AP Poll: Back to Two Ranked Mid-Majors, But Lurkers Multiply

Perhaps the writers are beginning to take notice outside of the normal blinders. Oh wait, we know that can't be the case.

Still, as the season continues to be wacky, with no real separation among the second tier of about 40 teams, some of the mid-major teams are getting noticed for their accomplishments on the court. (Notice we said teams there...)

We all know about Gonzaga and Creighton (although that loss to Illinois by the Bulldogs is beginning to look stranger and stranger, especially since it occurred in Spokane).

But the "Others receiving votes" group is now crowded with mid-majors waiting to jump into the Top 25 with the next change in the wind. Wichita State (which lost its spot this week due to two losses) heads the group with 49 votes in the latest tally.

Behind the Shockers are Memphis at 44 votes, St. Mary's with 27 votes, WAC leader Louisiana Tech at 24 votes, MAC leader Akron with four votes, and Belmont bringing up the rear with a single vote.

Just getting mentioned here is a big step in terms of getting the recognition it is going to take come March to have any longer consideration at the committee's table. But it is going to need to be backed up by results on the court over the final month to make this name recognition stick.

Here is the complete AP Poll for Week 14: