 9 in the poll, continue their ascent to mark the first time since Dec. 9 that at least two teams in the conference are ranked in the top-10.

After a 1-1 week, Iowa jumps up one spot to No. 20, while Ohio State checks back into the poll at No. 25 following wins in five of its six last games.

Illinois dropped out of the poll amidst its four game losing streak, but is still receiving votes, along with Michigan State, Michigan and Rutgers.

Maryland will be back in action on Tuesday night in a rematch against Northwestern, which sits in last place in the Big Ten standings. The first time the teams met, however, the Terps had to overcome a late second-half deficit before ultimately winning, 77-66.

And on Sunday, Maryland will head back on the road to face the No. 25 Buckeyes — who the Terps beat 67-55 back on Jan. 7 in College Park — in Columbus, giving Mark Turgeon’s team a chance to extend its winning streak to 10 games.

Check out the rest of the poll here.