1. Christian Watford’s 3-pointer at the buzzer not only lifted the Hoosiers over Kentucky, but signaled IU’s return to significance. That 3-pointer, and eight others, allowed Indiana to win this game. They shot 60% from beyond the arc and became the 2nd consecutive team to score more than a point per possession on UK’s vaunted defense. Watford led all scored with 20 points on 4-6 3pt shooting, and Jordan Hulls added 11 on 3-6 3pt shooting. The Hoosiers almost blew it due to horrible ball security – turning it over on 25.7% of their possessions. However it happened, Tom Crean’s kids weather their emotions and came out on the right end of this one. Welcome back, Indiana.
2. Before the Kentucky loss, two other undefeated teams went down on Saturday. Ohio State lost to Kansas (while Jared Sullinger sat with an injury), and St Joe’s knocked off Creighton. That means nine undefeated teams remain: Syracuse, Marquette, Missouri, Louisville, Indiana, Xavier, Baylor, Illinois and Murray State. Marquette and Illinois meet in 12 days, but first the Illini have to get through UNLV.
3. Alex Young of the IUPUI poured in 43 points in the Jaguars win over Western Kentucky. IUPUI’s only previous win over a Division I opponent was five games ago against Texas Southern. Young made 11-15 2s, 3-5 3s and 12-13 FTs. This was the 5th time in his career he’s scored at least 30, though the first time he’s scored more than 40.
4. Michigan State has quietly built a nice resume. After beginning the season 0-2 with highly covered losses to UNC (on an aircraft carrier) and Duke (in Coach K’s win #903), the Spartans have reeled off eight straight wins. In the Big Ten/ACC Challenge they dominated Florida State, and on Saturday they added Gonzaga to their resume. The Bulldogs had no answer for Draymond Green who scored 34 points on a ridiculously efficient 13 shots. He was 7-8 on 2s, 4-5 on 3s and 8-9 from the line. No other MSU player scored in double figures in the 74-67 win (69 possessions).
5. Austin Peay began the season with nine consecutive losses, including such powerhouses as Lipscomb and Bowling Green. Then they knocked off Arkansas State in overtime. A trip to Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville hardly seemed watching, but the Governors took it to the Volunteers and won 74-70. Only twice in their previous ten games had Austin Peay managed more than a point per possession, but against Tennessee they scored 1.10 per trip. Senior Josh Terry had 20 points, and TyShwan Edmondson added 19. Tennessee shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over on 26.9% of their possessions.
