College Basketball: 2016-2017 Season (Men and Women)

[JohnBM01]

RECENTLY WRAPPED UP...

My Houston Cougars failed tonight. We lost 57-56 hosting Harvard. Beaten by smart a... you get the idea. I'm obviously sad my boys lost. Since the game was on ESPN2, I figured we'd lose as usual on the ESPN/ABC networks. The Coogs are now 9-3 on the season while Harvard improves to 5-4.


Can't win 'em all. Well, congratulations to all other winners tonight and this weekend.

 

[JohnBM01]

Who all are currently undefeated heading into tonight's games? Here are the current unbeaten teams in NCAA Division 1 men's hoops:

* Villanova (13-0)
* Baylor (12-0)
* USCal (14-0)
* Creighton (13-0)
* Gonzaga (12-0)

Will any of these teams fall before 2016 comes to a close? These teams could even find themselves not only as tournament contenders, but potentially #1 seeds in the tournament. Maybe even a #1 overall seed in the tourney.

Among some of tonight's games, the Kentucky Wildcats will take their tour of awesomeness on the road to entertain the Ole Miss Rebels. #13 Butler will be at the floundering Red Storm of St. John's. Undefeated #7 Gonzaga will welcome the Pepperdine Waves. In Los Angeles, it will be a battle of two religious California schools as the Gaels of #19 St. Mary's College will be at the Loyola Marymount Lions.


Enjoy any and all remaining action in 2016. Good luck to all of your teams.


[UPDATE] I forgot to include Creighton among the unbeaten teams. Changes made.

 

[Jordan]

There were some pretty great games and upsets last night: UCLA falls at Oregon in dramatic fashion, Louisville gets trounced at home by Virginia, and Indiana was beaten at home by Nebraska.

 

[JohnBM01]

Awesome game on FOX Sports 1 earlier tonight with St. John's hosting #13 Butler. The Red Storm won 76-73 in a game that had an exciting finish. St. John's never defeated a team ranked 13th or higher at Carnesseca(?) Arena since 1983, when they defeated #13 Syracuse then. Big win for the Red Storm.

I apologize for not mentioning Creighton as the undefeated teams. On New Year's Eve, #1 Villanova will be at #10 Creighton. Two unbeaten teams. Only one of them will have their undefeated ways go into 2017. The other... will fall. So you may want to check out this match on New Year's Eve if you're a college hoops fan.

 

[JohnBM01]

Here are a few omissions from recent action...

It was 99-76 in Oxford, MS as the Kentucky Wildcats had NO problems with the Ole Miss Rebels back on Friday. This is a note on John Calipari. I read a stat saying that UK is 198-3 when leading by 10 or more at the half. Make that 199-3 after this one. Those three losses were on the road at SEC schools. Here's a note on Kentucky from me... I respect De'Aaron Fox. I got to salute a fellow Houstonian playing for one of the premier basketball programs in all of college basketball.


As for New Year's Eve...

DOWN GOES DUKE AND NORTH CAROLINA!

#5 Duke got dropped at Virginia Tech 89=75, and #9 North Carolina fell 75-63 at Georgia Tech. So both Techs were on their game tonight defeating North Carolina's two powerhouse programs. I think I read this is the first time both Duke and UNC were defeated in the same day as Top 10 teams (first time since 1989).

In a battle of unbeaten teams, it was #1 Villanova that won 80-70 over #10 Creighton. The game was played at Creighton (Omaha, NE).


2016 has its memories; 2017 will provide many more. Bring on the new year!

 

[JohnBM01]

Can you believe Oakland University is 12-3 on the season? One GTPlaneteer must obviously be proud to see the Golden Grizzlies do so well. Let me update a few other teams on their seasons so far. I'll mostly stick to men's hoops...


* My Houston Cougars are currently 11-3 and 2-0 in the American Athletic Conference. We're doing pretty good but are very far from being any sort of power or some sort of team to look out for come the NCAA Tournament. The Coogs are doing much better than previous seasons.

* From one breed of cat to some other... the #8 Kentucky Wildcats are 11-2 overall and 1-0 in the SEC. You basically know what you're getting when you talk Kentucky basketball. They got through spanking the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road. Their next game is on Tuesday as they welcome Texas A&M. The Aggies hope to gig the Wildcats. Kentucky is doing quite well on the men's side and on the women's side as well.

* Let's stay in the SEC with Tennessee up next. Rocky Top not so baller so far this season. The Volunteers are 8-5 overall and currently 1-0 in conference play. They defeated Texas A&M on the road in their last game. Next up for Tennessee is them hosting the Arkansas Razorbacks.

