Mon Jan 13 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## College Hoops Buzz: Flagg’s Dominance, Conference Power Plays, and Upset Victories

**Indianapolis, IN** – The college basketball season is heating up, with several key storylines emerging, according to NCAA.com correspondent Andy Katz. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg of Duke is making a strong case for the Naismith Award, averaging 19.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, while exhibiting exceptional leadership and defense. His 42-point performance against Notre Dame further solidified his position as a top contender.

Conference realignment continues to be a hot topic. Katz argues that the Mountain West and Pac-12 made a strategic error by not merging, potentially limiting their NCAA Tournament bids. A combined league would boast powerhouse programs like Gonzaga, creating a Western super-conference.

Several teams are proving their mettle: Bryant, under coach Phil Martelli Jr., bounced back from a crushing loss to Grand Canyon with consecutive wins over Maine and Vermont. Saint Louis is dominating the A-10, led by top scorers Isaiah Swope, Robbie Avila, and Gibson Jimerson. The SEC is proving incredibly competitive, with Oklahoma’s 13-0 start crumbling to an 0-3 SEC record, highlighting the league’s intense competition. Despite their early struggles, several SEC teams remain in contention for postseason play.

The week ahead features several must-see matchups: Kansas’s road game at Iowa State will be crucial for Big 12 positioning, while Alabama’s game at Kentucky will be a pivotal SEC clash. Other key games include Illinois at Michigan State, Purdue at Oregon, and the ACC showdown between Clemson and Pitt. Florida’s strong start, with victories over Tennessee and Arkansas, further underscores their surprising dominance.

Katz concludes by emphasizing the intense competition across various conferences, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.

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