For most of its history, the SEC has been known as the ultimate football conference. With powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama, they have the most talent and toughest schedules.



Now, that might also be the case in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>. The SEC has been an absolute bloodbath lately, and it looks like anybody can beat anybody on any given night.



That was evident when John Calipari’s Razorbacks almost came back to take down Alabama. That’s why renowned NCAA analyst Jeff Goodman believes the SEC became ‘stupid’ good.



<h2>Jeff Goodman raves about the SEC</h2>



“It’s even stupider (how good the SEC is) because Arkansas has now become, you know, dangerous over the last, like, week and a half, you know, where before it was almost, like, honestly, you were kind of circling Arkansas and being like ‘All right, they’re kind of a dead team,’ but, I’m telling you, it’s crazy to say since Boogie Fland went out, and Nelly Davis became Nelly Davis again, and it’s funny, Mike had a great point,” he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333765_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_37c8ec22.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena." class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this is also because Calipari’s team has looked much more competitive lately after struggling in conference play earlier in the season. Now, they might even sneak into the NCAA tournament.


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The Razorbacks took down the then-No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats and Texas Longhorns. Even if they failed to keep the ball rolling vs. Alabama, they’re a very dangerous team right now.

NCAAB News: Analyst makes bold take about ‘stupid’ SEC and Arkansas

NCAAB News: Analyst makes bold take about 'stupid' SEC and Arkansas - Bolavip US

miniaturas

With great power, players also have a great responsibility. That’s particularly true if you’re expected to carry the torch and become the best player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



Unfortunately for her, that might be what’s going on with Paige Bueckers. The UConn star was deemed to be the second coming of Caitlin Clark, and that hasn’t happened yet.



Of course, Bueckers has been spectacular, but the sky-high standards and comparisons might be unrealistic. That’s why analyst Rachel DeMita is worried about how these comparisons could affect Bueckers.



<h2>The Caitlin Clark comparisons could hurt Paige Bueckers</h2>



“You’ve compared Paige to Caitlin so much, you have fans thinking that when they watch Paige they’re going to get the same thing as what they saw Caitlin do and I think that’s so unfair to her. Paige is a great player she’s not playing bad but you have her at such a level that now we think Paige Beckers is playing bad when she has 14 points and eight assists in a game where they were double-teaming her and Geno saying well when she gets double teamed she doesn’t want to keep the ball. Who wants to keep the ball when they’re getting double-teamed,” she said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333925_Paige-Bueckers-1024x576_1bd019e3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296582" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn Huskies guard PAIGE BUECKERS (5)</figcaption></figure>



Bueckers has some big shoes to fill. UConn has had some of the greatest players of all time, and as such, they’re always expected to compete for a national championship.


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This will most likely be her final shot to take the trophy home, and after losing to Clark and Iowa last year, it’ll be interesting to see whether she can bounce back and finally leave that ghost behind her.

NCAAB News: Analyst shares worrisome comments about Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark

NCAAB News: Analyst shares worrisome comments about Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma is a living legend. He might be the greatest head coach in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>history, leading the program for four decades.



Needless to say, that means he’s had his fair share of ups and downs throughout the course of his incredible career. You don’t get more than 1,200 coaching wins by coincidence.



He’s also had an elite pool of talent. That was the case during the 2016-17 campaign, when he had Napheesa Collier. In an interview, he admitted that he actually wanted his team to lose so his players would toughen up.



<h2>Geno Auriemma wanted his team to lose</h2>



“You know what we have here? We have Conneticut basketball players and as long we have them playing Conneticut basketball, nobody’s going to beat us. You got that?” he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333885_geno-auriema-1024x576_5ee7d7ae.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Geno Auriemma" class="wp-image-270158" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



“And then, I would go home, ‘Please, let this be the day we lose.’ And, it just never happened. And then, by the time you get to the Final Four, we played our worst game and the other guys played great. Still, it’s in overtime and when that kid (Morgan William) made that shot, I was like, ‘Finally,&apos;” the coach continued. “Everybody said, ‘What a great sport he is.’ I’m not a great sport, I was just happy we lost.”


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The legendary coach was talking about the UConn heartbreaking loss to the Missisippi State Bulldogs on a buzzer-beater in the 2017 NCAA Final Four after going 36-0. What a great sport.

NCAAB News: Geno Auriemma made a hilarious admission about his desire to lose

NCAAB News: Geno Auriemma made a hilarious admission about his desire to lose - Bolavip US

Dawn Staley has to be considered one of the greatest coaches in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>history. If we consider his work with Team USA, we might even remove ‘college’ from the equation.



Of course, Staley has had her fair share of superstars under her tutelage, which is something that can never be overlooked. Nevertheless, that can only take a team somewhere.



Staley has excelled at bringing the best out of her athletes, and it takes a lot to handle all the pressure, ego, and different characters. That’s why she thinks it’s all about confidence.



<h2>Dawn Staley shares her coaching secrets</h2>



“I think what I do every day of the week, every time I work with young people, is — don’t judge me off of one conversation. Judge me over the time that I’ve interacted with you,” Staley said. “And that’s what young people want because they want you to trust them, and you want them to trust you.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333886_Dawn-Staley-1024x576_3b3fa044.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dawn Staley Coach" class="wp-image-151590" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Dawn-Staley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Dawn-Staley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Dawn-Staley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Dawn-Staley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Dawn-Staley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks</figcaption></figure>



Staley might not always come off as the most easygoing person, and she’s going to get on the players’ faces when needed. Then again, she’s also quite loving and caring.


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Building legitimate relationships and bonds takes time. And judging by her résumé and accolades, it’s safe to say that she knows a thing or two about leading women.

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley reveals the secret to her success

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley reveals the secret to her success - Bolavip US

You don’t have to be a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> savant to have heard about<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cooper Flagg. </a>The Duke Blue Devils star has been the most talked-about player in the nation this season.



As such, he’s unsurprisingly leading the race to be named Playe of the Year. Nevertheless, renowned NCAA analyst Rob Dauster believes that Purdue star Braden Smith also deserves to be in that conversation.



The Boilermakers are 19-5 for the season, and Dauster believes it all has to do with Smith’s stellar playmaking. He even thinks he’s the best point guard in the nation right now. 



<h2>Analyst says Braden Smith is as impactful as Cooper Flagg</h2>



“Purdue is the No. 7 team in the country, guys. They beat USC 90-72. It was a little bit of a blowout,” Dauster said. “There’s really not that much exciting to talk about from the actual game beyond the fact that Braden Smith looks like the best point guard in America and is, like, sneakily putting himself in a conversation for National Player of the Year.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333884_Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576_8fabe6f5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287061" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) </figcaption></figure>



Of course, he admitted that he’s still not on Flagg’s level. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t mind putting him right behind him and Auburn’s Johni Broome right now:



“I still think that he’s third on that list, but it’s not third by a huge gap,” Dauster said. “He’s been as impactful as Cooper Flagg. Over the last six weeks, he’s been as impactful as Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome. I have no problem saying that.“


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Smith has been on a tear this season. He’s been his team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder at 16.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, all while handing out a team-best 8.8 dimes per contest.

NCAAB News: Analyst makes case for player to beat Cooper Flagg in Player of the Year race

NCAAB News: Analyst makes case for player to beat Cooper Flagg in Player of the Year race - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of their history, the Duke Blue Devils have had their fair share of superstars. They’ve had some of the best players to ever lace them up in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see them land <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, who had been penciled in as the best recruit in his class long before he was even old enough to go to prom.



That sentiment hasn’t changed during his first — and most likely only — season in college. If anything, he continues to be the leading candidate to win the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, which is given to the best player in the nation.



<h2>Cooper Flagg leads race for Wooden Award</h2>



“Duke’s Cooper Flagg continues to be the odds-on-favorite to win the John R. Wooden Award this season with Auburn’s Johni Broome right behind him but it appears to be a two-man race at this point with Purdue’s Braden Smith, Alabama’s Mark Sears. Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner and Memphis’ PJ Haggerty trailing,” reported Arash Markazi of The Sporting Tribune.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333926_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_75a5dc02.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315501" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils star is also the odds-on favorite to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and that has been the case long before he made his debut at Duke.


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So far, the Montverde Academy product has posted impressive averages of 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on almost 48% from the floor, and he’s leading his team in all major stats.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg continues to lead the race for prestigious award

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg continues to lead the race for prestigious award - Bolavip US

To say that this has been a disappointing season for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights would be a huge understatement, considering the talented freshman duo they have right now.



Unfortunately, Dylan Harper couldn’t uplift his team on Sunday afternoon. The Scarlet Knights lost to Maryland 90-81, and they never had an answer for Derik Queen.



