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, where we dive into the biggest moments and standout performances in NCAA basketball. I’m Dillon, your host, and today we're jumping into some of the most thrilling matchups from Saturday, December 14, 2025. Buckle up—it's been a ride full of blowouts, upsets, and edge-of-your-seat finishes.
Starting us off, Arizona, the top-ranked team, made a statement by overcoming a halftime deficit to overpower Alabama, 96-75, in the C.M. Newton Classic. Freshman guard Brayden Burries was electric, dropping a career-high 28 points, including five three-pointers. Arizona's second-half explosion was something to behold, outscoring Alabama 57-34.
Next, we shift over to College Park, where No. 2 Michigan stayed perfect with a 101-83 win over Maryland. Yaxel Lendeborg led the Wolverines, flirting with a triple-double. His 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds kept Michigan's momentum rolling.
Meanwhile, Purdue showcased pure efficiency against Marquette with a 79-59 victory. Oscar Cluff was unstoppable, scoring 22 points on perfect shooting to help Purdue dominate.
Houston's depth was on full display in their 99-57 blowout of New Orleans. All but one Cougar player scored, with Chase McCarty and company making it look easy, forcing 21 turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
In the exciting Battle in Seattle, No. 8 Gonzaga pulled away from No. 25 UCLA to win 82-72. Gonzaga's frontcourt proved too tough, as Graham Ike delivered 25 key points driving the Bulldogs to victory.
Michigan State faced a tough Penn State team, but thanks to clutch 3-pointers down the stretch, the Spartans secured a 76-72 win on the road. Divine Ugochukwu was the hero with a career-high 23 points in his first start.
BYU breezed by UC Riverside, notching a commanding 100-53 victory. AJ Dybantsa nearly recorded a triple-double, showcasing versatility and leadership across the board.
In an overtime thriller, No. 19 Kansas edged NC State 77-76. Melvin Council Jr. was the star, hitting nine three-pointers and setting up the game-winning play. It was a nail-biter where every shot counted.
Arkansas avenged last season's Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech with a 93-86 win. Trevon Brazile was the difference-maker, scoring 18 of his 24 points in the second half and sealing the deal with a powerful dunk.
Other notable wins included Missouri defeating Bethune-Cookman 82-60, Texas A&M racking up 112 points against Jacksonville, and Iowa State taking down Eastern Illinois 78-53. Each game was filled with dynamic actions and standout plays.
Now, it’s time for our 'big dill' moment of the episode. This week, it’s Melvin Council Jr. from Kansas. His outstanding performance propelled the Jayhawks to that thrilling OT victory. Nine three-pointers and a career-high 36 points—talk about a big deal!
That's it for today's roundup. Thanks for tuning in to Big Dill Sports. I'm Dillon, and we’ll be back soon with more hoops action that you don’t want to miss. Stay sharp, stay engaged, and keep loving the game. Until next time!
## Overview of Saturday’s Key Matchups (December 14, 2025)
Saturday’s early nonconference slate and featured Top 25 matchups delivered a blend of blowouts, statement wins, and last-second thrills across Division I men’s basketball. From top-ranked Arizona’s dominance in Birmingham to No. 2 Michigan’s high-scoring road victory, powerhouse programs flexed their depth, while upstarts such as Eastern Illinois and Jacksonville provided spirited opposition. Below is a roundup of the most consequential games, with final scores, standout moments, and leading statistical performers to set the stage for an in-depth article.
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## No. 1 Arizona 96, No. 12 Alabama 75
• Game recap: Top-ranked Arizona trailed by two at halftime but erupted for 57 second-half points in the C.M. Newton Classic, outscoring Alabama 57-34 after intermission to cruise in a nationally televised neutral-site matchup ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401812266?utm_source=openai)) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-1-arizona-blasts-no-12-alabama-thanks-career-high-brayden-burries--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
• Arizona leaders: Freshman guard Brayden Burries delivered a career-high 28 points (5 × 3PT) and grabbed seven rebounds, while center Motiejus Krivas posted a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. Jaden Bradley chipped in 13 points, seven assists, and five rebounds ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401812266?utm_source=openai)).
