This Saturday features a thrilling slate of ranked men’s basketball games that illustrates the competitive nature of the season leading into 2025.
In a standout match, No. 4 Duke improved to 14-2 overall and 6-0 in the ACC with an 86-78 victory over Notre Dame. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg shone brightly, setting a Duke and ACC freshman record by scoring 42 points. The Blue Devils dominated early, establishing an eight-point halftime lead while shooting an impressive 53.8% from the floor. Notre Dame made a late attempt to rally with a 13-0 run, but Duke maintained composure, making crucial free throws to secure the win. Flagg’s record-breaking performance included seven assists and six rebounds, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
No. 3 Iowa State continued its impressive form, edging out Texas Tech 85-84 in a thrilling overtime clash. The Cyclones, led by Curtis Jones with 26 points, managed to extend their winning streak to 11 games. Though they faced a 13-point deficit in the first half, Iowa State fought back with a game-tying layup from Joshua Jefferson, who later secured victory with two late free throws after edging out the Red Raiders, who had an excellent performance from JT Toppin.
Southern California also made headlines with a solid 82-72 win over No. 13 Illinois. Desmond Claude starred for the Trojans with 31 points, showcasing effective shooting and tactical plays to help USC improve its record under first-year coach Eric Musselman.
Further along, No. 2 Auburn narrowly avoided an upset against South Carolina, winning 66-63 despite a challenging endgame. The Gamecocks missed two crucial free throws that could have turned the tide. Injuries marked Auburn’s night as National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome left the game in the second half with an ankle injury, raising concerns for the team moving forward.
In one of the day’s significant upsets, Georgia triumphed over No. 17 Oklahoma 72-62, achieving consecutive wins against ranked teams for the first time since 2002. Georgia utilized the free throw line effectively, drawing numerous fouls and capitalizing on scoring opportunities to maintain their lead.
In contrast, No. 6 Kentucky bounced back with an explosive 95-90 victory against No. 14 Mississippi State, marking the Wildcats’ ninth game this season scoring over 90 points. The match was characterized by a frenetic pace and strong offensive displays, particularly from Jaxson Robinson, who finished with 27 points.
This Saturday’s games underscored the excitement and unpredictability that college basketball has to offer. As teams ramp up their efforts for conference success and seeding as the season progresses, fans can look forward to even more thrilling matchups ahead. The resilience and talent displayed by these programs signal promising potential as they each seek to solidify their positions in the national landscape.