Upsets were the theme of the week in college basketball. #1 Duke dropped a game at Ohio State and #3 Gonzaga was beaten convincingly by Alabama. The mid-major ranks also got a taste of the upset bug especially in the state of Utah.
Every Monday Student Union Sports is going to take a look at the highlights of the college basketball week outside of the power structure. It’s time to take a look back at the week that was and see what’s ahead for the country’s best mid-majors.
Team of the Week: Utah Valley
This week on twitter, Jon Rothstein questioned why in state powerhouses play true road games against smaller schools in regards to Cincinnati playing at Miami (Oh.). Wednesday night the college basketball world got to see how fun it can be.
Utah Valley hosted 12th ranked BYU and the fans were treated with a brilliant game. The Wolverines were able to pull out a 72-65 victory in overtime behind an outstanding performance from center Fardaws Aimaq. The redshirt sophomore scored 24 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and was a menace on defense. Supporting him was Justin Harmon who poured in 24 points off the bench and BYU transfer Connor Harding.
The win over BYU was the Wolverines only game last week but a signature victory like that makes them more than worthy of this honor. It also tests them ahead of what is going to be a challenging Western Athletic Conference in 2022.
Player of the Week: Graham Ike, Wyoming
There are 12 undefeated teams left in America. Among the least expected is Wyoming, a squad that lost the 2021 MWC Freshman of the Year Marcus Williams to the transfer portal.
Still, head coach Jeff Linder has the Cowboys off to an 8-0 start. The record includes road wins against Grand Canyon and Washington. The emergence of sophomore forward Graham Ike has been a huge reason why. In double digit victories over Denver and McNeese State, he was dominant. The sophomore averaged 26.5 points and 12 rebounds as the Cowboys extended their undefeated start.
These performances have been the latest installments in his breakout campaign. Ike is averaging 20 points and nine rebounds per game with four double-doubles while leading the nation in usage. The duo of Ike and Hunter Maldonado is going to be what guides Wyoming through a difficult MWC.
Five games I can’t wait to watch:
Belmont @ St. Louis: Tuesday 8 p.m. est
A fun game between the class of the OVC and a SLU team that has recovered from Javonte Perkins season ending injury well. Belmont has three solid wins over mid-majors and a road win over the Billikens would be a nice boost to their resume. The individual matchup to watch is between Grayson Murphy and Yuri Collins. Both are solid guards that distribute the ball extremely well and play a high level of defense. Oregon transfer Francis Okoro is going to have his hands full with Belmont Nick Muszynski as well.
Utah State @ BYU Wednesday 9 p.m. est
An in-state battle between two teams off to a terrific start. BYU rebounded nicely from their loss to Utah Valley with a road win against Missouri State while the Aggies look to rebound from a loss to Saint Mary’s. Utah State superstar Justin Bean is going to be a challenge for the Cougars. A point guard battle of Rylan Jones and Alex Barcello should be very entertaining.
Wyoming @ Arizona Wednesday 10 p.m. est
A game between two of the 12 remaining undefeated teams in America that is going to be a great test for the Cowboys. Wildcats’ redshirt freshman Bennedict Mathurin is going to give Wyoming a test on the perimeter that they have not seen this season. Graham Ike is going to have his hands full with Arizona’s front court duo of Christian Koloko and Azuolas Tubelis.
Weber State @ Washington State Wednesday 10 p.m. est
Weber State is another team that is off to a terrific start this fall. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, none of those wins are against teams in the KenPom top 100. They will get their chance Wednesday night when they take on the Cougars. Washington State is a deep squad that is going to test the front court depth of Weber State. The equalizer is going to be Kobe McEwen, the Marquette transfer has been terrific for the Wildcats and could be the great equalizer.
Colorado State @ Miss. State Saturday 2 p.m. est
Following a couple games that required second half comebacks, the Rams are back to dominating teams. They have convincingly beat Little Rock and Saint Mary’s by at least 16 points with David Roddy and Isaiah Stevens leading the way. The Bulldogs present a challenge with size in the front court featuring transfers Garrison Brooks and David Roddy. Following a loss to Minnesota, Ben Howland’s squad really needs this victory.
Mid-major top 10
1. Colorado State: There is something to be said for continuing to beat quality teams and not losing. The Rams are 9-0 and just whipped Saint Mary’s.
2. Gonzaga: The Bulldogs struggled this week. A nine point win over Tarleton State and a loss to Alabama proves they won’t be invincible in the WCC this season.
3. BYU: The Cougars split a pair of games this week but got an nice road win over Missouri State. That’s not something that will be considered a statement win but could be of the Quad 1 variety come Selection Sunday.
4. St. Bonaventure: The Bonnies got a big win over Buffalo Saturday night without Kyle Lofton. A two game stretch against Virginia Tech and UCONN will say a lot about whether this team will get an at-large berth.
5. Loyola-Chicago: Drew Valentine’s squad had an excellent week. A comeback victory over Depaul gave the Ramblers bragging rights over the city of Chicago. A road game against Vanderbilt will provide another challenge for Loyola.
6. San Francisco: Jamaree Bouyea had 30 points and the Dons used a big second half to beat UNLV Saturday. USF will try to 10-0 Wednesday against Fresno State.
7. Saint Mary’s: A road win over Utah State is a huge win for Randy Bennett’s sqaud. Thing’s don’t get easier for the Gael’s with upcoming games against Santa Barbara, San Diego State and Missouri State.
8. Belmont: The Bruins are off to a 7-3 start with wins over Drake and Iona. Tuesday night’s game against Saint Louis is the last major test before conference play.
9. Iona: Rick Pitino’s sqaud open MAAC play with two wins. Upcoming games against Yale and Seton Hall will be major challenge’s for the Gael’s.
10. Wyoming: Came down to Wyoming and Weber State for the final spot, the Cowboys road win in an environment like GCU is the tiebreaker. Graham Ike and company will look to pull a huge upset Wednesday night against Arizona.
Just missed: Weber State, South Dakota State, Utah State