* Let's go B1G now. The Michigan Wolverines are 10-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference. The blue and maize boys lost in Overtime at Iowa in their last game. They'll host Penn State on Wednesday for their next game. Only Rutgers has a worse conference record- 0-2 (and currently the worst of the Big Ten schools).

* What's good, Michigan State? Sparty is atop the B1G Ten with a 10-5 record and 2-0 in conference. Their latest victim was the Northwestern Wildcats. Rutgers got annihilated by BOTH Michigan and Michigan State in football. Rutgers' men's basketball team will try to trip up Tom Izzo's Spartans squad in East Lansing this Wednesday.

* From the B1G to the Big XII. The Big XII is usually Kansas... then everybody else. This season, however, the #3 Jayhawks are 12-1 looking up at undefeated Baylor (13-0). Kansas is 1-0 in Big XII play. They won at TCU. Up next is in Lawrence, KS against their bitter rivals from the Little Apple- Kansas State at Kansas on Tuesday.

* Iowa State is 9-3 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. The Cyclones took care of Texas Tech at home in their most recent game. In their next game, they will try to defeat undefeated Baylor in Waco on Wednesday.

* Duke is 12-2 on the season, losing recently at Virginia Tech. They are 0-1 in ACC play. The Blue Devils' next game will be at home against the team that upset North Carolina- Georgia Tech.

* Let's talk about the Washington Huskies now. U-Dub is 7-5 overall. They are currently playing against their Apple Cup rivals, Washington State, in Seattle. After this game, their next game will be at home against #21 Oregon on Wednesday.

* The New Jersey Institute of Technology was once a team that lost every game in NCAA Division 1. So how are the Highlanders doing so far in this day and age? NJIT plays in the Atlantic Sun. Region-wise, they are out of place. NJIT hasn't yet played in the A-Sun, and they are currently 7-8 on the season, 4th among A-Sun teams. Jacksonville leads the A-Sun followed by Florida Gulf Coast and South Carolina Upstate. In their most recent game, the NJIT Highlanders won a close one at Stony Brook. Their next game is at home against Brown from the Ivy League on Wednesday.


That's just a look at some of the many schools so far this season. Keep making your case for making the NCAA Tournament in March.

 

[Joey D]

I still can't believe the 12-3 start to the season for the Grizzlies. I thought they were good last year and I thought losing Kay Felder would hurt them, guess not.

 

[JohnBM01]

"Coach K" of Duke is told to undergo back surgery this Friday and will be out for about four weeks. I wish Coach K well in his recovery.

 

[JohnBM01]

A few good Top 25 matches are on tonight. The battle for state pride in Kansas is between the Kansas State Wildcats playing at the #3 Kansas Jayhawks. They aren't the only Wildcats playing tonight, though, as the #6 Kentucky Wildcats host the Aggies of Texas A&M. The B1G gets some love as the Indiana Hoosiers will host the #13 Wisconsin Badgers.


Enjoy some college hoops, folks.

 

[JohnBM01]

Sing along, everyone...

DOWN GOES VILLANOVA!

That loud thud you heard in Indianapolis tonight was the sound of Villanova losing its first game of the season. This is #18 Butler's first win over an Associated Press #1 team since 2012 (Indiana). All congratulations to the Butler Bulldogs on a fine 66-58 win over a quality program. Oh, and one more thing... Villanova's 20-game winning streak is over.

How did Duke do against Georgia Tech before Coach Mike Krzyzewski has his back surgery? Well... Duke nuked 'em- a 110-57 win over Georgia Tech.

Darius Dawkins was a bad boy last night. Dawkins splashed 13 three-pointers to help his Jacksonville Dolphins defeat Middle Georgia State Knights (an NAIA school) 124-85. Dawkins became the 6th NCAA Division 1 men's player to hit 13 or more three-pointers in a single game. He ended the night with 41 points, including nailing all seven of his threes in the 2nd Half of this game. I know I've praised Oakland University for their season, but Jacksonville has also been ballin' this season with a 12-5 record and sit atop the Atlantic Sun standings.


These are among the many different notes in college hoops. Congratulations to all winners from tonight's games.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

The Butler/Villanova game was one of the best games I've watched in a while. That was close the entire game.

 

[JohnBM01]

It may be cold in the Midwest (what else is new?), but things heated up as Oakland played at the Flames of Illinois-Chicago. UIC, however, couldn't burn up Oakland today, as the Golden Grizzlies won 58-57. Oakland still leads the Horizon League and is now 4-0 in conference play with their 14-3 overall record.