• Alabama standouts: Labaron Philon Jr. tallied 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. added 21 points. However, Alabama was outrebounded 52-32 and struggled defensively in the second half ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401812266?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 2 Michigan 101, Maryland 83
• Game recap: Michigan overcame an early nine-point deficit, shooting 60.3% overall and an eye-popping 63.2% from three to remain perfect at 10-0. The Wolverines rallied behind a 14-2 run late in the second half to pull away in College Park ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
• Michigan leaders: Yaxel Lendeborg flirted with a triple-double, pouring in 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Aday Mara added 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and Elliot Cadeau posted a 12-point, 10-assist double-double ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-2-michigan-remains-perfect-with-victory-over-maryland--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)).
• Maryland standouts: Guard Diggy Coit went off for 31 points, including eight 3-pointers, while Myles Rice contributed 15 points. Maryland lost center Pharrel Payne to injury and had guard Solomon Washington ejected, issues that hindered their interior presence late ([testudotimes.com](https://www.testudotimes.com/maryland-terps-basketball/86457/takeaways-from-maryland-mens-basketballs-101-83-loss-to-no-2-michigan?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 6 Purdue 79, Marquette 59
• Game recap: Purdue showcased efficiency from start to finish, shooting 53.6% and building a 37-point advantage at one juncture. After a tight first half, Oscar Cluff’s flawless 9-for-9 shooting surge extended Purdue’s lead early in the second half, sealing a comfortable home win ([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 leaders: Cluff netted a season-high 22 points with 11 rebounds. Fletcher Loyer chipped in 15 points—four 3-pointers—and Braden Smith dished out a 10-assist double-double ([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)).
• Marquette standouts: Royce Parham scored a career-high 19 points, and Chase Ross contributed 10. The Golden Eagles managed just 32.8% shooting overall and 25.8% from deep ([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)).
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## No. 7 Houston 99, New Orleans 57
• Game recap: Houston blew the game open with a 21-2 first-half run en route to a 42-point blowout, shooting 54.2% overall and an impressive 72% after halftime. Ten of Houston’s 11 players scored, reflecting the depth of Kelvin Sampson’s roster ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/no-7-houston-uses-balanced-scoring-attack-crush-new-orleans--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
• Houston leaders: Chase McCarty, Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac Jr., and Mercy Miller each scored 15 points. Milos Uzan orchestrated the attack with 10 assists, and the Cougars forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 23 first-half points ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401808901?utm_source=openai)).
• New Orleans standouts: MJ Thomas tallied 17 points and eight rebounds in the loss, but New Orleans never led after the early stages and was held to under 57 points ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401808901?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 8 Gonzaga 82, No. 25 UCLA 72
• Game recap: In the annual Battle in Seattle, Gonzaga’s physical frontcourt prevailed. After trading leads in the first half, the Bulldogs pulled away behind timely interior scoring and clutch defense ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2025/12/14/ucla-gonzaga-score/95f1defc-d8bd-11f0-a93c-a869cf73ebd6_story.html?utm_source=openai)).
• Gonzaga leaders: Graham Ike posted 25 points and five assists, and Braden Huff added 21 points. The Zags leaned on their bigs to overcome UCLA’s backcourt pressure ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2025/12/14/ucla-gonzaga-score/95f1defc-d8bd-11f0-a93c-a869cf73ebd6_story.html?utm_source=openai)).
• UCLA standouts: Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 22 points (4 × 3PT). Donovan Dent finished with 12 points, 10 assists, three blocks, and two steals in defeat ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2025/12/14/ucla-gonzaga-score/95f1defc-d8bd-11f0-a93c-a869cf73ebd6_story.html?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 9 Michigan State 76, Penn State 72
• Game recap: Michigan State overcame a halftime deficit and withstood season-high 17 turnovers to earn a Big Ten road win. The Spartans made key plays down the stretch, including late 3-pointers, to secure the victory ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
• MSU leaders: Divine Ugochukwu delivered a career-high 23 points (5 × 3PT) in his first start, and Jaxon Kohler posted a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. Carson Cooper added 10 points ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
• Penn State standouts: Freddie Dilione V led the Nittany Lions with 23 points, Kayden Mingo chipped in 11, and Ivan Juric added 10 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/divine-ugochukwu-no-9-michigan-state-jolt-penn-state--flm-2025-12-13/?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 10 BYU 100, UC Riverside 53
• Game recap: BYU rolled out to a 49-32 halftime lead on strong guard play and never looked back, finishing with season highs in bench points and shooting percentages ([espn.com.sg](https://www.espn.com.sg/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401819838?utm_source=openai)).
