A Mia Thermopolis–level glow-up

The GIST: Most teams have just three matchups remaining before conference tournaments begin in early March, and you can tell — these squads are balling so hard as they warm up for the postseason and jockey for higher seeds.

No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 6 South Carolina rack up 40-point dubs: It’s a March Madness No. 1 seed or bust for these two squads, who are looking as dominant as ever following last night’s respective blowout wins. ND held Miami to 0-for-16 in 3-point shooting, destroying the Hurricanes 82–42 on the road. As for the offense, Irish forward Liatu King was particularly impressive with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

• Meanwhile, five of SC’s talented hoopers scored in double-digit points, helping the Gamecocks storm to a 95–55 dub, a much-needed statement win after a pair of ranked losses.

• And they weren’t the only ones sailing to convincing wins last night: No. 16 Oklahoma also recorded a 20-point victory over freshman phenom Mikayla Blakes’ Vanderbilt, and No. 13 NC State routed No. 20 Georgia Tech 83–68 for a top-25 dub. Sheesh.

Rebuilding Indiana and Louisville capture signature wins: Both squads have struggled to match the success of their last few years, but you wouldn’t know it from last night: Indiana stunned rival No. 8 Ohio State 71–61 behind a double-double from guard Yarden Garzon, while Louisville outlasted No. 11 Duke 70–62, handing the Blue Devils their second straight loss. Back like they never left.

The GIST: Competing in the country’s most cutthroat conference, the SEC, gives up-and-comers plenty of opportunities to nab statement wins, and one team is taking full advantage.

• The aforementioned No. 15 Mizzou Tigers are completing a Mia Thermopolis–level glow-up, peaking at just the right time as March Madness looms.

The glow-up: Last season was one of the worst in Mizzou’s history. The terrible Tigers went an abysmal 8-24 overall and failed to win a single conference game. That’s right, they suffered 18 straight losses in SEC play — which makes this year’s turnaround even more stunning.

• In the blink of an eye, the Tigers went from basement dweller to bonafide March Madness threat. They’re rocking a 20-6 overall record and are 9-4 in conference play, good enough for fourth in the toughest conference around.

• But the most impressive part of their resume? They’ve taken down three top-5 opponents this season: then–No. 1 Kansas on December 8th, then–No. 5 Florida on January 14th, and now, No. 4 Alabama in Wednesday’s thriller. Unreal.

The secret: Junior guard Mark Mitchell, who recorded 31 points on Wednesday, leads the team’s humming offense, known for its super hot starts. They also have a phenomenal turnover-to-steals ratio and consistently productive bench players, including grad student guard Caleb Grill.

• But the most important factor? It’s obvious that these guys love one another and their coach — just look at this clip and try to keep from smiling. Talent can take you far, but nothing beats team chemistry.

What’s next: The too-hot Tigers hope to keep rolling against a meh Arkansas squad tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. And with just five regular-season games remaining on their schedule, they’re close to sealing a high seed in the SEC Tournament, where a win would earn them an automatic bid to the March Madness bracket. Me-ow.

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🏒 Women’s ice hockey: No. 6 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (19-11-2) vs. No. 4 Minnesota Golden Gophers (23-9-1) — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET and tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET — B1G+

• This is the regular-season finale for two of the country’s toughest teams. On the line? Seeding for next week’s all-important WCHA conference tournament, where a coveted automatic bid to the 11-team natty is up for grabs. Ice, ice, baby.

🤸 Women’s gymnastics: No. 5 Florida Gators (7-2) vs. No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners (10-1) — Tonight at 9 p.m. ET — ESPN2

• The Sooners suffered their first loss of the season last weekend but held tight atop the rankings. That said, that likely won’t be the case next week if they fall to superstar Leanne Wong and her Gym Gators.

🏀 Men’s basketball: No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (21-5) vs. No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (20-6) — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET — ESPN

• Speaking of the brutal SEC, you know it’s a grind when the nation’s No. 6 and No. 7 teams are sixth and fifth, respectively, in the conference standings. Both suffered upsets last week, so expect this one to feel a bit desperate.

🏀 Men’s basketball: No. 8 Iowa State Cyclones (21-5) vs. No. 5 Houston Cougars (22-4) — Tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET — ESPN

• ESPN’s men’s college basketball bonanza continues with another top-10 matchup, this one between two of the Big 12’s top dogs. Houston boasts the country’s best defense, while the Cyclones are gaining momentum following star guard Milan Momcilovic’s return from injury.