The top three NCAA men’s basketball teams were pushed to their limits this week

February 20, 2024
The long weekend saw plenty of unexpected NCAA men's basketball scorelines, but the last 48 hours took the cake.
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The top three NCAA men’s basketball teams were pushed to their limits this weekThe top three NCAA men’s basketball teams were pushed to their limits this week
Source: BluejayMBB/X

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.