CBB weekend winners, losers: Unbeatens falter, Miami (Ohio) makes magic

The Bearcats were in desperation mode, especially after head coach Wes Miller was booed during pregame. However, Cincinnati scored 20 points off 12 turnovers, and guard Day Day Thomas led the way with 19 points.

Although Cyclones star Milan Momcilovic tallied a career-high 34 points, he didn’t get much help elsewhere. Since its 16-0 start, Iowa State’s offense has struggled mightily, but the upcoming schedule appears favorable.

Winner: Cameron Boozer’s Wooden Award chances

Duke star Cameron Boozer was already the favorite for the Wooden Award entering Saturday, and he further stamped his case during the Blue Devils’ 80-50 rout of Stanford.

Boozer tallied 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting and dominated the glass. The freshman phenom had 14 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, resulting in a double-double.

While BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Purdue’s Braden Smith remain in contention, it’s clear this is Boozer’s award to lose.

Loser: Vanderbilt Commodores

Iowa State wasn’t the only unbeaten to stumble this week. Vanderbilt’s first loss came at the hands of Texas, and it followed that by losing to No. 19 Florida in a 98-94 shootout.

The Commodores failed to contain Gators center Rueben Chinyelu, who scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half. Florida also controlled the glass, outrebounding Vanderbilt 40-26.

The Commodores experienced sloppy sequences, too, committing 21 fouls, including one flagrant. As a result, Vanderbilt must improve its discipline to avoid falling further in the SEC.

Winner: Miami (Ohio) buzzer beaters

What’s better than one buzzer-beater? How about two? The RedHawks' undefeated record was tested Saturday as they trailed Buffalo in the waning seconds of regulation. However, guard Eian Elmer buried a clutch three-pointer to force overtime.

Then, fellow guard Peter Suder capped his outstanding 37-point afternoon with a go-ahead shot to keep Miami’s flawless season alive.

Loser: Marquette Golden Eagles

Marquette was voted fifth in the preseason Big East standings. It now ranks last. After Friday night’s loss at DePaul, the Golden Eagles fell to 6-13 overall and 1-7 in conference play.

Big East opponents have outscored Marquette 627-544, and the team ranks in the bottom 31 nationally in three-point percentage and field-goal percentage. It’s safe to say Shaka Smart’s job is on critical life support.