Villanova, Kansas and Kentucky all Drop Huge Games by Jake Martino and Camdyn Ames
What a night it was in college basketball with three out of the top five AP teams losing. The college basketball season is already off to a great start and last night proved that it is going to get better from here. The polls will have many questionable changes now and that will make the season better than it already is. Last night included many memorable moments. Here is the rundown from last night.
All Rankings are Via AP Poll
#1 Villanova vs. Marquette
Final: Marquette 74, Villanova 72
Stats:
Nova: Jalen Brunson 19Pts, 4Reb, 4Ast.
Marquette: Katin Reinhardt 19Pts, 2Reb, 4Ast
Breakdown: Another classic conference play matchup between the #1 Ranked Villanova and Marquette. This Villanova’s second chance at #1 this year was looking to pick up a big conference win at Marquette. It all came down to free throws for the Golden Eagles and they won it in the end on clutch free throws with 11.6 seconds left. Catch those below.
v#2 Kansas vs. #18 WVU
Final: WVU 85, Kansas 69
Stats:
Kansas: Josh Jackson 22Pts, 4Reb, 4Ast
WVU: Esa Ahmad 27Pts, 5 Reb, 2Ast
#4 Kentucky vs. Tennessee
Final: Tennessee 82, Kentucky 80
Stats:
Kentucky: Edrice Adebayo 21 Pts, 5Reb, 2Blk
Tennessee: Robert Hubbs III 25Pts, 7Reb, 2Ast
Breakdown: The last game of the night was an absolute thriller. In a state border rivalry two SEC teams clashed! The Vols came into the game fresh off a win against Mississippi State while the 4th ranked Wildcats were on a 7 game win streak. In an electric atmosphere the two teams battled and throughout the whole game it was close. Both teams started off slow but quickly picked it back up. The Vols were up 34-32 with 1:46 remaining when Lamonte Turner drained a three. Then on the defensive end grabbed a board and pushed it up the floor to find a wide open Robert Hubbs for the jam. The Vols led at the half 39-34 and it seemed like all of the moment was with the Vols, but John Calipari talked some sense into his team at the half. The Wildcats started off hot and brought the game to within 6 with 14:07 left. Senior Robert Hubbs III led his squad as the Vols entered the 2-minute mark up by 5. The Vols got a couple key layups and made their free throws to seal the deal as they walked out of the gym with a 82-80 upset win over number 4 ranked Kentucky. Kentucky will play Kansas in the SEC/BIG 12 Challenge presented by Sonic on Saturday January 28th at 6:15 on ESPN. The Vols will also play in the SEC/BIG 12 Challenge on Saturday against Kansas State at 2:00 on ESPN2.
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By Jake Martino