 

[JohnBM01]

Let's give the fairer sex some spotlight. Here are the current AP polls in the NCAA Division 1 Women's basketball ranks:

(polls as of Jan. 9, 2017)

! = currently undefeated

01 - Connecticut!
02 - Baylor
03 - Maryland
04 - Mississippi State!
05 - South Carolina
06 - Notre Dame
07 - Florida State
08 - Washington
09 - Louisville
10 - Oregon State
11 - Ohio State
12 - Duke
13 - Stanford
14 - Miami
15 - Virginia Tech!
16 - Texas
17 - UCLA
18 - West Virginia
19 - Arizona State
20 - South Florida
21 - DePaul
22 - Oklahoma
23 - North Carolina State
24 - California
25 - Kansas State

The UConn Lady Huskies are inching towards their 90-something win streak. And for all we know, they may doggone well hit 100 or more straight wins. They can only beat themselves the way they keep winning. I'm a bit surprised Kentucky still isn't in the Top 25. The men's team is a usual suspect of being in the Top 25, but their women's team isn't too bad. I usually know in the women's game that schools like Louisiana Tech and Wisconsin-Green Bay are usually pretty good mid-majors. I am also a bit surprised North Carolina isn't in the Top 25. I also usually regard Rutgers as a good women's basketball program even from back in their years in the Big East.


So those are your women's hoops rankings. Good luck to all of your favorite teams, both on the men's side and the women's side.

 

[JohnBM01]

Tuesday Night college basketball. You want some of this?

* What do you do when you get your first AP Top ranking in school history? DON'T do what Baylor did- fail. They failed BAD, too. The Baptist university took a brutal 89-68 smacking at #10 West Virginia. This now means only Creighton is the remaining undefeated school.

* Jordan must be smiling big right now. If not, he should be! #6 Kentucky went into one of my favorite basketball arenas- Vanderbilt and won 87-81. The Commodores couldn't pin down the visiting Wildcats long enough.

* Now for a women's basketball report. The University of Connecticut can tie their own record win streak if they defeat the Lady Bulls of South Florida. UConn's ladies did good again, and this one wasn't even close. What is it about some women's hoops games? It's like the better team wins... BIG. UConn put on a 102-37 exorcism on South Florida. If they win their next game, they will set a new record for most wins in a row. And again- it would be Connecticut breaking their own record. Anyone want to call UConn making it 100 or more straight wins in the women's game?

* Here is a not-so-pleasant note from women's college basketball. There was a game between Utah State at UNLV this past Saturday that ended up in a brawl. In the 3rd Quarter of that game, UNLV takes a hard foul from one of the Lady Aggies of Utah State. One of the Utah State players get into a shoving match and an argument with another Lady Rebel of UNLV and throws a vicious punch. Then all of the players converge and get into a riot. Three players were suspended by the Mountain West for their involvement in that brawl. Of course, if this was YouTube, I'd expect kitchen jokes or some other sexist crap. Remember- girls play just as hard as boys.

* DOWN GOES OHIO STATE! The Lady Spartans of Michigan State won at home 94-75 against the Lady Buckeyes of #11 Ohio State.


Congratulations to all the other winners from Tuesday's games.

 

[JohnBM01]

Gonzaga University is the only undefeated team remaining at 15-0 heading into tonight. Los Angeles has been a hotbed of sports news lately, especially with news of the San Diego Chargers of the NFL moving to Los Angeles. Can you imagine if L.A.'s own Loyola Marymount University goes up to Spokane and defeats Gonzaga?


Enjoy all the college basketball action tonight and this weekend.

 

[JohnBM01]

ESPNU will be showing [what I am calling] a MoTown showdown, as the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies will host the Titans of the University of Detroit-Mercy College. Can Oakland keep up their baller season? This game will be shown at the top of the hour between these two Detroit area schools.

 

[Joey D]

ESPNU will be showing [what I am calling] a MoTown showdown, as the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies will host the Titans of the University of Detroit-Mercy College. Can Oakland keep up their baller season? This game will be shown at the top of the hour between these two Detroit area schools.

I sure hope so, Detroit Mercy has been awful this year. Whatever the case, I'm watching it now, so far Oakland is looking good!

 

[JohnBM01]

Good? Man, Joey D, Oakland's playing like a Top 25 team tonight! I never realized Detroit is 2-14 heading into tonight's game. I hope Oakland can keep this up all season. Maybe they could make a deep tournament run should they get in.

 

[JohnBM01]

93-88... 2-14 Detroit improves to 3-14 with a huge win at Oakland. That one guy for the Detroit Titans had his point backed up about defeating Oakland in their house tonight. My sympathies are with Golden Grizzlies fans on this *unlucky* loss on Friday the 13th.


Allow me to congratulate all other winners who played tonight.

 

[JohnBM01]

Another Saturday, another day (and night) of collegiate roundball. Musing time...

