NCAA Basketball: Kansas No. 1 in AP Top 25, Buffalo makes MAC history

2. Return of the MAC

Buffalo didn’t just pop into the AP Top 25 this week – the Bulls have been there for most of the season.

But this week further cemented the history Buffalo is making, both for themselves and on behalf of the entire MAC.

Dominant wins over Division II Le Moyne (despite a slow start) and Atlantic 10 foe St. Bonaventure pushed the undefeated Bulls up another three spots to No. 14 in the rankings.

Just like that, Buffalo became the highest-ranked MAC team in over four decades. They’re also the first team in the conference to remain ranked for at least five consecutive years in the same span.

Buffalo is picking up right where they left off last season when they engineered the (second) biggest upset of the NCAA Tournament, a win over Arizona.

That being said, ranking Buffalo as the No. 14 team in the country may be a bridge too far, especially when considered in the context of the treatment St. John’s has received.

The Bulls have secured just one victory over a major conference foe – a road win over West Virginia that seems less impressive by the week. Sure, any win in Morgantown is worth celebrating, but these aren’t your older cousin’s Mountaineers.

Buffalo is ranked based on their potential more than their results to this point.

The Bulls have a quiet week on tap, but the following week, they’ll take trips to Syracuse and Marquette, who may both be ranked when they meet.

Win those games and this historic ranking will be warranted.