NCAA Basketball: Michigan State, UCLA among biggest winners and losers from weekend’s slate
It was an eventful weekend in college hoops thanks to a monstrous, action-packed slate on Saturday. As finals season wraps up the non-conference portion of the 2023-24 NCAA basketball season nears its final leg, take a look at the winners and losers of this weekend’s slate.
Honorable Mention
Winners: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Fred Hoiberg’s Cornhuskers held Kansas State to just 12 points (yes, 12 points) in the second half in their 62-46 road victory over the Wildcats, handing Jerome Tang just his second loss in 23 games at home as the coach at Kansas State. Is Nebraska a NCAA tournament-caliber team? It’s certainly not out of the equation.
Losers: Mark Sears’ potential game-tying buzzer beater
Alabama was ever-so-close to heading into overtime in Omaha. By ever-so-close, I mean inches.
Alabama was THIS close to forcing overtime 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/7pngKJ2BQ6
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) December 17, 2023
Nonetheless, Mark Sears’ shot at the buzzer rimmed out, giving Creighton a 85-82 win over Alabama in Omaha.
Winners: Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats defeated North Carolina 87-83 on Saturday behind strong play from D.J. Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Rob Dillingham while holding Armando Bacot to just nine points and four rebounds. It’s safe to say the remainder of Kentucky’s 2023-24 season will be a roller coaster -- but the sky is the limit for this young, talented Kentucky squad.