NCAA Basketball Recap
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want the scores from yesterday’s mens NCAA college basketball games. Give me scores, highlights, and top performers.
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports, I'm Dillon, and you're tuned into our latest episode, "NCAA Basketball Recap." We've got some incredible games to cover today that brought intense action and standout performances on the court. Let’s dive right in!
Starting with Michigan Wolverines against the Maryland Terrapins. The Wolverines flexed their muscles, extending their perfect start to 10-0 with a 101-83 victory. Despite trailing by nine points in the second half, Michigan's incredible shooting and a decisive 14-2 run sealed the deal. Yaxel Lendeborg was a force with 29 points, nearly grabbing a triple-double. Aday Mara's momentum-shifting dunk was another highlight. On Maryland's side, David Coit was a standout with 31 points.
Next, we move to the Purdue Boilermakers’ encounter with Marquette. Purdue broke Marquette’s winning streak with a commanding 79-59 win. Oscar Cluff was impeccable, not missing a single shot and posting 22 points with 11 rebounds. Fletcher Loyer's key three-pointers also played a vital role in their victory.
Michigan State faced a nail-biter against Penn State, winning 76-72. Divine Ugochukwu had his breakout moment with 23 points, all from beyond the arc. His perfect shooting performance played a crucial role in the Spartans' victory, especially in the closing seconds.
Switching gears to Northwestern, they snapped their skid with a massive 93-53 win over Jackson State. Nick Martinelli led the charge with 22 points. The Wildcats were unstoppable, particularly in the second half where they dominated and widened their lead even further.
The North Carolina Tar Heels also put on a show against USC Upstate with an 80-62 win. Caleb Wilson shone, delivering his seventh double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jonathan Powell was essential off the bench, contributing crucial points to secure their victory.
Kansas took on NC State in an overtime thriller, edging out a 77-76 victory. Melvin Council Jr. was nothing short of spectacular with a career-high 36 points, including nine three-pointers. His clutch performance, especially in overtime, propelled Kansas to victory.
Finally, the Arkansas Razorbacks triumphed over Texas Tech, 93-86. Trevon Brazile came alive in the second half with 24 points and 10 rebounds. His leadership and fantastic play, alongside contributions from Darius Acuff Jr. and Karter Knox, helped Arkansas take control and win this high-stakes matchup.
Now, onto our 'big dill' of the week! This title goes to none other than Melvin Council Jr. from Kansas. His explosive 36-point performance not only secured a thrilling win but also earned him this week's spotlight as a true big deal on the court.
That's it for today's episode of Big Dill Sports. Keep tuning in for more exciting recaps and spotlights on the players making headlines. Until next time, keep it real and enjoy the games!
### Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins
Final Score: Michigan 101, Maryland 83
No. 2 Michigan extended its perfect start to 10-0 and improved to 2-0 in Big Ten play by rallying from a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat Maryland 101-83 at Xfinity Center in College Park, Md. The Wolverines shot 60.3% from the field and an impressive 63.2% from three-point range, punctuating the victory with a decisive 14-2 run late in the second half to pull clear ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Michigan overcame a 45-50 halftime deficit, its second comeback of the season, ignited by a dunk from Aday Mara that keyed the go-ahead spurt ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
- The Wolverines dominated inside, outscoring Maryland 48-20 in the paint and forcing key turnovers in the closing minutes ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): 29 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, three blocks, two steals — flirting with a triple-double and doing the bulk of his damage in the second half ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
- Aday Mara (Michigan): 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting, including a momentum-shifting dunk late in the second half ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
- Elliot Cadeau (Michigan): 12 points, 10 assists, orchestrating the high-octane Wolverine offense ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
- David Coit (Maryland): 31 points, including eight three-pointers, keeping the Terrapins competitive before Michigan’s late surge ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
### No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles
Final Score: Purdue 79, Marquette 59
No. 6 Purdue snapped Marquette’s five-game winning streak with a dominant 79-59 victory at Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers shot 53.6% from the field, boasted a 36-22 edge in points in the paint, and controlled the boards 38-29 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Oscar Cluff scored all nine of his field goals in an efficient 9-for-9 performance, including several early baskets that built a 53-29 cushion by the midway point of the second half ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Purdue’s frontcourt dominance allowed them to weather a brief Marquette rally, extending the lead with consecutive three-pointers from Fletcher Loyer ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Oscar Cluff (Purdue): 22 points on 9-for-9 shooting, 11 rebounds, his first perfect-field-goal night since joining the Boilermakers ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Fletcher Loyer (Purdue): 15 points, including four three-pointers that kept Marquette at arm’s length ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Braden Smith (Purdue): Seven points, 10 assists, facilitating the balanced Boilermaker attack ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Royce Parham (Marquette): 19 points, a career high, though the Golden Eagles managed just 32.8% shooting overall ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/oscar-cluffs-stellar-shooting-lifts-no-6-purdue-over-marquette--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
### No. 9 Michigan State Spartans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Final Score: Michigan State 76, Penn State 72
Divine Ugochukwu erupted for a career-high 23 points, all from beyond the arc, to lift No. 9 Michigan State past Penn State 76-72 in East Lansing. Ugochukwu was a perfect 5-for-5 on threes and added crucial free throws in the dying seconds to seal the win ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Ugochukwu’s late three-pointer, set up by Jeremy Fears Jr., gave MSU a two-point cushion with under 30 seconds remaining ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Despite committing 17 turnovers, the Spartans responded to multiple Penn State leads, highlighted by Jaxon Kohler’s offensive rebounds and double-digit performance ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Divine Ugochukwu (Michigan State): 23 points on 5-for-5 three-point shooting, his first start of the season and first 20-point game ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Jaxon Kohler (Michigan State): 10 points, 12 rebounds, anchoring the glass for the Spartans ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Carson Cooper (Michigan State): 10 points, providing key mid-range scoring ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Freddie Dilione V (Penn State): 23 points, career high, nearly carried Penn State in the second half ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