* I want to take a moment to congratulate Jim Larranaga (University of Miami head coach) on his 600th win as coach. They smashed Pittsburgh 72-46 in Pittsburgh.

* #6 Kentucky won tonight. 92-72 whacking Kentucky gave Auburn in Lexington.

* It was 91-85 as the Michigan Wolverines won at home against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

* My Houston Cougars lost at Central Florida 77-70 today. Both UH and UCF had four losses on the season. I'd rather the Coogs lose to Central Florida than lose to sorry South Florida.

* Jacksonville has been a great team. However, some other teams in the Atlantic Sun have asserted themselves quite well. Florida Gulf Coast University is 13-5 and has a 2-0 record. Other 2-0 teams in the A-Sun include Lipscomb (10-9 overall) and North Florida (7-12 overall).

* The University of Connecticut breaks their own record. Former Big East school UConn defeated SMU 88-48 in Dallas. They now are on a 91-game winning streak. Can they possibly knock down 100 or more wins?


Congratulations to all other winners from today and tonight, including Gonzaga remaining undefeated in taking down Saint Mary's College at home.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

@Jordan should we dedicate this years tournament bracket to Steve? I know that he was an avid participant and he enjoyed playing. I also always looked forward to his bracket even though it always was better than mine.

 

[Jordan]

@Jordan should we dedicate this years tournament bracket to Steve? I know that he was an avid participant and he enjoyed playing. I also always looked forward to his bracket even though it always was better than mine.

I think that's a great idea. Hopefully the Wildcats can bring home another national championship in his honor!

 

[Brett]

Big win for the Sooners last night on the road at West Virginia!

 

[JohnBM01]

On or around this day in 2015...

Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski got his 1,000th win as head coach. Love or loathe Duke or Coach K, this is a tremendous accomplishment.


What happened last night? #1 Villanova lost at Marquette, #2 Kansas loses at #18 West Virginia, and #4 Kentucky loses at Tennessee. College basketball, folks. Got to love it.

One last note to pass along... I read Brent Musburger is retiring from broadcasting. Verne Lundquist retired from covering college football some time back. Now another long-timer in broadcasting is apparently hanging it up.


That's all for this post. I hope your team(s) is/are doing well.

 

[JohnBM01]

One thing I failed to mention sooner... Brent Musburger will retire from broadcasting with his final game he'll call when Kentucky hosts Georgia this coming Tuesday. Love or loathe him, he surely is a legend and has been for a long time.


Enjoy this weekend's games.

 

[JohnBM01]

Gonzaga is your new #1 in the nation among the men's teams. Northwestern is severely under the radar, as they are #25 in the nation.

Earlier tonight on the women's side, it was Tennessee who went to #4 South Carolina and stunned the Lady Gamecocks in their house. Big win for the Lady Volunteers.


Just a brief update. Thanks for reading. Hope your team(s) are doing well.

 

[JohnBM01]

Brent Musburger will call his final game tonight when Kentucky hosts Georgia. Whether you love or loathe Brent Musburger, he'll be hanging it up after tonight. So be sure to check out him calling this game should you be watching.


Other than that, enjoy some college basketball tonight.

 

[JohnBM01]

In the final game called by Brent Musburger, Kentucky defeated Georgia, but this one couldn't be settled in regulation. UK wins 90-81 over Georgia. Kentucky started slow before percolating to tie the game at 29 at the half. Kentucky then tied the game late with a smooth two-pointer (foot was over the 3-point line).

There was a brief montage of Brent Musburger after the game as Jay Bilas offered his kind words along with John Calipari showing some love also. It was a very cool game and a great tribute to Brent Musburger. Sports won't be the same without his calls.


Congratulations to all other winners from Tuesday, including Creighton defeating Butler at Butler.

 

[JohnBM01]

We had a big upset happen earlier today. Iowa State and Kansas played into Overtime, and the Cyclones of Iowa State knocked off #3 Kansas in their house 92-89. Forty minutes wasn't enough to settle this one. Kansas' 54-game home winning streak got snapped. Also, Iowa State wins at Kansas for the first time since 2005. HUGE win. And... I believe one GTPlaneteer is a proud Iowa State fan. So I'm sure this individual is pleased seeing this news.


[UPDATE] 54-game home winning streak, not 51 as originally typed.

 

[JohnBM01]

#24 Florida DESTROYED #8 Kentucky just now. Like, 88-66 destroyed. This is Florida's biggest margin of victory in basketball against Kentucky in this being their 137th meeting all time. Kentucky will try to exact revenge when they host Florida later this season. Kentucky Wildcat Nation is singing the blues tonight. Ouch...