The Big Winners And Losers In Saturday’s College Basketball
Yesterday was quite a day in college hoops, and there’s sure to be some shakeup in the polls on Monday. Weren’t paying as close attention as you’d like? Here’s what you missed:
Big Winners:
Temple – There’s a reason the “Catholic 7″ schools will be trying to poach from the A-10 — these kids can flat-out ball. The Temple Owls were unranked when they waltzed into Madison Square Garden, but will now have a target on their backs for the rest of the season after knocking off third-ranked Syracuse. Khalif Wyatt put on an absolute show for the MSG crowd, notching 33 points including a perfect 15-15 from the free throw line. LOSER: Syracuse
Kansas – Since losing to Michigan State in the second game of the year, the Jayhawks had run off eight straight wins, but none of the teams that they had beaten would ever be considered powerhouses — until Saturday. Kansas ventured into Value City Arena in Columbus and left with an 8-point victory over No. 7 Ohio State, winning 74-66. Freshman guard Ben McLemore paced the Jayhawks with 22 points. LOSER: Ohio State
Missouri – Sometimes it’s all about braggin’ rights. The Tigers took on No. 10 Illinois in St. Louis and managed to pull away late for their fourth-consecutive victory in the annual rivalry game between the teams. The story of the game had to be Missouri guard Philip Pressey, who shot an atrocious 3-19 from the field but was still the best player on the floor for the Tigers. He finished with 12 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds in addition to playing spectacular defense. LOSER: Illinois
Kansas State – Even without Frank Martin, the Wildcats can play. On Saturday, The No. 8 Florida Gators tried to enter the Octagon of Doom — what were they thinking? Kansas State built a ten-point lead in the first half and then managed to hang on and fend off a Florida rally, winning 67-61. LOSER: Florida
South Dakota State — That’s right — the Jackrabbits had a big win this weekend! SDSU took on undefeated, 16th-ranked New Mexico and handed the Lobos their first loss of the year. LOSER: New Mexico
Other Winners:
North Carolina – North Carolina blew out a weak McNeese State team by 34 — that in itself was not impressive. But the Tar Heels needed to respond well after losing to Texas earlier this week, and that they did.
Arizona – The Wildcats moved to 10-0 after cruising to an easy win over East Tennessee State.
Louisville – The Cardinals squared off against Western Kentucky, a mid-major that team that is by no means a slouch. Louisville controlled this one start-to-finish, though.
Minnesota – It’s getting tough to ignore the Golden Gophers right now. While they have faced one of the easiest schedules in the country to date, Tubby Smith’s guys have shown that they can play — Saturday’s demolition of the Lafayette Leopards is just another indication of that.
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