UConn Charges Back Into Elite Territory

As the annual invitational slate and non-conference matchups wind down, one conclusion stands clear: men’s college basketball conference play is right around the corner. Historically, conference battles heighten the season’s excitement, producing nail-biting finishes, dramatic upsets, and top-level play. Before the non-conference portion officially wraps, here’s a comprehensive look at the latest developments plus a breakdown of the newest men’s college basketball power rankings.

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Early Observations and Storylines

1. Give Me UConn or Duke at MSG Any Day
   • The mystique surrounding the UConn Huskies and Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden can’t be understated. Whenever either team graces “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” expect a special atmosphere.
2. First-Team All-American Considerations
   • Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier joins Auburn’s Johni Broome and Marquette’s Kam Jones on my short list for All-America honors. Freshmen Cooper Flagg of Duke and Dylan Harper of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights could also crash the first-team party.
   • Ace Bailey from Rutgers is another standout poised to contend for top honors in the 2025 NBA Draft.
3. UConn’s Liam McNeeley Shines
   • Freshman Liam McNeeley has emerged as a lottery-caliber player, giving the UConn Huskies a much-needed spark after losing Cam Spencer. McNeeley’s scoring versatility and rebounding prowess stand out.
4. The SEC’s Bid for Dominance
   • This season, the SEC could realistically see seven schools on top-four seed lines come March. Meanwhile, the ACC might only produce one such team—Duke Blue Devils. But keep an eye on the SEC’s depth; as many as 14 of its teams feel they have a solid shot at a tournament bid.
5. Tracking the Regional Sites
   • The movement of SEC teams to regional sites like Lexington and Raleigh will be fascinating. Which squads end up traveling where might shape the tournament’s early rounds.
6. World Basketball Day
   • December 21 marks World Basketball Day. Expect in-depth features and a dedicated look at the top 25 internationally-born players influencing the college game.
7. St. Bonaventure Bonnies Flying Under the Radar
   • Adrian Wojnarowski joined the Bonnies at just the right time. Fresh off a huge win over Providence Friars, St. Bonaventure stands out in the conversation for hidden gems to watch.
8. A-10 Race Heating Up
   • Look for a tight race among Dayton Flyers, St. Bonaventure Bonnies, Saint Joseph’s Hawks, Rhode Island Rams, and VCU Rams in the Atlantic 10.
9. Brown Stuns URI
   • In double OT, the Brown Bears outlasted the Rhode Island Rams. Kino Lilly Jr. stands among the Ivy League’s best, posting 20 points per contest.
10. Conference Realignment Updates

• The Washington State Cougars and Oregon State Beavers pulled notable wins. Meanwhile, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will join them in the reimagined Pac-12 in two seasons. The Grand Canyon Antelopes are heading to the MWC, leaving the WCC to possibly expand by recruiting Big West programs.

11. Crowded Freshman All-American Race

• Flagg, Harper, Bailey, McNeeley, and Kasparas Jakucionis all have first-year star power. Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe could also emerge late in the season.

12. Coach of the Year Race

• Likely to come from the SEC, with Tennessee’s Rick Barnes and Auburn’s Bruce Pearl leading the early conversation.

13. Arizona’s Quest for a Signature Win

• Arizona Wildcats are 4-5, almost upsetting UCLA Bruins. Their next chance comes in the reconfigured Big 12 slate.

14. Georgetown’s Pivotal Victory

• The Georgetown Hoyas toppled Syracuse Orange, which could jumpstart a program in dire need of relevancy for the Big East.

15. Villanova’s Eric Dixon Shines

• The Villanova Wildcats have been inconsistent, but Eric Dixon remains a bright spot, averaging 25.8 points and nearly six boards per game.

16. Don’t Sleep on Arkansas State

• The Arkansas State Red Wolves boast key road wins at Memphis Tigers and UAB Blazers, plus a strong showing against the Alabama Crimson Tide. They could surprise in the Sun Belt.

