The top three NCAA men’s basketball teams were pushed to their limits this week
The GIST: The long weekend saw plenty of unexpected scorelines, but the last 48 hours took the cake: Two of the season’s most upset-proof teams fell, so you might want to hold off on those bracket predictions for a few more weeks.
Down goes No. 1 UConn: Just two days after No. 3 Purdue fell 73–69 to a mediocre Ohio State, the Huskies suffered an 85–66 beatdown by No. 15 Creighton last night, snapping the reigning natty champs’ 14-game win streak in the process. It’s the first time Creighton has ever beaten a No. 1 team. Looks like it’s storming in Omaha.
No. 2 Houston survives defensive battle: Two of the country’s toughest defenses duked it out on Monday, when the Cougars edged No. 6 Iowa State 73–65 at home. With the win, Houston wrested control of the tumultuous Big 12 from their top challenger.
No. 11 Baylor falls in Big 12 battle: Last night, inconsistent No. 25 BYU stunned No. 11 Baylor 78–71. Baylor’s terrible shooting and rebounding did them in — the Bears made just five of their 20 three-point attempts and allowed BYU to nab 17 offensive boards. Sheesh.
2023 national finalist can’t find traction: Despite last year’s legendary run to the national championship, No. 19 San Diego State has had a relatively lackluster season, including last night’s 68–63 upset loss to Utah State — just one day after their triumphant return to the Top 25. Oof.
