This week, college basketball delivered some thrilling moments—from Duke’s dominant performance at Madison Square Garden to UConn’s unexpected loss to St. John’s there for the first time in more than a decade. Excitement is bubbling up across the board. With conference championships heating up and March Madness just around the corner, the iconic theme song is starting to play on repeat in fans’ minds.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s unfolding in college hoops as we inch closer to the highlight of the sports calendar.
Starting with Duke, their record now stands at an impressive 24-3. If Spencer Hubbard, standing at just 5’8″, is sinking step-back threes even in the final moments of a game, it might spell trouble for other teams in March. Something thrilling is happening in Durham, and anything less than a national title might now seem like a letdown.
Auburn, boasting a 25-2 record, is matching Duke in terms of high expectations. With a likely National Player of the Year contender leading their charge, both the race for individual accolades and the championship itself promise to be captivating over the next few weeks.
Florida is comfortably cruising through its SEC schedule, sitting at 24-3. They’ve been dispatching opponents as expected, though tougher challenges loom in the coming weeks. Even a split of their remaining games should secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament—provided they snag a victory against Alabama in Tuscaloosa soon.
Meanwhile, Alabama—standing at 22-5—snapped their losing streak with a defensive masterclass against a faltering Kentucky team. Coach Nate Oats’ squad has a tough road ahead, facing three top six teams in the regular season’s final stretch.
Houston, with a 23-4 record, nearly wrapped up their second straight Big 12 regular-season crown, highlighted by a crucial top 10 win that bolstered their resume. A win on their upcoming trip to Lubbock would clinch at least a share of the title and edge them closer to a top tournament seed.
Tennessee, now 22-5, faced a singular but challenging game against No. 7 Texas A&M. Riding on Chaz Lanier’s hot streak, they secured a significant victory, propelling themselves toward a possible first-round bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
Iowa State, holding a 21-6 record, stood their ground at Houston’s Fertitta Center, despite missing their two top scorers. Getting Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones back on the court is a top priority, especially with a demanding schedule that could impact their tournament seedings.
Texas A&M (20-7) experienced a setback after two consecutive defeats, tumbling them down in the SEC rankings. With matches against the top two national teams next, things might get rough before they improve in College Station.
Texas Tech, at 21-6, is gearing up for a big matchup against Houston. A win here would not only complete a sweep over the Cougars but also boost their chances for a higher tournament seed.
St. John’s, with a 24-4 record, has been a revelation; Rick Pitino’s squad defying expectations with an old-school style. Despite challenging offensive stats, they look poised to dominate the Big East and set their sights on national glory.
Michigan State, at 22-5, put doubts to rest with road wins against tough opponents, Illinois and Michigan, plus a key victory over Purdue. Tom Izzo’s team always seems to heat up at just the right moment, becoming a team to watch come March.
Michigan (20-6) took a hard loss to the Spartans but will have another shot in the regular season finale. A lackluster performance from their guards spelled defeat, but the team found solace as Dusty May signed an extension, quelling departure rumors.
Wisconsin, sitting with a 21-6 record, suffered a shocking defeat after leading Oregon by 14 late in the game. This collapse cost them a shot at a Big Ten regular-season title.
Memphis, clocking in at 22-5, had a straightforward week facing DePaul at home. The win snapped a losing streak, setting them up for a promising final stretch that could solidify their tournament seed.
Missouri (20-7) managed a 1-1 week against challenging opponents like Alabama and Arkansas. Their victory over the Crimson Tide was particularly impressive, lighting up the scoreboard with 110 points.
Clemson, now at 19-5, is stepping into the national scene with strong closing performances. An ACC title is within reach if Duke stumbles and they continue their winning ways.
Next up in the ranks are Marquette, Kentucky, Maryland, BYU, and Saint Mary’s.
As for standout players, Auburn’s Johni Broome was on fire, scoring a career-high 31 points. Mark Sears from Alabama had back-to-back explosive games. Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier turned heads with a stellar performance against Texas A&M. Houston’s LJ Cryer delivered sparks with his sharp shooting, and Bennett Stirtz of Drake has been making waves in the mid-major scene.
For the play of the week, Kobe Sanders wowed with a memorable dunk for Nevada against Boise State. Check it out in the Fox Sports highlights!
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