This Saturday’s men’s basketball action included several thrilling matchups, highlighted by ranked teams vying for supremacy as the season progresses.
No. 4 Duke maintained its position in the ACC with an impressive 86-78 victory over Notre Dame, led by freshman Cooper Flagg, who shattered Duke and ACC records by scoring 42 points. Flagg’s performance included seven assists and six rebounds, marking his first collegiate game over the 30-point threshold. Duke’s strong first-half shooting, hitting 53.8% from the field, established an eight-point lead at halftime. Despite a late push from Notre Dame that saw them cut the deficit to just five points, Duke’s composure at the free-throw line ensured they secured the win.
In an overtime thriller, No. 3 Iowa State emerged victorious over Texas Tech with an 85-84 score, extending their winning streak to 11 games. Joshua Jefferson played a pivotal role, scoring key free throws in the closing seconds of overtime to clinch the win. Curtis Jones led Iowa State with 26 points, while Texas Tech struggled to maintain their early lead and fell just short despite an admirable effort.
Southern California enjoyed a successful outing against No. 13 Illinois, winning 82-72. Desmond Claude was the standout performer with 31 points, shooting 60% from the field. USC’s adaptable offense proved effective against Illinois’ defense, which struggled to contain the Trojans in critical moments, ultimately allowing for a significant victory.
No. 2 Auburn faced a challenge from South Carolina but managed to narrowly secure a 66-63 win. The Gamecocks had a chance to even the score late in the game but missed two crucial free throws, which might haunt their game strategy in future matchups. Auburn’s victory came at a cost, as star forward Johni Broome suffered a left ankle injury that raised concerns about his availability moving forward.
Georgia celebrated a significant upset against No. 17 Oklahoma, winning 72-62. Their victory marked the second straight ranked win for the Bulldogs, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2002. Georgia effectively utilized their free throw opportunities in the second half, which played a crucial role in their triumph.
Meanwhile, No. 6 Kentucky rebounded from its previous loss to Georgia by defeating No. 14 Mississippi State 95-90. Kentucky’s impressive offensive performance was bolstered by Jaxson Robinson, who scored a season-high 27 points. With this victory, Kentucky not only showcased their scoring prowess but also indicated their growing strength in the competitive SEC.
Overall, this Saturday’s games reflected an exciting start to 2025 in college basketball, with several teams solidifying their positions in the national rankings and demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the sport. As teams continue to fight for dominance, fans can anticipate even more exhilarating matchups ahead.