This weekend’s college basketball action delivered a series of surprising outcomes, with several undefeated teams experiencing their first losses of the season. As of January 17, 2026, only three teams remain unbeaten, including Kentucky, which showcased resilience against ranked opponents.
Winners and Losers of Week 12
Kentucky Wildcats emerged as a notable winner after a thrilling victory against No. 24 Tennessee. Trailing by at least 17 points for the second consecutive game, Kentucky rallied to secure a 78-74 win on the road. Despite struggles at the free-throw line, the Wildcats’ offense displayed strength, with four players scoring in double figures. Guard Denzel Aberdeen shone brightly, contributing 18 of his 22 points in the second half. Head Coach Mark Pope has the team in excellent form, yet upcoming games against No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 17 Arkansas will test their progress.
In contrast, the Iowa State Cyclones faced disappointment after entering the week as one of the last five undefeated teams. After suffering a significant defeat to Kansas, Iowa State fell again, this time to the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bearcats capitalized on Cyclones’ mistakes, scoring 20 points off 12 turnovers. Although star player Milan Momcilovic managed to score a career-high 34 points, Iowa State’s offensive struggles continue to raise concerns.
Star Performers and Unexpected Twists
Another standout performance came from Cameron Boozer of Duke. Already a frontrunner for the Wooden Award, Boozer further solidified his candidacy by scoring 30 points in a decisive 80-50 victory over Stanford. With 12-of-17 shooting and 14 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, Boozer’s dominance on the court continues to impress observers. While AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Braden Smith from Purdue remain in contention, it is increasingly clear that this award is Boozer’s to lose.
On the other hand, the Vanderbilt Commodores also stumbled this week, suffering their first loss against Texas and then falling to No. 19 Florida in a high-scoring 98-94 contest. Vanderbilt struggled defensively, allowing Florida’s center Rueben Chinyelu to score 16 of his 20 points in the second half. The Commodores also committed 21 fouls, indicating a pressing need for improved discipline in their upcoming games.
In a thrilling twist, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks delighted fans with two buzzer-beaters in their recent matchup against Buffalo. Trailing in the final moments, guard Eian Elmer hit a crucial three-pointer to force overtime. Fellow guard Peter Suder sealed the victory with a go-ahead shot, finishing the game with an impressive 37 points, keeping Miami’s unbeaten record intact.
Lastly, the Marquette Golden Eagles are struggling significantly this season, currently sitting at 6-13 overall and last in the Big East standings. After a loss to DePaul, Marquette has been outscored by opponents in conference play, leading to serious questions about the future of Head Coach Shaka Smart.
This chaotic weekend highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball, with upcoming games promising to deliver more excitement and potential upsets. As the season progresses, teams will need to adapt and rise to the occasion to secure their standings.
