Three things we learned on Saturday
Saturday is always the key day in Men’s college basketball. Most of the top 25 teams are in action and hoping to make a nice move before the new rankings come out on Monday afternoon. It also provides many schools with significant national exposure, giving an opportunity to earn new respect across the country.
This Saturday, we had a few upsets and a couple of predictable results. When the new rankings come out, it will be intriguing to see the shakeup. Here are three things we learned this Saturday, in no particular order:
1. Seton Hall is rolling
The Seton Hall Pirates opened the Big East portion of their schedule with a home win over the No. 15 St. John’s Red Storm, with Sterling Gibbs pouring in a game-high 25 points. Seton Hall has been down as a program for years, but had earned an early signature win in the 2014-15 campaign.
However, a larger test was coming with the No. 6 Villanova Wildcats coming into the Prudential Center. Villanova was undefeated entering Saturday, boasting a 13-0 mark. Seton Hall ended all of that, winning 66-61 in overtime. Gibbs led the way once more, scoring 20 points to pace the Pirates. Seton Hall is 12-2 and looking like a serious contender for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Should they make the tournament, it would be the first time for the Pirates since 2006.
2. Jahlil Okafor is the best player in the country
Okafor came to the Duke Blue Devils this fall with plenty of fanfare. Many across the nation believed Okafor was the top incoming freshman and could propel Duke toward another national championship. A couple of months into the season, Okafor appears to be that man.
In Duke’s ACC opener at Cameron Indoor Stadium against the Boston College Eagles, Okafor dominated inside. The youngster amassed a game-high 28 points along with eight rebounds and four blocks, leading the Blue Devils to a resounding 85-62 victory. Okafor has been the model of consistency, scoring in double-figures in all 13 games this season, including 21 or more in six of his last eight contests.
3. Virginia is very underrated, and very dangerous
The Virginia Cavaliers remain undefeated after Saturday’s 89-80 road win in double overtime over the Miami Hurricanes. Virginia looked to be in trouble against Jim Laranagga’s group after relinquishing an 18-point halftime advantage, but warded off an early conference defeat.
Virginia is terrific defensively, but had a down game in that department. The Cavaliers allowed 43 points in the second half, only forced 10 turnovers and surrendered a season-high 80 points, but proved they are more than a tough team on one side of the court. Virginia shot 44.8 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from 3-point range while getting to the charity stripe 39 times. The Cavaliers truly earned a tough win, and it will serve them well going forward.
