Minnesota falls out of AP Top 25

Feb. 6, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Tubby Smith react to play against the Michigan State Spartans during 2nd half at Jack Breslin Students Events Center. MSU won 61-50. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

After two losses this past week against Michigan State and Illinois, the Gophers fell out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since the week of Nov. 19.

Holding a 5-6 record in the Big Ten, Minnesota has a must-win game on Thursday against the Wisconsin Badgers, who rank in at No. 20 — the first Top 25 ranking since November.

Despite a loss to Illinois this week, Indiana retains the No. 1 ranking. The Hoosiers beat then-No. 10 Ohio State on Sunday.

The Buckeyes rank in at No. 4 this week and have made gradual ascents into the Top 5.

The Gophers received 80 points this week, essentially placing them at No. 26 — only seven points behind No. 25 Kentucky.