Oregon Ducks vs. Wisconsin Badgers
In a thrilling overtime contest, the Oregon Ducks edged out the Wisconsin Badgers with a 77-73 victory. Wisconsin initially commanded the game, establishing a substantial 15-point lead in the second half. However, Oregon’s resilience shone through as they mounted a comeback. A pivotal moment occurred with 17 seconds remaining in regulation when Wisconsin, leading by three, committed a critical turnover. This misstep allowed Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad to sink a challenging shot, tying the game and forcing overtime. In the extra period, the Ducks maintained their momentum, outscoring the Badgers to secure the win. This loss was a significant setback for Wisconsin, potentially impacting their seeding in the upcoming tournament, while Oregon’s victory bolstered their postseason aspirations.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri Tigers
The Arkansas Razorbacks delivered a strong performance against the No. 15 ranked Missouri Tigers, culminating in a 92-85 win at Bud Walton Arena. The game was marked by dynamic plays, including a notable dunk by Arkansas’ Adou Thiero off an assist from Johnell Davis, which energized the home crowd. Missouri’s Aidan Shaw and Trent Pierce also showcased their athleticism with impressive dunks, keeping the Tigers competitive. Despite Missouri’s efforts, Arkansas maintained control, with key three-pointers from Johnell Davis and consistent scoring that kept the Tigers at bay. This victory improved Arkansas’ overall record to 16-11 and provided a crucial boost in their conference standings, enhancing their prospects for postseason play.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Connecticut Huskies
The No. 10 St. John’s Red Storm secured an 89-75 victory over the UConn Huskies, completing their first season sweep of UConn since the 1999-2000 season. St. John’s showcased balanced scoring, with Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor each contributing 18 points. The Red Storm’s defense was pivotal, forcing 18 turnovers and limiting UConn’s shooting efficiency. Despite a brief rally by the Huskies in the second half, St. John’s maintained their composure and extended their lead, underscoring their dominance in the Big East Conference. This win not only solidified St. John’s perfect 17-0 home record but also enhanced their positioning for a favorable seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs. Tennessee State Tigers
In a closely contested Ohio Valley Conference matchup, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles edged out the Tennessee State Tigers with a 77-74 victory. The game was a tale of two halves, with Tennessee State shooting an impressive 64.3% in the first half, leading to a 39-36 advantage at halftime. However, Tennessee Tech’s defense intensified in the second half, forcing crucial turnovers and limiting the Tigers’ scoring opportunities. Senior forward Rodney Johnson Jr. led the Golden Eagles with 20 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Jaylon Johnson added 15 points and seven assists. This win was significant for Tennessee Tech, as it improved their conference record and bolstered their chances for a favorable seed in the OVC tournament.
We’re less than a month away from the greatest tournament in sport’s history. With UConn out of the picture, there’s a lot of teams ready to make that March Madness run.