College basketball rankings see Auburn holding onto the top spot as Selection Sunday approaches. This past weekend showcased the best action of the regular season, highlighted by the highly anticipated No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup, a rarity in college hoops over the last four years.
Despite a recent home loss to Florida, a team projected to be a No. 1 seed, Auburn maintained its position as the nation’s best team due to its impressive overall résumé. The Tigers demonstrated their resilience, proving their worthiness of the top ranking after a strong performance on the road.
In a key matchup against Alabama, Bruce Pearl’s squad showcased their dominance with a 94-85 victory. Auburn’s defense was pivotal, limiting the Crimson Tide to just 5-of-26 shooting from beyond the arc, while stifling All-American guard Mark Sears, who struggled with a 4-for-17 shooting night. This defensive prowess was crucial in controlling the game.
Johni Broome continued to make his case for national player of the year honors, recording 19 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Denver Jones added 16 points, with Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara contributing 15 points each. Auburn’s ability to hit 12 three-pointers at a 40% clip, combined with Chaney Johnson’s consistent scoring, underscored the effectiveness of their offensive strategy. This performance solidified Auburn’s position as a frontrunner for the NCAA Tournament’s top seed.
Here are four additional insights from an exhilarating Saturday in college basketball:
Tom Izzo has now become the all-time leader in Big Ten wins, surpassing Bob Knight. His 354th victory came with a 79-65 triumph over Illinois, where his Spartans held the Illini scoreless for the final 8:29 of the game. A tribute to Izzo’s legacy was beautifully articulated by Bill Raftery.
Wisconsin, under Greg Gard, has transformed its offensive approach, leading to a remarkable 94-84 win at Purdue. With John Tonje scoring 32 points and Max Klesmit adding 17, the Badgers have climbed to 12-2 in their last 14 games. Their offensive efficiency has skyrocketed from 140th two years ago to sixth in the nation today, making them a potential dark horse for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
On the other hand, Kansas and UConn have faced challenges this season. Kansas has struggled with a 5-5 record in their last ten games and fell to Utah 74-67, marking a disappointing trend for Bill Self’s team. Meanwhile, UConn’s shocking 69-68 overtime loss to Seton Hall has left them virtually out of the running for the Big East title, despite leading late in the game.
For UConn, this Quad 3 loss could significantly impact their chances in the NCAA Tournament, potentially landing them in an 8-9 matchup. This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball as teams vie for postseason positioning.
In bracketology news, Mike DeCourcy has SMU, Arkansas, San Diego State, and BYU as the last four teams in the tournament. Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s recent victory could shift their status, as SDSU’s strong defensive effort against Boise State and BYU’s dominance over Kansas State have made significant waves in the rankings. The bubble remains fluid, and Saturday’s outcomes have certainly influenced the landscape.
Here’s the latest top 25 rankings:
1. Auburn (23-2)
2. Florida (22-3)
3. Duke (22-3)
4. Alabama (21-4)
5. Houston (21-4)
6. Texas A&M (20-5)
7. Tennessee (21-5)
8. Iowa State (20-5)
9. Wisconsin (20-5)
10. Texas Tech (20-5)
11. St. John’s (22-4)
12. Michigan (20-5)
13. Michigan State (20-5)
14. Purdue (19-7)
15. Marquette (19-6)
16. Missouri (19-6)
17. Arizona (17-8)
18. Clemson (21-5)
19. Kentucky (17-8)
20. Memphis (21-5)
21. Maryland (20-6)
22. Mississippi State (18-7)
23. Louisville (20-6)
24. New Mexico (22-4)
25. Saint Mary’s (23-4)
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