• BYU leaders: AJ Dybantsa flirted with a triple-double, posting 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Richie Saunders added 19 points, Alexsej Kostic drilled five 3-pointers en route to 15 points, and Khadim Mboup recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/dybantsa-scores-26-as-no-10-byu-beats-uc-riverside-100-53-for-6th-straight-win/?utm_source=openai)).
• UC Riverside standouts: Andrew Henderson scored 14 points and BJ Kolly added 12 in a valiant effort ([espn.com.sg](https://www.espn.com.sg/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401819838?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 19 Kansas 77, NC State 76 (OT)
• Game recap: In Raleigh, Kansas survived an overtime thriller thanks to Melvin Council Jr.’s red-hot shooting. Council’s late 3-pointer set up the Jayhawks’ decisive go-ahead dunk, and Kansas held firm on the final possession ([abc11.com](https://abc11.com/post/nc-state-falls-short-77-76-ot-loss-no-19-kansas/18284433/?utm_source=openai)).
• Kansas leaders: Council Jr. exploded for a career-high 36 points, including nine 3-pointers. Darryn Peterson added 17 points and four assists ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401817259?utm_source=openai)).
• NC State standouts: Quadir Copeland tallied 19 points, and Darrion Williams posted 17 points and 10 rebounds in a narrow home loss ([abc11.com](https://abc11.com/post/nc-state-falls-short-77-76-ot-loss-no-19-kansas/18284433/?utm_source=openai)).
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## No. 17 Arkansas 93, No. 16 Texas Tech 86
• Game recap: In a rematch of last March’s Sweet 16, Arkansas erased a double-digit first-half deficit behind Trevon Brazile’s second-half surge and never trailed after Brazile’s go-ahead layup with 5:20 left ([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 leaders: Brazile scored 18 of his game-high 24 points after halftime and hauled in 10 rebounds. He also delivered a thunderous breakaway dunk late in regulation ([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)).
• Texas Tech standouts: JT Toppin poured in 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Christian Anderson contributed 26 points and 11 assists in defeat ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2025/12/13/arkansas-texas-tech-score/667d2542-d85d-11f0-a93c-a869cf73ebd6_story.html?utm_source=openai)).
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## Notable Blowouts and Underdog Highlights
• Missouri 82, Bethune-Cookman 60: The Tigers’ defense forced 16 turnovers and outscored the Wildcats 50-20 in the paint. Mark Mitchell led Missouri with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Crews added 20 points off the bench ([rockmnation.com](https://www.rockmnation.com/missouri-tigers-basketball/132674/mizzou-stifles-bethune-cookman-offense-in-82-60-win?utm_source=openai)).
• Texas A&M 112, Jacksonville 75: The Aggies exploded for 112 points, highlighted by Rylan Griffen’s 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting and Mackenzie Mgbako’s eight rebounds. Texas A&M forced 19 turnovers and shot 50% from three in the second half ([statesman.com](https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/aggies/article/texas-am-aggies-score-today-jacksonville-mbb-cbb-21242175.php?utm_source=openai)).
• Iowa State 78, Eastern Illinois 53: The Cyclones dominated on the boards (38-25) and coasted to an easy Big 12 home victory. B. Buchanan led Iowa State with 14 points, while K. Jacobi tallied 11 points and eight rebounds for the Panthers ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/scoreboard)).
These results set the tone for a pivotal week of scheduling and conference play previews. Each performance will reverberate in upcoming polls, seeding discussions, and midseason award races as coaches and pundits dissect strengths, weaknesses, and breakout talents from coast to coast.
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