Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Before the biggest football game of the year kicks off, there’s plenty of college basketball action to get the day started. While only eight games are on the schedule, several matchups carry major implications for the NCAA Tournament, particularly in the Big Ten. Two crucial games in the conference could shake up seeding and postseason hopes.
Recap of an Action-Packed Saturday
Yesterday was one of the best basketball days of the season. As predicted, the nation’s top two teams were in trouble, and the results confirmed it. Florida went into Auburn and pulled off a big win, proving they’re a legitimate Final Four contender. Meanwhile, Duke traveled to Littlejohn Coliseum and fell to Clemson, marking the Tigers’ fifth straight win against an AP Top 5 opponent. The game was even more special as it featured the return of legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale.
Elsewhere, Arkansas had a golden opportunity to solidify its NCAA Tournament standing with a win over Alabama but came up short. The loss makes the Razorbacks’ path to the tournament much tougher. North Carolina picked up a crucial bubble win over Pitt in Chapel Hill, while the Panthers’ recent struggles continue, making their tournament chances increasingly uncertain. Meanwhile, Kansas State has put together an impressive run, winning three straight games, including back-to-back victories over Iowa State and Kansas.
With over 100 games played yesterday, it’s impossible to highlight them all, but here are some additional results that stood out:
• UC San Diegodominated UC Irvine on the road, taking sole possession of first place in the Big West.
• UCLAextended its winning streak to seven games with a victory over Penn State, while the Nittany Lions have now dropped nine of their last ten contests.
• Creightonsecured its ninth consecutive win, moving into second place in the Big East after a huge victory over Marquette.
Looking Ahead to Today’s Key Matchups
Though today’s slate is smaller, the quality remains high, with several Power Five matchups on tap. The Big Ten features two marquee games: one involving a ranked team looking to avoid an upset at home and another battle between two bubble teams fighting for their tournament lives.
Predicted Winners for February 9, 2025:
• Marylandover Rutgers
• St. Bonaventureover George Washington
• Villanovaover (Opponent TBD)
With March Madness quickly approaching, every game matters, making today’s matchups must-watch action before the Super Bowl takes over.
