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NCAA Basketball: Duke rises in latest top 25 power rankings after crazy Saturday

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Mitchell Saxen (10) celebrates with Gaels guard Tommy Kuhse (12) after the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Mitchell Saxen (10) celebrates with Gaels guard Tommy Kuhse (12) after the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball USC Trojans Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball USC Trojans Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

22. USC Trojans

Two road games in the state of Oregon proved to be very tough, especially against the 3-win Oregon State Beavers. Despite being in control for most of the game, the Trojans collapsed late to allow the underdogs to force overtime. It took 10 extra minutes but USC was able to win 94-91, thanks to a combined 42 points and 20 rebounds from Drew Peterson and Isaiah Mobley.

The game at Oregon was just as tough and intense but this team’s ability to win games late continues to come through, winning 70-69 in the final seconds. Peterson and Mobley once again led the way, combining for 37 points and 17 rebounds in the win.

Two tough games remain to end the regular season for USC, taking on both UCLA and Arizona. While the Pac-12 title is likely out of grabs, a win over local rival UCLA would give the Trojans the two seed in the upcoming conference tournament.

21. Murray State Racers

The Racers had already clinched the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title but this week was about finishing off league play without a loss. But in their way was rival Belmont, who needed to beat Murray State to have any real hope at an at-large bid. That proved to not matter anymore, as Murray State destroyed them from start to finish, winning 76-43. Star forward KJ Williams was fantastic, going for 30 points in the win.

The Belmont game was supposed to be the “tough” one this week but it turned out that Southeast Missouri (SEMO) on the road was the true test. The Racers were down most of the game, including by eight with eight minutes to go. But thanks to Williams’ game-high 23 points and a big 20 from Trae Hannibal off the bench, Murray State was able to get the 70-68 tight win in the final moments to finish off the unbeaten league run.

The Racers have guaranteed an at-large bid for themselves regardless of what happens but the bubble will be hoping that they win the OVC Tournament and that there are no bid thieves around.

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