### Northwestern Wildcats vs. Jackson State Tigers
Final Score: Northwestern 93, Jackson State 53
Northwestern dominated Jackson State to snap a three-game skid, scoring the most points in a game since 2019 in a 93-53 rout at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats shot 50% from the field and built a 41-24 halftime lead on the back of a 12-0 first-half run ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Angelo Ciaravino’s 13 points and Arrinten Page’s 12 points and seven rebounds complemented Nick Martinelli’s hot hand ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Northwestern outscored Jackson State 52-29 in the second half, including a stretch where the Wildcats scored on 10 of 12 possessions ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Nick Martinelli (Northwestern): 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting, leading the Wildcats’ offensive charge ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Angelo Ciaravino (Northwestern): 13 points, contributing to balanced scoring ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Arrinten Page (Northwestern): 12 points, seven rebounds, providing energy off the bench ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Daeshun Ruffin (Jackson State): 20 points, the Tigers’ lone bright spot in an otherwise difficult outing ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/northwestern-dominates-jackson-state-40-pt-victory--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
### No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. USC Upstate Spartans
Final Score: North Carolina 80, USC Upstate 62
Caleb Wilson posted his seventh double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading No. 14 North Carolina to an 80-62 non-conference victory over USC Upstate at the Dean Smith Center. The Tar Heels improved to 9-1 on the year, remaining unbeaten at home ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- UNC answered an early USC Upstate 21-18 lead with a 14-0 run to seize control before halftime ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Key bench contributions included Jonathan Powell’s 17 points, tying his career high, and three-pointer barrages from Derek Dixon that salted the game away ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Caleb Wilson (North Carolina): 20 points, 11 rebounds, his third straight double-double and seventh of his freshman campaign ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Jonathan Powell (North Carolina): 17 points off the bench, crucial in extending UNC’s lead in the second half ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Luka Bogavac (North Carolina): 15 points, leading the Heels’ scoring punch ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Henri Veesaar (North Carolina): 14 points, adding interior scoring and defense ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
- Learic Davis (USC Upstate): 14 points, the Spartans’ top scorer in defeat ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/caleb-wilsons-7th-double-double-leads-no-14-unc-past-usc-upstate--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
### Kansas Jayhawks vs. NC State Wolfpack
Final Score: Kansas 77, NC State 76 (OT)
No. 19 Kansas survived a furious late charge by NC State to escape with a 77-76 overtime victory at the PNC Arena. Melvin Council Jr. erupted for a career-high 36 points — including nine three-pointers — and sank the go-ahead free throws with under four seconds remaining in OT ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401817259?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Council scored Kansas’ last 13 points of regulation, tying the game before the Jayhawks won the tip to start overtime and never relinquished the lead ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20251213_KANSAS%40NCST/?utm_source=openai)).
- Flory Bidunga’s dunk with 51.9 seconds left in OT gave Kansas a one-point edge that proved decisive ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20251213_KANSAS%40NCST/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Melvin Council Jr. (Kansas): 36 points, nine three-pointers, his most by a Jayhawk since 2023 ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401817259?utm_source=openai)).
- Darryn Peterson (Kansas): 17 points, five rebounds before exiting late with an apparent injury ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20251213_KANSAS%40NCST/?utm_source=openai)).
- Darrion Williams (NC State): 17 points, 10 rebounds, nearly willed the Wolfpack to victory in OT ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20251213_KANSAS%40NCST/?utm_source=openai)).
- Quadir Copeland (NC State): 19 points, six assists, keeping NC State in striking distance throughout OT ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20251213_KANSAS%40NCST/?utm_source=openai)).
### No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders
Final Score: Arkansas 93, Texas Tech 86
Trevon Brazile powered No. 17 Arkansas past No. 16 Texas Tech 93-86 in a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 thriller at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Brazile scored 18 of his 24 points after halftime and hauled in 10 rebounds, while Darius Acuff Jr. and Karter Knox added 20 apiece ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
Highlights
- Brazile’s go-ahead driving layup for a 78-77 lead with 5:20 left and a one-handed dunk a minute later put the Razorbacks in firm control ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
- Arkansas trimmed an early 10-point deficit before taking its first lead at 43-42 just before halftime on a Knox three-pointer ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
Top Performers
- Trevon Brazile (Arkansas): 24 points (18 after halftime), 10 rebounds, the veteran forward’s leadership guiding the Razorbacks ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas): 20 points, complementing Brazile’s production with timely baskets ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
- Karter Knox (Arkansas): 20 points, including several momentum-shifting three-pointers ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech): 30 points, 11 rebounds, the Red Raiders’ offensive workhorse ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/12/13/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
- Christian Anderson (Texas Tech): 26 points, 11 assists, his only Red Raider in double figures alongside Toppin ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/12/13/brazile-leads-no-17-arkansas-to-93-86-win-over-no-16-texas-tech-in-rematch-of-sweet-16-game/?utm_source=openai)).
More Episodes from NCAA Basketball Recap
NCAA Basketball Recap
December 26, 2025
NCAA Basketball Recap
December 25, 2025