Dude…
MARCH IS HERE!!! Only a week left of conference matchups until the tournaments! With 3 games left to play, who is coming out on top? Will Auburn and Duke continue their reign over their respective conferences? Will Kansas make a run in the Big 12? Will Drake win the Missouri Valley? Who knows, that’s what makes March so special. Here is your weekly report of college basketball.
Georgia/Vandy still in the Hunt- the unranked Georgia Bulldogs stunned the No. 3 Florida Gators with an 88-83 victory at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens. The Bulldogs, who had been struggling in the SEC, showcased resilience and determination to topple their highly-ranked rivals. Georgia's offensive onslaught was spearheaded by Silas Demary Jr., who tallied 21 points, including four crucial three-pointers. Asa Newell contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, while Tyrin Lawrence added 14 points off the bench. A pivotal moment came when Blue Cain sank a go-ahead three-pointer with just 47 seconds remaining, sealing the Bulldogs' triumph. The Bulldogs exhibited exceptional shooting efficiency, converting 57.4% of their field goals and an impressive 60% from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Gators managed 41% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. Despite a valiant 30-point effort from Florida's Will Richard, the Gators' six-game winning streak was halted. This monumental win elevates Georgia's overall record to 17-11 and 5-10 in the SEC, breathing new life into their NCAA tournament ambitions. Conversely, Florida's aspirations for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament have been jeopardized, as their record now stands at 24-4 overall and 11-4 in conference play.
The Vanderbilt Commodores also made headlines by edging out No. 12 Texas A&M with an 86-84 win in College Station on February 26, 2025. This victory is particularly significant for Vanderbilt as it enhances their prospects for an NCAA tournament berth.Tyler Nickel was the standout performer for the Commodores, recording 21 points and achieving a career-high seven three-pointers. MJ Collins and Jason Edwards contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively, providing essential support. Despite facing foul troubles that plagued their key big men, Vanderbilt maintained composure and secured the win. Texas A&M's Pharrel Payne led all scorers with 23 points, while Wade Taylor IV added 21 points and six assists. The Aggies dominated the boards with 44 rebounds, including 18 offensive, and earned 39 trips to the free-throw line, converting 31 of them. However, their shooting woes continued as they hit only 37.1% from the field. The Aggies are in the tournament, but this loss may cost them a seed line come NCAA tournament time.
Iowa State??- The Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team commenced the 2024-2025 season with remarkable vigor, rapidly ascending the national rankings and establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the Big 12 Conference. However, recent performances have seen a downturn, culminating in a disheartening loss to Oklahoma State this week, which has cast a shadow over their postseason prospects.
Under the guidance of Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones launched their season with a series of commanding victories. Their performance in the Maui Invitational was noteworthy, where they triumphed over Dayton (89-84) and Colorado (99-71), despite a narrow loss to Auburn (81-83). These early successes propelled Iowa State into the national spotlight, earning them a No. 9 ranking in the AP Top 25.
Despite their strong start, the Cyclones faced challenges as the season progressed. A significant setback occurred on February 22, 2025, when they fell to No. 5 Houston with a 68-59 defeat. In this matchup, Iowa State struggled offensively, particularly in the first half, where they trailed by 12 points at halftime. Notably, the team was without its leading scorers, Curtis Jones Jr. and Keshon Gilbert, which impacted their offensive efficiency. The most alarming moment of the Cyclones' season transpired on February 25, 2025, when they suffered a 74-68 loss to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The Cowboys, who had recently endured a 32-point defeat to Kansas, managed to outpace the Cyclones throughout the game. Oklahoma State's Abou Ousmane delivered a standout performance, contributing 25 points, while Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson led his team with 17 points and eight rebounds. The Cyclones were plagued by a sluggish start and turnovers, which hindered their ability to mount a comeback.
This recent downturn has significant implications for Iowa State's positioning in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. According to the latest bracketology projections as of February 28, 2025, the Cyclones have been relegated to a No. 3 seed, a drop influenced by their recent losses. Maintaining or improving this seeding will necessitate a strong finish to the regular season and a robust performance in the Big 12 Conference tournament.
St. Johns Secures Conference Championship- After beating Butler this week, the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team has achieved a historic milestone by clinching a share of the Big East regular-season title for the first time since the 1991-92 season. This remarkable turnaround is largely attributed to the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino, whose influence has been pivotal in revitalizing the program. Since taking the helm, Pitino has instilled a culture of humility and continuous improvement within the team. His emphasis on viewing each game as a significant challenge has kept the players focused and grounded, preventing overconfidence despite their successes. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the rigors of the Big East Conference and maintaining consistent performance throughout the season. St. John's impressive 16-2 conference record underscores their dominance in the Big East. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 78.6 points per game, which ranks 64th nationally. Defensively, they have been formidable, allowing just 65.8 points per game, placing them 30th in the nation. This balance of efficient offense and stifling defense has been the cornerstone of their success.
PC’s Top 5
Auburn
Duke
Houston
Bama
Tennessee
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