The Big 12 took home bragging rights by winning the Big 12/SEC Challenge 6-4. Although, several NCAA Tournament-caliber teams from the SEC did not participate in LSU, Auburn and Mississippi State. And it would’ve been nice had the number one team in the country in Tennessee played a more elite team than 9-10 West Virginia. Still, let’s recap what happened in the highly contested Big 12/SEC Challenge:
Oklahoma – 86, Vanderbilt – 55
Christian James paced the Sooners with 21 points as Oklahoma rolled Vanderbilt in Norman. The Commodores coughed the ball up 22 times, which isn’t the recipe for success on the road. They’ve now lost seven in a row and host the surging Kentucky Wildcats. The Sooners host a trending Baylor squad before visiting the Mountaineers in Morgantown.
Texas A&M – 65, Kansas State – 53
Kansas State had won five in a row before falling at Texas A&M by 13. The Aggies picked up a much-needed win after losing six of their previous seven games. Wendell Mitchell led all scorers with 22 points in the win. The Wildcats must get more production from Xavier Sneed and Bruce Brown Jr. to keep pace with Kansas in the rugged Big 12.
Georgia – 98, Texas – 88
Less than a month after Texas upset The Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, Georgia defeated the Longhorns in a high scoring affair on the hardwood. Even in turning the ball over 26 times, Georgia halted a four-game losing streak with a big win over struggling Texas. Tyree Crump contributed 21 points and five assists in a game that had very little defense.
Oklahoma State – 74, South Carolina – 70
The Cowboys took down the surging Gamecocks in Stillwater thanks to Thomas Dziagwa’s 19 points and Lindy Waters 17 points and six boards. OSU connected on 23 free throws while the Gamecocks only attempted nine. South Carolina, sitting at 5-1 in SEC play, hosts top-ranked Tennessee while Oklahoma State welcomes Kansas State.
TCU – 55, Florida – 50
It was a struggle for both teams to score the ball. The Gators could not overcome their sluggish start, as their leading scorer was Kevaughn Allen with 11 points. TCU’s Kouat Noi had 22 points to lead the way for the Horned Frogs.
Baylor – 73, Alabama – 68
After a huge upset of Kentucky at home, the Tide have lost four of their last six since then. That includes Saturday’s loss at Baylor that was one of the more competitive games of the annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. Riley Norris’ 16 points were not enough as the Bears held the Tide to 29% shooting from three and out-rebounded them by four. Bama’s next two games? At home vs Mississippi State and on the road at Auburn.
Iowa State – 87, Ole Miss – 73
After surging into the Top 25, the Rebels have lost three of four. Saturday’s home contest against the Cyclones was a great opportunity to stop the bleeding. Iowa State, however, seemingly could not miss, finishing 79% from the field for the game. With the loss, Ole Miss falls to 5-1 in ranked matchups at home all time.
Texas Tech – 67, Arkansas – 64
The Red Raiders were on a three-game slide before topping the Razorbacks on Saturday. Texas Tech made up for their 21 turnovers by knocking down 10 three-pointers. Davide Moretti scored a game-high 21 points for the Red Raiders as they try to get back on track. Tech hosts TCU before a big-time matchup at Phog Allen against Kansas. Arkansas faces Georgia and a hot LSU team this week.
Kentucky – 71, Kansas – 63
Remember when everyone was worried about Calipari’s Wildcats? That all seems to be water under the bridge, as Kentucky is hitting their stride at the right time. Azubuike’s absence was evident, as Lawson was the only source of offense with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Big men P.J. Washington and Reid Travis combined for 38 points and 25 rebounds. Kentucky has now won six in a row with road games at Vanderbilt and Florida this week.
Tennessee – 83, West Virginia – 66
The Mountaineers got off to a 19-5 start against the Volunteers before Tennessee finally decided to start playing their usual dominate style of play. Lamonte Turner’s 23 points were more than enough as Bob Huggins’ team turned the ball over 24 times. Tennessee looks to maintain their number one ranking this week as they travel to South Carolina and Texas A&M.
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