NCAA College Basketball Roundup: January 17th, 2024 – Upsets, Close Calls, and Conference Rivalries Take Center Court
College basketball fans were treated to a thrilling Wednesday slate with top teams tested, underdogs shining, and conference battles heating up. Here’s a dive into the hottest headlines:
1. Virginia Tech Stuns Rival Virginia in Overtime Thriller:
In a pulsating Commonwealth Clash, Virginia Tech pulled off a stunning 72-70 overtime victory over in-state rival Virginia. Hunter Cattoor’s clutch free throw with 0.7 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Hokies, sending the Cassell Coliseum crowd into a frenzy. Sean Pedulla led the way for Virginia Tech with 21 points and 5 assists, while Reece Beekman paced the Cavaliers with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The win solidifies Virginia Tech’s hold on third place in the ACC, while Virginia’s hopes for a conference title take a major hit.
2. Houston Edges Out Texas Tech in Tight Battle:
Two of the Big 12’s top contenders clashed in Houston, with the Cougars escaping with a narrow 68-65 victory over the Red Raiders. Marcus Sasser was sensational for the Cougars, pouring in 28 points and hitting the game-winning three-pointer with 10 seconds left. Kyler Edwards put up a valiant effort for Texas Tech with 22 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Sasser’s late heroics. Houston’s win keeps them firmly in the Big 12 hunt, while Texas Tech takes a tumble in the conference standings.
3. Iowa and UConn Climb Back into Top 10 of Women’s Rankings:
The latest AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball poll saw some significant shifts, with Iowa making a strong jump to No. 6 and UConn re-entering at No. 10. The Hawkeyes have won five straight games, including impressive victories over Maryland and Indiana, showcasing their balanced scoring attack and stifling defense. UConn, after a brief dip outside the rankings, has bounced back with three consecutive wins, including a dominant performance against Villanova. The Huskies’ return to the top 10 signals their intent to remain a major force in the national championship race.
4. Rice Upsets East Carolina in Close Women’s Game:
In a Conference USA showdown, Rice pulled off a surprising 62-58 victory over East Carolina. The Owls overcame a slow start and leaned on the dynamic duo of Maya Cambrone (22 points) and Shania Robinson (17 points) to secure the win. East Carolina, despite a valiant effort from Jada Boyd (20 points), couldn’t hold on down the stretch, allowing Rice to snatch the victory and climb the conference standings.
5. Purdue Fort Wayne Edges Out IUPUI in Summit League Battle:
The Summit League provided another nail-biting finish, with Purdue Fort Wayne edging out IUPUI 74-72. Maston Grant was the hero for the Mastodons, sinking the game-winning three-pointer with just 3 seconds remaining. John Thompson IV, son of Georgetown legend John Thompson Jr., had a standout performance for IUPUI with 24 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Grant’s late heroics. This close win keeps Purdue Fort Wayne atop the Summit League standings, while IUPUI remains in the hunt for a conference title.
College basketball continues to deliver excitement and drama as the season reaches its crucial mid-point. With conference races heating up and March Madness looming, keep your eyes peeled for more buzzer-beaters, underdog upsets, and thrilling rivalries unfolding on the hardwood.
This comprehensive snapshot captures just a glimpse of the action-packed Wednesday slate in NCAA basketball. Remember, stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the season progresses!
Article above assisted by Google Bard, article below assisted by ChatGPT.
NCAA College Basketball News Summary – January 17, 2024
High-Profile Matchups and Predictions
- No. 1 UConn Huskies vs. No. 18 Creighton Bluejays: Taking place at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, this high-stakes game airs at 7:00 PM ET on Fox Sports 1. UConn, favored by 6 points, faces Creighton with a predicted close score of 74-73 favoring UConn.
- No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Hosted at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, this game is set for 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2. The Wildcats are favored by 6.5 points, with a computer prediction of 79-74 in Kentucky’s favor.
- No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: Scheduled at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, this game starts at 8:00 PM ET and can be streamed on ESPN+. Oklahoma is heavily favored with a 12.5 point spread and a predicted win of 77-65.
- No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Louisville Cardinals: Taking place at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, this 9:00 PM ET game will air on the ACC Network. North Carolina, favored to win, faces Louisville in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Notable Upsets and Game Highlights
- Cincinnati upsets #19 TCU 81-77 in OT: In a thrilling overtime game at Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati managed to upset TCU, marking a significant result in the Big 12 matchup.
Other Key Games and Events
- Various games across different conferences and divisions took place, highlighting the diversity and competitive nature of NCAA basketball. Noteworthy matches included games in the Atlantic 10 and SEC conferences, with teams like Saint Louis, Dayton, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Richmond, and Duquesne showcasing their skills.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of NCAA College Basketball as of January 17, 2024, reflecting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport. The highlights from these games demonstrate the high level of competition and the excitement that college basketball brings to fans across the nation.
