UConn 72 – St. John’s 40
This result shocked many an absolute beatdown. The UConn Huskies put together by far their best performance of the season and reminded everyone why they’re legitimate national title contenders under Dan Hurley once again For St. This marked the worst loss of Rick Pitino’s tenure there, and maybe one of the worst in his career. Pitino held just a one-minute press conference afterward, taking full responsibility for the loss. You have to imagine his practices the next few day’s won’t be exactly light. The big question now: how does St. John’s respond?
Florida 84 – Texas 71
The Florida Gators under Todd Golden look like a team peaking at the right time. They’ve now won eight straight. Guard play will be the X-factor moving forward, and they took another step in that department. Boogie Fland poured in 22 points, while Xavian Lee added 12 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting with six assists. When the backcourt is this controlled and productive, Florida becomes one off if not the best team in the country.
Alabama 100 – Mississippi State 75
Another team heating up at the right time is the Alabama Crimson Tide. After a humiliating 23-point loss in Gainesville on February 1st, they’ve rattled off seven straight wins. The nation’s No. 3-ranked KenPom offense dropped 100 points and did it without Labaron Philon Jr (21.3 PPG). A massive road rematch looms Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Iowa 74 – Ohio State 57
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in real danger of missing the tournament again, despite having one of the country’s best guards in Bruce Thornton. Quality wins are lacking, and time is running out. After jumping out to a 14–2 lead, everything unraveled. Meanwhile, Ben McCollum continues to impress. In just his second year as a Division I coach (after leading Drake Bulldogs to the tournament in 2024–25), he’s tracking toward another NCAA appearance. Quietly, one of the better coaches in the game.
Saint Joseph’s 81 – George Mason 63
After the win, Billy Lange had strong words about the Atlantic 10:
“We’re the 7th-best league in the country and people only talk about one team going to the tournament. The numbers don't allow it to look like it, but I'm telling you, there’s not that much difference between the Big East and the A-10.”
That’s… ambitious. Comparing the Big East Conference to the Atlantic 10 Conference is a tough sell in most rooms.
Other Notes
- The 10–17 Oregon Ducks upset the Wisconsin Badgers as +200 moneyline underdogs.
- Saint Mary's Gaels picked up a massive win over the Santa Clara Broncos, jumping from 26 to 22 in the NET rankings.
