Upsets shake the NCAA women’s basketball regular-season finale as men’s teams hold on for conference leads
The GIST: Caitlin Clark aside, the women’s basketball (WBB) regular season ended with a bang yesterday, and the men (MBB) are bearing down for knock-down, drag-out fights entering their season’s final week.
Momentum shifts in WBB: Like No. 6 Iowa’s aforementioned dub, Virginia’s, Washington’s, Washington State’s, and Kansas’ weekend wins over ranked opponents came too late to change their regular-season fates, but they did put their conferences on notice as tournaments begin later this week.
No. 4 Tennessee MBB takes a narrow lead: The Vols held off No. 14 Alabama Saturday, logging a key 81–74 win to take sole control of the chaotic SEC with just two regular-season games to go.
The No. 1 Houston men survive Oklahoma: Guard Jamal Shead’s last-second game-winner helped Houston escape Oklahoma’s furious comeback on Saturday. With their seventh straight dub, the Cougars maintain their delicate grasp on the cutthroat Big 12.
Injuries sink Davidson WBB’s season: Despite beginning this season 12-1, the Wildcats have canceled their final season game and their postseason due to an injury-depleted roster. Unlike TCU and Arizona, Davidson did not bolster their roster with walk-ons, leaving only seven players available during last week’s 45–40 Senior Night loss to George Washington. Tough.
Beyer finishes storied career: The Caitlin Clark of the NAIA hung up her sneakers on Saturday. University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis’ star senior completed her college career with an astounding 3,961 points (compared to Clark’s 3,685), placing her fifth for most points by a college player at any level, women’s or men’s. Incredible.
Big Ten men’s battle up next: The stakes are high for tomorrow’s 7 p.m. ET showdown between No. 2 Purdue and No. 13 Illinois on Peacock. Purdue, who clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title on Saturday, holds a one-game lead over the Illini — with an upset and some luck, Illinois could force the two-time reigning champ Boilermakers to split the ’ship.
