March Mayhem Mondays: Men’s College Basketball Weekly Recap

The clock is ticking, the stakes are sky-high, and teams are scrapping like their lives depend on it—because they do. It’s that time of year, baby. Conference tournaments are going down, bubble teams are sweating bullets, and the blue bloods are trying to lock in their spots at the big dance. From overtime wars to bracket-busting upsets, college basketball just hit maximum chaos mode, and I’m here to break it all down.

Conference Tournaments Heat Up – Tickets Punched, Dreams Crushed!

You wanna talk about winning when it matters? Let’s give it up for Troy, Lipscomb, and SIU Edwardsville, who just punched their tickets to the NCAA Tournament and will be dancing in March.

Troy took down Arkansas State 94-81 in the Sun Belt Championship, locking in their third-ever NCAA Tournament berth. These boys owned the second half, closing it out with pure grit. Over in the Atlantic Sun, Lipscomb sent North Alabama packing to claim the A-Sun title, and let me tell you, this squad is dangerous. They got shooters, they got swagger, and they’re about to be a nightmare for some poor high seed in the first round.

And then there’s SIU Edwardsville, the first team to clinch an automatic bid. They steamrolled Southeast Missouri State 69-48 to take the Ohio Valley Conference crown. Dominant. No mercy. A straight-up statement win.

Notable Performances and Upsets – Who Wants it More?!

Notre Dame and Cal just went to war. Four overtimes. 112-110 final score. That’s not a basketball game, that’s a damn endurance test. Markus Burton? 43 points in 53 minutes. That man was out there like he was playing for his life. Every time you thought this game was over, somebody hit a shot. Absolute madness, and Notre Dame comes out on top in one of the best games of the season.

Meanwhile, Drake just made it three-straight Missouri Valley Championships, taking down Bradley 63-48 in a defensive masterclass. Junior guard Bennett Stirtz put the Bulldogs on his back, dropping 24 points and drilling a dagger three to ice the game. Drake is tournament-ready. They’ve got experience, toughness, and they know how to win when it counts.

Rankings and Bracketology Updates – Who’s Moving Up, Who’s Sweating Bullets?!

Kentucky. What a week. The Wildcats smacked LSU and then went and upset No. 15 Missouri. That’s how you make a late-season push, folks. They finish the regular season at 21-10, jump from No. 13 to No. 12 in NET rankings, and right now? Nobody wants to see Kentucky in their bracket.

Michigan State got it done against Michigan, but is a No. 1 seed really locked in? Not so fast. They’re 17-3, but there are plenty of teams breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, Nebraska? Pack it up, boys. Their loss just torched their at-large hopes, opening the door for Iowa to slide into the Big Ten Tournament mix.

Looking Ahead – The Chaos Ain’t Over Yet!

Selection Sunday is March 16, people. That means this week is make-or-break.

Who’s locking in their spot? Who’s about to pull off a miracle? Who’s about to get their heart broken on national television?

The conference tournaments are still going, the bubble teams are fighting for their lives, and the one-seeds are battling for prime positioning. This ain’t just college basketball—this is survival.

If you ain’t locked in yet, you better get with the program, ‘cause it’s about to get real.

Takeaway of the Week – The Madness is Here, Baby!

We ain’t even in the NCAA Tournament yet and it’s already mayhem. Teams are fighting like it’s a last-man-standing match, and every night, someone’s season gets sent to the shadow realm. Upsets? Expect ‘em. Blowouts? They’re coming. Buzzer-beaters? Oh, you know they’re right around the corner.

THE MADNESS IS HERE, AND SO IS THE DRAFT HYPE!

As we march toward the NCAA Tournament, players are making their final cases to NBA scouts. WHO’S RISING? WHO’S FALLING? Let’s dive into the latest draft stock movements with that signature Tony T. flair!

STOCK ON THE RISE – WHO’S MAKING WAVES?

1. Tre Johnson (Texas, SG)

This freshman phenom is lighting up the court! Standing at 6’6”, Johnson leads the toughest conference in scoring, showcasing a polished offensive game reminiscent of NBA stars like Devin Booker. His ability to create shots from anywhere makes him a projected top-five pick. 

2. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor, SG)

Edgecombe’s explosive scoring and defensive tenacity have scouts buzzing. His athleticism and two-way play make him a rising star in the draft conversation. 

3. Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s, PF)

Fleming’s transformation this season is turning heads! Averaging 16.1 points and 9.1 rebounds, he’s shooting an impressive 44.2% from three-point range. His 3-and-D potential with a strong physique is catapulting him up draft boards. 

4. Johni Broome (Auburn, C)

Broome’s expanded offensive repertoire complements his NBA-ready defense. His consistent performances have solidified his status as a potential first-round pick. 

5. Jase Richardson (Michigan State, PG)

Since joining the starting lineup, Richardson’s impact on both ends is undeniable. His versatility as a combo guard and defensive prowess are elevating his draft stock. 

STOCK ON THE DECLINE – WHO’S SLIPPING?

1. Nolan Traore (Saint-Quentin, PG)

Once a top international prospect, Traore’s recent performances have raised concerns. Inconsistent play and decision-making issues are causing his stock to dip. 

2. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, SF)

Bailey’s shot selection and inconsistency have scouts wary. Despite his talent, his inability to lead Rutgers to wins is impacting his draft outlook. 

3. Egor Demin (BYU, SF)

Demin’s struggles to adapt to higher competition levels have led to a slide in mock drafts. His once-promising shooting touch has been inconsistent this season. 

4. Ian Jackson (North Carolina, SG)

While a prolific scorer, Jackson’s lack of versatility and defensive lapses are concerns. His draft stock is slipping as scouts question his adaptability to the NBA. 

5. Boogie Fland (Arkansas, PG)

A season-ending injury has halted Fland’s momentum. Coupled with team struggles and his size limitations, his draft prospects are uncertain. 

THE ROAD AHEAD – WHO WILL SHINE UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT?

With conference tournaments underway and Selection Sunday looming, players have limited time to sway scouts. WHO WILL RISE TO THE OCCASION? The upcoming games are crucial for prospects to solidify or improve their draft positions.

NCAA Women’s March Madness Meter

Does Women’s College Basketball Take Over Again?

Last year, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark changed the game. Their rivalry didn’t just electrify women’s college basketball—it turned it into a global phenomenon. For the first time in history, the women’s tournament wasn’t just keeping up with the men’s—it was leading the charge. And now? The madness is back, and the stage is set for another unforgettable run.

Conference tournaments are delivering buzzer-beaters, heartbreaks, and powerhouse performances. The brackets are shaking, the bubble teams are sweating, and the future WNBA stars? Oh, they’re putting on a Show! So let’s recap this week’s action.

Conference Tournaments: The Big Wins, The Big Heartbreaks, and The Big-Time Players!

UCLA just got their revenge, and they did it in style. After a regular-season loss to USC, the Bruins came back swinging in the Big Ten Tournament championship, taking down the Trojans 72-67

Conference Tournaments: Upsets and Triumphs

• Big Ten Battle: UCLA avenged their regular-season loss to USC by clinching the Big Ten Tournament title with a 72-67 victory. Lauren Betts dominated with 17 points, while JuJu Watkins poured in 29 for USC but couldn’t seal the deal. 

• AAC Shockwave: Top-seeded UTSA was stunned by No. 9 seed Rice, falling 62-58 in their tournament opener. Despite a stellar 26-3 regular season, UTSA’s sluggish start cost them, casting doubt on their NCAA Tournament hopes. 

• Big Ten Thriller: Iowa, an 11-seed, toppled No. 24 Michigan State 74-61, led by Lucy Olsen’s 21 points. The Hawkeyes took control in the second quarter and never looked back, busting brackets and making a statement. 

Spotlight on Canadian Talent

The Big Ten Tournament showcased a unique matchup between Canadian standouts Syla Swords (Michigan) and Avery Howell (USC). These Team Canada teammates faced off in the semifinals, highlighting the growing influence of Canadian players in NCAA women’s basketball. 

Top 10 Projected Picks: 2025 WNBA Mock Draft

1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers (PG, UConn) – A generational talent with unmatched court vision and scoring ability. 

2. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles (PG, Notre Dame) – Dynamic playmaker with a knack for elevating her team’s performance. 

3. Chicago Sky: Sonia Citron (SG, Notre Dame) – Versatile scorer and defender, bringing a competitive edge. 

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts (C, UCLA) – Dominant post presence with defensive prowess. 

5. Golden State Valkyries: Kiki Iriafen (PF, USC) – Athletic forward with a relentless motor. 

6. New York Liberty: Shyanne Sellers (PG, Maryland) – Floor general with a high basketball IQ. 

7. Phoenix Mercury: Aneesah Morrow (PF, LSU) – Rebounding machine with scoring touch. 

8. Minnesota Lynx: Te-Hina Paopao (SG, South Carolina) – Sharpshooter with defensive tenacity. 

9. Atlanta Dream: Georgia Amoore (PG, Kentucky) – Speedy guard with playmaking skills. 

10. Indiana Fever: Azzi Fudd (SG, UConn) – Elite scorer with deep range. 

Stock Rising

• Chloe Kitts (South Carolina): Delivered a double-double to propel the Gamecocks past Vanderbilt, showcasing her versatility. 

• Aziaha James (NC State): Clutch free throws in a one-point victory over Georgia Tech highlight her composure under pressure. 

Stock Falling

• Jordyn Jenkins (UTSA): Despite a strong individual performance, UTSA’s early exit raises questions about her ability to lead in high-stakes games. 

• Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama): A valiant 24-point effort wasn’t enough to prevent an upset loss to Florida, impacting her draft stock.

As March Madness looms, the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned as the nation’s top talent vies for glory and a coveted spot in the WNBA!

M.M.M. Final Takeaway

March just started, but make no mistake—the madness is in full swing.

And that’s how you break it down. No holding back, all gas, no brakes. Until next week, stay locked in, stay loud, and get ready—because the real March mayhem is just getting started.

Joseph Angel | Chief NCAA Basketball Analyst for TheNSR Network