4 takeaways from action-packed Tuesday night of college basketball

Arguably more impressive was Michigan State’s defense. The Blue Devils shot just 33% from the field, 24% from three-point range and turned the ball over 13 times. Izzo has a good mix of young talent and experienced veterans, and he seems well on his way to a 29^th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Texas Tech is just fine without JT Toppin

Many questions surrounding No. 16 Texas Tech involve the injury status of 2024-25 Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, who tore his ACL in February. However, the Red Raiders proved they have plenty of talent already by knocking off No. 3 Illinois, 84-78.

Forward Jamichael Stillwell totaled 11 points and 13 rebounds off the bench, while Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Donovan Atwell combined for 28 points. The Fighting Illini were down by 20 at halftime but pulled within four late in the contest. However, Hofstra transfer Cruz Davis hit a pair of clutch floaters to seal the deal.

Grant McCasland’s squad is already good enough to compete for a Big 12 title, and its ceiling will only rise when Toppin returns.

Tyran Stokes is the real deal

Freshman Tyran Stokes is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2027 NBA Draft, and he backed up that projection in No. 15 Kansas’ 89-69 rout of No. 24 Kentucky.

After relatively quiet outings in his first two games, Stokes scored 23 points to go along with 10 rebounds. At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, he can get downhill in a hurry while still being able to shoot from the outside. Fellow guard Tre White shined as well, scoring 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting.

It’s clear coach Bill Self has some studs who can beat anyone in the country if they keep playing like this.

Mid-majors have come to play

Thanks in part to the transfer portal, smaller programs are bringing in talent and continuing to punch above their weight. In the first week, Valparaiso upset Purdue and East Texas A&M stunned Oklahoma as a 28.5-point underdog. Now, Louisiana-Monroe gave TCU all it could handle in a 100-92 double-overtime loss.

The Horned Frogs were 33.5-point favorites and were picked to finish seventh in the Big 12.

The Warhawks were picked to finish last in the Sun Belt.

It was Louisiana-Monroe’s second game in two days, and some questionable calls went against the Warhawks down the stretch. If this close call proves anything, it’s that Power Four teams better not overlook anyone.