This college basketball season has been nothing short of electric. Coming into Tuesday, three programs stood as the lone unbeatens: Nebraska, Arizona and Miami (OH). With tough conference schedules ahead of each team, many have been wondering when rather than if these undefeated runs will come to an end.
The No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers took a trip to Ann Arbor for a matchup with No. 3 Michigan on Tuesday night. This was a game that was heavily anticipated as both teams look as if they will be considered as favorites to win the big dance come March. Michigan jumped out to a quick 3-2 lead, but after that, the Cornhuskers took a lead that they would hold until an Elliot Cadeau free throw tied the game at 72 with just over two minutes to play. Michigan would ultimately take the lead a minute later and held on for a 75-72 home victory, ending Nebraska's undefeated season.
That leaves two.
Arizona stands atop the Associated Press rankings at No. 1. The Wildcats survived a tough road trip to Provo, Utah on Monday night, where BYU threatened the Wildcats undefeated season. This win improved Arizona's record to 21-0 on the season, and 8-0 in Big 12 play. Arizona has arguably looked like the best team this season as they have simply been dominant on both sides of the ball. They are led by true freshman, Koa Peat, who averages just south of 15 points per game and is shooting over 57% from the field. With six ranked opponents left on their regular season schedule (per the current rankings), it will be interesting to see if, or how long Arizona can keep their extraordinary run going. They next take the floor this Saturday in Tempe, where they will meet in-state rival Arizona State.
Over 1,700 miles away in Oxford, Ohio is Miami University, where the only other undefeated team resides. The RedHawks compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), a conference that is commonly known for playing Tuesday and Wednesday night football games in the fall. This time, the attention shifts to hoops as Miami, ranked No. 24, is currently sitting at 21-0 overall with a 9-0 conference record. Sophomore guard, Brant Byers has taken a big leap forward in year two as he has nearly doubled his average points per contest from a season ago and is now shooting over 50%.
Unlike Arizona, Miami has played in many very close games this season. The RedHawks have played in three overtime games this season, including two of their last three. Additionally, seven of their wins have came by a margin by seven or less points, which also includes their last three matches. At times, especially as of late, it feels as if the undefeated season's expiration is only a matter of time, but nevertheless, the RedHawks keep finding ways to win. Without a ranked opponent on their schedule for the rest of the regular season, an undefeated season is very much in play, but Miami certainly has a long way to go. Miami's next game is also this Saturday, when Northern Illinois comes to town.
