CBB weekend winners, losers: Wisconsin's stunner, SEC's drama spotlights action-packed Saturday

It’s Wisconsin’s highest-ranked regular-season win since toppling the Wolverines in 2019, as the Badgers appear to be back on track.

Loser: Arkansas Razorbacks

It didn’t take long to realize No. 15 Arkansas was unprepared for its road trip to Auburn. The Tigers jumped out to a 27-14 lead, and the Razorbacks never punched back, ultimately losing 95-73.

Arkansas had won seven of its last eight games but couldn’t find its footing Saturday afternoon. The Razorbacks struggled to play at their usual up-tempo pace, and the defense failed to contain Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall, who tallied 30 points, five assists and two blocks.

Winner: Florida Gators

Florida put together an impressive week. The Gators knocked off No. 18 Georgia on Tuesday before throttling No. 21 Tennessee 91-67 four days later.

Guard Boogie Fland led the way with 23 points, while center Rueben Chinyelu posted a double-double. The Volunteers turned the ball over 18 times, something that Florida took advantage of.

Since last week’s crushing defeat at Missouri, the Gators have shown signs of last year’s championship-winning squad.

Loser: Alabama Crimson Tide

No. 13 Alabama, meanwhile, took a tumble. The Crimson Tide faltered at No. 11 Vanderbilt during the week and followed that with an inexcusable home loss against Texas.

Longhorns guard Jordan Pope scored 28 points, matching his season-high, on the way to a four-point win. Despite racking up 88 points, it’s Alabama’s fourth-lowest total of the season. When the Crimson Tide’s shooting is off, Alabama lacks a strong defense to fall back on, leading to vulnerability.

Since last year, the SEC has taken a step back and seems to feature a survive-and-advance type of schedule this season.

Loser: Creighton Bluejays

Creighton has made the NCAA Tournament five years in a row, but that streak may be in jeopardy. The Bluejays haven’t lived up to expectations, and Saturday’s 90-73 loss to an equally disappointing St. John’s team doesn’t help.

Creighton allowed 12 offensive rebounds and failed to stop the Red Storm’s barrage of 3-pointers. The Bluejays weren’t victorious in any of their key nonconference matchups, and their best win came at Seton Hall.

With a 10-7 record and a schedule consisting of St John’s again and two games against No. 4 UConn, it’ll take a significant turnaround for Creighton to reach the tournament.

Winner: Northwestern State guard Micah Thomas

Few people had Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s matchup with Northwestern State circled on the calendar, but it produced a thrilling finish.

After trailing by double digits in the second half, the Demons cut the deficit to two. Upon a missed free throw, senior Micah Thomas somehow drained an awkward, one-legged 3-pointer for one of the wildest buzzer beaters of the season.