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Dec. 16 Men’s College Basketball Power 37 Rankings

1. Tennessee Volunteers (10-0) – Previous: 1
   • Jordan Gainey’s buzzer-beater lifted the Vols past the Illinois Fighting Illini. Remaining undefeated.
2. Auburn Tigers (9-1) – Previous: 2
   • Powered by Player of the Year frontrunner Johni Broome, the Tigers dismantled Ohio State Buckeyes.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (9-1) – Previous: 3
   • Showed resilience in a come-from-behind victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes.
4. Kentucky Wildcats (10-1) – Previous: 5
   • Lamont Butler’s 33-point outburst against Louisville Cardinals reinforced how potent UK’s roster can be.
5. Duke Blue Devils (8-2) – Previous: 6
   • The ACC is theirs to lose. Duke thoroughly defeated weaker opponents, as expected.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2) – Previous: 7
   • Mark Sears dropped 27 in a wild shootout against Creighton Bluejays.
7. Florida Gators (10-0) – Previous: 9
   • Walter Clayton Jr. knocked down five triples in a statement win over the Arizona State Sun Devils.
8. UConn Huskies (8-3) – Previous: 13
   • After conquering Baylor Bears and the Texas Longhorns, UConn stunned the Gonzaga Bulldogs at MSG to restore its early-season mojo.
9. Marquette Golden Eagles (9-2) – Previous: 4
   • Still among the nation’s elite despite a narrow road loss at Dayton Flyers.
10. UCLA Bruins (9-1) – Previous: 14

• Edged Arizona Wildcats in the closing seconds. The Bruins boast the country’s top defense.

11. Kansas Jayhawks (8-2) – Previous: 12

• A solid bounce-back performance over the NC State Wolfpack. Health is returning at the right time.

12. Oregon Ducks (9-1) – Previous: 17

• Their only blemish is a buzzer-beater to UCLA. Oregon could push for a Big Ten title in its new conference future.

13. Memphis Tigers (8-2) – Previous: NR

• Recovered impressively with a huge road upset over Clemson Tigers.

14. Texas A&M Aggies (9-2) – Previous: 22

• Claimed a marquee victory against the Purdue Boilermakers in Indianapolis.

15. Clemson Tigers (9-2) – Previous: 8

• Fell in overtime to Memphis but remain a top ACC contender behind Duke.

16. Michigan State Spartans (8-2) – Previous: 15

• Offensive performances have surged, complementing the Spartans’ typical defensive prowess.

17. Oklahoma Sooners (10-0) – Previous: 18

• Porter Moser has OU rolling, proven by a blowout of the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

18. Arkansas Razorbacks (9-2) – Previous: NR

• Secured a massive neutral-floor victory over the Michigan Wolverines at MSG.

19. Michigan Wolverines (8-2) – Previous: 10

• Despite losing to Arkansas at MSG, they demonstrated they can go toe-to-toe with ranked foes.

20. Ole Miss Rebels (9-1) – Previous: 19

• Sean Pedulla remains scorching hot for a Rebels program off to a dream start.

21. Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) – Previous: 20

• Narrowly missed an upset over No. 1 Tennessee, proving the Illini can hang with top talent.

22. Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-3) – Previous: 16

• Nearly knocked off both Kentucky Wildcats and UConn Huskies on back-to-back Saturdays. Expect them to be elite soon.

23. Purdue Boilermakers (8-3) – Previous: 11

• Struggling after dropping two of their last three. Must regroup quickly.

24. Maryland Terrapins (8-2) – Previous: 23

• An underrated Big Ten contender that could also make national waves.

25. Missouri Tigers (9-1) – Previous: 24

• Heating up just in time for the annual showdown with Illinois Fighting Illini.

26. Dayton Flyers (9-2) – Previous: 30

• Wins over UConn Huskies in Maui and the Marquette Golden Eagles at home bolster their resume.

27. Baylor Bears (7-3) – Previous: 27

• A healthy VJ Edgecombe is a major problem for opposing defenses.

28. Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) – Previous: 28

• Snapped a three-game skid with a morale-boosting win over Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis.

29. San Diego State Aztecs (7-2) – Previous: 26

• Back to their signature shutdown defense, closing out tight games.

30. Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-1) – Previous: 31

• Face a stern test on the road against the Memphis Tigers.

31. Georgia Bulldogs (9-1) – Previous: 36

• Under Mike White, Georgia looks like a potential NCAA Tournament squad if momentum continues.

32. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-4) – Previous: NR

• Escaped with a crucial victory against Seton Hall Pirates after battling Penn State Nittany Lions.

33. Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2) – Previous: 21

• Fell short in a determined comeback at Rutgers. Still good enough for an at-large conversation.

34. Drake Bulldogs (9-0) – Previous: 32

• An under-the-radar program quietly racking up wins and waiting to pounce on a national stage.

35. West Virginia Mountaineers (8-2) – Previous: 33

• Sleepers for a top-half finish in the Big 12. Don’t overlook them come March.

36. Cincinnati Bearcats (8-1) – Previous: NR

• Scored a dramatic final-possession triumph over Xavier Musketeers. Another solid resume builder.

37. Utah State Aggies (10-0) – Previous: 35

• No matter who’s coaching, the Aggies continue winning in Logan.

Dropped Out: Arizona State Sun Devils (25), Creighton Bluejays (29), Saint Mary’s Gaels (34), Rhode Island Rams (37).

Under Consideration: Nebraska Cornhuskers, Colorado Buffaloes, BYU Cougars, Pitt Panthers, SMU Mustangs, Houston Cougars, Texas Tech Red Raiders, St. John’s Red Storm, Washington State Cougars, San Francisco Dons, St. Bonaventure Bonnies, Boise State Broncos, Brown Bears, Columbia Lions.

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March Madness National Team of the Week: Dayton Flyers

• The Dayton Flyers scored perhaps the best non-conference victory in a 71-63 upset of the Marquette Golden Eagles. Already owning a home win over the Northwestern Wildcats and beating UConn Huskies in Maui, Dayton’s resume speaks for itself.
• Upcoming clashes against the UNLV Rebels and the Cincinnati Bearcats provide more opportunities for statement wins. The Marquette victory, however, might be the critical building block that ensures an at-large case come Selection Sunday.

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March Madness National Player of the Week: Dylan Harper

• Dylan Harper of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights delivered a dazzling performance, sinking a clutch three-pointer to knock off Seton Hall Pirates.
• Harper’s 24-point game sealed Rutgers’ morale-boosting win, echoing the heroics of his older brother, Ron Harper Jr. The freshman has been unstoppable, averaging 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and just 2.3 turnovers per outing—making a credible push for first-team All-American status.

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March Madness Top 10 Games of the Week

1. Illinois vs. Missouri, St. Louis (Dec. 22)
   • The Braggin’ Rights game pits two potential NCAA tourney teams. Expect an electric environment.
2. Oklahoma at Michigan (Dec. 18)
   • Porter Moser has the Oklahoma Sooners unbeaten. The Michigan Wolverines are a pleasant Big Ten surprise.
3. Purdue vs. Auburn in Birmingham (Dec. 21)
   • The Purdue Boilermakers face the Auburn Tigers and the imposing Johni Broome. A marquee SEC-Big Ten collision.
4. UCLA vs. North Carolina in NYC (Dec. 21)
   • The UCLA Bruins bring top-level defense against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Expect perimeter fireworks.
5. Florida vs. North Carolina in Charlotte (Dec. 17)
   • The Florida Gators are undefeated. For UNC, it’s a chance to bolster a questionable early resume.
6. Xavier at UConn (Dec. 18)
   • The UConn Huskies open Big East play against the fiery Xavier Musketeers. A quick test of UConn’s consistency.
7. Cincinnati vs. Dayton (Dec. 20)
   • Cincinnati Bearcats narrowly beat Xavier Musketeers, while Dayton Flyers upset Marquette. Another big resume game for both sides.
8. Mississippi State at Memphis (Dec. 21)
   • The Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Memphis Tigers in an under-the-radar clash that might be decided in the closing possessions.
9. Ohio State vs. Kentucky in NYC (Dec. 21)
   • Lamont Butler squares off against Bruce Thornton. The Ohio State Buckeyes seek a statement win against the Kentucky Wildcats.
10. Clemson at South Carolina (Dec. 17)

• The Clemson Tigers look to rebound from an OT loss to Memphis. A rivalry win would offer a strong bounce-back.

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