The excitement is palpable as conference tournaments kick off. With major conferences wrapping up their regular seasons this week, numerous teams are poised to secure their spots in the NCAA Tournament. As the calendar flips to March, anticipation for the greatest sporting event in the world intensifies. Get ready for another exhilarating month of college basketball.
1. Duke (26-3)
This week, the Blue Devils have been winning by hefty margins—averaging victories of 36 points. Ironically, this overwhelming dominance might be a double-edged sword, as their ability to navigate close games remains largely untested. Their sole nail-biter victory was against Auburn, the top team they’re vying with, which keeps fans hopeful and wary in equal measure.
2. Auburn (27-2)
Auburn Tigers demonstrated their prowess over the weekend, marching over teams that are sure to feature in the NCAA Tournament soon. By securing a regular-season championship, thanks to Tennessee’s win over Alabama, their reign in the SEC remains unchallenged. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we’ll discuss their journey in a bit.
3. Houston (25-4)
The Houston Cougars are on an impressive eight-game winning streak. Whether it comes with an asterisk or not, they’ve claimed victory in the Big 12 title race, leaving Texas Tech in their wake. This marks back-to-back regular season championships, with Kelvin Sampson’s squad making the nation’s top basketball conferences look like child’s play.
4. Tennessee (24-5)
This weekend, Tennessee truly delivered the most thrilling finale, clinching a buzzer-beating victory against Alabama right in Knoxville. Jahmai Mashack’s deep three-pointer rang in March with the kind of energy that was a perfect prelude to a potentially electrifying month of college basketball.
5. Alabama (23-6)
Despite Mashack’s shot being the talk of the town, Alabama is quietly facing its own challenges, having dropped three of their last five games. And with tough matches against Florida and Auburn looming, their exciting offense needs to shore up its defensive lapses if they’re hoping for another dream run in the NCAA Tournament.
6. Florida (25-4)
Florida’s trip to Athens served as a wake-up call when they succumbed to Georgia, possibly securing their hosts a March Madness berth. However, the Gators rebounded with a stirring victory over No. 12 Texas A&M, a team that’s been struggling to find its footing this season.
7. Michigan State (23-5)
A buzzer-beating half-court shot and a significant AP Top-11 win have given Michigan State a fantastic week, positioning them as favorites to claim the Big Ten regular season title. But as the season concludes, hosting Michigan, just a game behind them in the standings, could decide their fate.
8. Texas Tech (22-7)
Texas Tech’s aspirations for a Big 12 title faced a setback with a home loss to Houston. The Red Raiders showed grit despite missing key players, two of whom made a strong comeback against Kansas. But as tournament time approaches, their depth will be vital when filling out those brackets.
9. St. John’s (26-4)
After a 40-year wait, St. John’s are celebrating as Big East champions. Their remarkable transformation into this season’s most captivating story is largely credited to Coach Rick Pitino. It’s been an unforgettable journey for the team and their fervent supporters.
10. Iowa State (22-7)
Starting the week with a loss to Oklahoma State wasn’t ideal, but Iowa State bounced back decisively with a commanding win over No. 22 Arizona. Now, they aim to continue this momentum into their upcoming matchup against No. 25 BYU, before concluding the season against Kansas State.
11. Wisconsin (22-7)
Wisconsin dropped a hard-fought contest in East Lansing on Sunday. To turn things around, they’ll need a positive boost this week, especially as they aim for a double bye in the precarious Big Ten Tournament following recent losses.
12. Memphis (24-5)
Just like Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s often are, Memphis has become something of a forgotten contender. Despite playing in a conference perceived to be weaker, they’ve consistently racked up victories, and their strong non-conference record makes them a team worth watching as a potential sleeper pick.
13. Clemson (24-5)
While the losses could be improved upon, Clemson is gaining momentum at the perfect time. Holding impressive wins over Duke and Kentucky, they leverage last year’s remarkable run into this season, making them a likely contender to catch everyone by surprise in the NCAA Tournament.
14. Missouri (21-8)
Following a winless conference season last year, Dennis Gates has worked wonders with Missouri, placing them just shy of a double bye in one of the sport’s toughest conferences. Despite the scrutiny faced last year, Gates has turned things around, guiding the Tigers back into tournament consideration.
15. Michigan (22-7)
The Wolverines boast a confounding record this season, epitomized by a 20-point loss to Illinois. This is a team capable of anything—from falling to a mid-major in the first round to making a stunning Elite Eight charge with their formidable size. Nothing about them is predictable.
16. Maryland (22-7)
The Big Ten is making a prominent impact, with more teams joining our rankings, though none seem poised for a national title. Nevertheless, many have the potential to reach the Final Four, just short of ending the conference’s national championship drought stretching back to 2000.
Next Up: Saint Mary’s, BYU, Marquette, Kentucky, Louisville
Players of the Week:
Eric Dixon, Villanova Wildcats
On a low-scoring Wednesday, Dixon was a standout with a remarkable 32 points, and he outdid himself on Saturday with 34 against Butler. Leading the nation in scoring, Dixon’s stellar performance could propel his team into the Big Dance in the upcoming Big East Tournament.
Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns
In a star-studded freshman class, Tre Johnson continues to shine as a potentially top scorer. He strengthened his case with an explosive 39-point game against Arkansas. As the highest-scoring freshman nationwide, he is poised for a top-10 draft pick this summer, despite his team’s struggles.
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Gamecocks
Despite a lackluster SEC showing, Murray-Boyles has consistently delivered standout performances. His star power was on full display against Arkansas where he contributed 35 points and seven rebounds, leading South Carolina to their second conference victory.
Miles Kelly, No. 1 Auburn Tigers
Whether luck or skill, Kelly’s impressive outing at Rupp Arena with nine three-pointers and a season-high 30 points was pivotal in Auburn securing a long-awaited win in Lexington.
Chucky Hepburn, No. 19 Louisville Cardinals
Surprising everyone, Hepburn has emerged as a leading scorer for Louisville, which now sits near NCAA Tournament contention. His impressive 37-point outing, coupled with a perfect shooting record from beyond the arc, nearly solidified their spot in March Madness.
Play of the Week
Maryland suffered yet another heartbreaking loss—this time at the hands of Tre Holloman and his spectacular half-court shot that sealed a win for the Spartans at the buzzer. Despite the thrill of Mashack’s game-winner, Holloman’s jaw-dropping heave unquestionably takes the honors for play of the week. Don’t miss out on the highlight!
Video Credit: Fox Sports Highlights
