This Saturday showcased a thrilling slate of men’s basketball games as teams continued their push towards the playoffs in 2025.
No. 4 Duke (14-2, 6-0 ACC) maintained its perfect record in the ACC with a triumphant 86-78 victory over Notre Dame (7-9, 1-4 ACC). Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg made headlines by scoring 42 points, breaking both Duke’s and the ACC’s freshman record for points in a game. Duke’s first-half performance was strong, maintaining a shooting percentage of 53.8%, while holding Notre Dame to 48.0%. Flagg’s strong offensive display helped the Blue Devils enter halftime with an eight-point cushion. Despite a late-game surge by Notre Dame, who pulled within five points with less than a minute remaining, Duke’s resilience and timely free throws ensured their victory.
Meanwhile, No. 3 Iowa State battled through adversity to secure an 85-84 overtime win against Texas Tech. With his team trailing late, Joshua Jefferson hit two critical free throws with just 4.1 seconds left to clinch the lead. Texas Tech initially dominated much of the game, led by JT Toppin’s 18 points. Iowa State, however, relied on Curtis Jones, who led the team with 26 points, and Jefferson’s buzzer-beater that sent the game into overtime, reaffirming Iowa State’s spot atop the Big 12 standings with a record of 14-1.
Southern California pulled off a notable 82-72 victory against No. 13 Illinois, with Desmond Claude scoring an impressive 31 points. The Trojans’ strong performance was characterized by high shooting efficiency, and improvements under first-year coach Eric Musselman have begun to show. Illinois, despite Kylan Boswell’s contributions, could not contain USC’s offensive efforts.
In close games, No. 2 Auburn narrowly defeated South Carolina 66-63. The Gamecocks had a chance to tie the game but missed vital free throws in the closing seconds, allowing Auburn to escape with the win. The contest intensified as both teams exchanged leads, but Auburn emerged victorious even with forward Johni Broome leaving the game with an ankle injury.
Georgia made waves with a decisive 72-62 upset over No. 17 Oklahoma, marking back-to-back ranked wins for the program. The Bulldogs significantly capitalized on free throw opportunities and more aggressive play style in the second half, leading to their win and solidifying their case for a Top 25 ranking.
No. 6 Kentucky also bounced back from their midweek loss to Georgia, defeating No. 14 Mississippi State 95-90. The Wildcats soared offensively, led by Jaxson Robinson’s season-high 27 points. Despite a robust effort from the Bulldogs, Kentucky’s ability to close out the game and maintain composure in high-pressure moments secured their victory.
The day’s games not only provided competitive excitement but also set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead as teams continue to vie for supremacy in their respective conferences. Each game highlighted emerging talents that could potentially shape the landscape of college basketball this season.
In summary, this Saturday delivered intense action across the board, underscoring the depth of talent in college basketball that promises an exciting road to March Madness.