College Basketball’s Feast Week: Winners and Losers Revealed

The final week of November proved pivotal for college basketball teams, influencing their standings ahead of Selection Sunday. Notable performances highlighted this Feast Week, showcasing triumphs and setbacks across the league. The weekend saw teams secure vital victories while others faced unexpected defeats.

Vanderbilt Commodores Shine

The Vanderbilt Commodores solidified their status as contenders by achieving a remarkable 96-71 victory over Saint Mary’s College during the Battle 4 Atlantis Championship. Currently ranked No. 24, Vanderbilt remains undefeated with an 8-0 record, having won seven of these games by double digits. Key player Duke Miles has been instrumental, averaging nearly 19 points per game, indicating that the Commodores could be a formidable force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Ohio State Buckeyes Suffer Crushing Defeat

While the Ohio State Buckeyes football team celebrated a significant win over Michigan, their basketball counterpart faced disappointment. Heading into their match against Pitt with a 6-0 record, the Buckeyes were expected to prevail against a struggling Panthers team, which had recently lost to Quinnipiac. In a dramatic conclusion, guard Damarco Minor hit a last-second three-pointer, clinching a 67-66 victory for Pitt. This unexpected loss puts pressure on Ohio State as they prepare for upcoming games against ranked opponents, including No. 13 Illinois and No. 16 North Carolina.

TCU Horned Frogs Bounce Back

The TCU Horned Frogs experienced a turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. Under the guidance of head coach Jamie Dixon, the team showcased their potential during the Rady Children’s Invitational. They secured a notable upset against No. 10 Florida and went on to win the tournament by defeating Wisconsin. TCU’s impressive shooting performance, including a remarkable 57 percent from three-point range, underscored their offensive capabilities. Furthermore, every starter contributed at least 11 points in the decisive game against Wisconsin.

Benny Gealer Leads Stanford to Victory

In an exhilarating finish at the Acrisure Invitational, Benny Gealer of Stanford University delivered a game-winning three-pointer, securing a comeback victory against Saint Louis. Stanford trailed by as many as 13 points but rallied to close the gap. With only four seconds remaining, Gealer’s fadeaway shot not only clinched the win but also highlighted his clutch performance under pressure.

Weather Disrupts Matchups

As winter weather sweeps across the Midwest, basketball games are facing cancellations. A winter storm in DeKalb, Illinois, forced the cancellation of the scheduled match between Northern Illinois and Bellarmine. While the Huskies held an open practice, the absence of nonconference matchups is a significant loss for teams looking to solidify their standings.

Emerging Clarity in the Rankings

As key nonconference games conclude, the landscape of college basketball is beginning to clarify. No. 7 Michigan has established itself as a strong contender following decisive victories over No. 21 Auburn and No. 12 Gonzaga. Conversely, teams like Florida and St. John’s are struggling to replicate their previous success. As the season progresses, the distinction between contenders and pretenders is becoming increasingly evident, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the college basketball season.