:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62656660/usa_today_11692952.0.jpg)
There’s a new No. 1 in college basketball.
Michigan (10-0, 2-0) surged to the top spot in the NET rankings Monday, passing Virginia after last week’s two victories at Northwestern and over South Carolina.
The Cavaliers dropped to the No. 3 spot after a 57-49 decision against Virginia Commonwealth. Duke sits at No. 2, while No. 4 Gonzaga is due to drop after its 76-73 loss to Tennessee factors into the equation.
The NET — or NCAA Evaluation Tool — replaced the Ratings Percentage Index as the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s go-to ranking.
It’s an algorithm comprised of five factors: a team’s net efficiency, winning percentage, adjusted win percentage and scoring margin (capped at 10 points per game). “Team Value Index,” is the fifth part of the equation that values game results, opponent and location.
The rankings closely resemble the efficiency rankings compiled by Ken Pomeroy and Bart Torvik. Michigan stands at No. 4 and No. 2 in those rankings, respectively.
With layups against Western Michigan, Air Force and Binghamton on the docket for the rest of the month, don’t expect much movement from the Wolverines. They tip off at 2 p.m. ET on BTN against the Broncos this Saturday, Dec. 15.