This weekend’s college basketball action was marked by unexpected turns as several previously undefeated teams faltered. Only three remain unbeaten, with one surviving a nail-biting finish. Here are the standout winners and losers from Week 12.
Winners: Kentucky Wildcats and Miami (Ohio)
The Kentucky Wildcats demonstrated resilience once more. For the second consecutive game, they trailed by at least 17 points but rallied on the road to secure a victory against No. 24 Tennessee. Despite struggling at the free-throw line, Kentucky’s offense thrived, with four players scoring in double figures. Guard Denzel Aberdeen played a pivotal role, contributing 18 of his 22 points in the second half. This victory marks a significant moment for head coach Mark Pope as the Wildcats prepare for upcoming challenges against No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 17 Arkansas.
In a thrilling matchup, Miami (Ohio) showcased its dramatic flair with two last-second shots that kept their undefeated season alive. Trailing Buffalo in the closing moments, guard Eian Elmer hit a crucial three-pointer to force overtime. Later, fellow guard Peter Suder sealed the game with a decisive shot after an impressive 37-point performance, ensuring Miami’s flawless record remains intact.
Losers: Iowa State and Vanderbilt Struggle
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Iowa State Cyclones, who entered the week as one of five undefeated teams, faced a harsh reality. After suffering a significant loss to Kansas, they fell again to Cincinnati, marking their second consecutive defeat. In a game that proved critical for both teams, Cincinnati capitalized on Iowa State’s turnovers, scoring 20 points off 12 mistakes. Despite a remarkable 34-point effort from star Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State’s offense has struggled since their 16-0 start.
Similarly, the Vanderbilt Commodores faced their first defeat of the season against Texas, followed by a narrow loss to No. 19 Florida in a high-scoring affair that ended 98-94. Vanderbilt struggled with discipline, committing 21 fouls, including one flagrant. Their inability to contain Florida’s center Rueben Chinyelu, who scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half, revealed significant weaknesses that the team must address to maintain its standing in the Southeastern Conference.
As the season progresses, teams like Iowa State and Vanderbilt must regroup and find ways to bounce back against stiff competition. The upcoming schedule could offer them opportunities for redemption, but adjustments will be crucial.
As the season heats up, the spotlight remains on standout players like Cameron Boozer of the Duke Blue Devils, who solidified his frontrunner status for the Wooden Award with a stellar performance against Stanford, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a commanding 80-50 victory. While competitors like AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Braden Smith of Purdue remain in contention, Boozer has emerged as a clear favorite.
Meanwhile, the Marquette Golden Eagles continue to struggle, currently sitting last in the Big East standings. After a loss to DePaul, Marquette’s record stands at 6-13 overall and 1-7 in conference play. The team’s difficulties have raised concerns about head coach Shaka Smart‘s future as they face a challenging path ahead.
With the season in full swing, the drama of college basketball promises more surprises in the weeks to come. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams seek to solidify their standings and push for postseason success.