The freshman big man finished the game with 28 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. That’s why, after the loss, Dylan Harper had no choice but to tip his hat to him.



<h2>Dylan Harper praises Derik Queen after loss to Maryland</h2>



“It’s always good to face off against Derik,” Harper said. “I mean, we’ve been going back through it since like sixth, seventh grade. So, I mean, we know each other pretty well. But just playing against him, he’s a big force out there. He gets to his spots, plays the game the right way.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333922_Dylan-Harper-1024x576_b905e87a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dylan Harper" class="wp-image-279291" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this was still a disappointing outing by the Scarlet Knights. Their future NBA stars weren’t at their best, as Ace Bailey was a non-factor as he reportedly battled illness.


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Still, this definitely won’t be the last time they square off with one another. Queen is also projected to be an NBA Draft pick this year, and while he’s not as coveted as Bailey and Harper, he might end up being a star.

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper tips hat to Maryland rival after loss

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper tips hat to Maryland rival after loss - Bolavip US

Not many people in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> are as explosive and versatile as Hannah Hidalgo. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor is remarkable, especially for a player her size.



That’s why it’s not surprising anymore to see her set new marks and milestones. That happened again on Sunday’s win over No. 21 California, leading the No. 3 Fighting Irish.



That game marked her 14th straight outing with at least 20 points. Notably, it also tied her with Seattle Storm star Sklar Diggins-Smith with 45 20+ games, which is good for the fourth-most all time. She also topped the 1,000 point-plateau.



<h2>Hannah Hidalgo reacts to scoring 1,000 career points </h2>



“It’s truly a blessing to be able to reach that goal considering all of the guards like Arike (Ogunbowale), Skylar (Diggins-Smith), Jewell (Loyd) that have come through this program. I’m honored to have this accolade,” Hidalgo said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_332963_Hannah-Hidalgo-1024x576_f15b4cce.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Hannah Hidalgo celebrating" class="wp-image-295588" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/18084451/Hannah-Hidalgo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) </figcaption></figure>



The talented guard became the quickest player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. She’s currently averaging a whopping 26.0 points per game, trailing only FSU’s Ta’Niya Latson (26.2).


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If that wasn’t enough, she’s also leading the program’s all-time leaderboard in points per game (23.8), steals per game (4.4), PER (35.1), and usage percentage (31.2).

NCAAB News: Hannah Hidalgo sets another mark at Notre Dame

NCAAB News: Hannah Hidalgo sets another mark at Notre Dame - Bolavip US

The Kentucky Wildcats were in desperate need of a win after consecutive setbacks. It wouldn’t be easy, though, as they would host the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rupp Arena.



Fortunately for them, backup freshman Trent Noah gave them a strong push off the bench. While his numbers didn’t point out, he made high-IQ plays on both ends, and he scored five consecutive points down the stretch to seal the win.



That’s why Wildcats coach Mark Pope made sure to give him his flowers. Following the game, Pope gushed about Noah’s energy and how infectious it was for the team.



<h2>Mark Pope raves about Trent Noah</h2>



“I thought Trent was really solid,” the coach said. “I thought he was really really solid. His energy never wavers, and that’s a real gift as a coach trying to piece together a game to know you know exactly what you are going to get when you put Trent on the floor. That includes some young mistakes and includes some places where he’s uncomfortable (…) But his energy is always the same. It’s always the same every day in practice. And his focus is always the same and he’s been a real gift.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333923_Mark-Pope-1-1024x576_ea7a928e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-289786" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080916/Mark-Pope-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mark Pope</figcaption></figure>



Despite being on the floor for just 13 minutes on Saturday, Noah was quite a catalyst on both ends of the floor for his team, even though it didn’t necessarily reflect on the stat sheet.


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The freshman finished the game with five points, five rebounds, one assist, and one three-pointer, playing within his role and making the winning plays that often go unnoticed.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals Kentucky’s secret weapon

NCAAB News: Mark Pope reveals Kentucky's secret weapon - Bolavip US

John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks were in a tough spot a couple of weeks ago. Then, they bounced back to prove that they could compete at the highest level.



Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep that strong momentum in their latest outing. No. 3 Alabama got the best of them with a narrow 85-81 win to take their SEC record to 9-1.



The Razorbacks, on the other hand, are now 3-7 in conference play. When asked his thoughts after the loss, coach Calipari claimed that his players went away from that ‘fearless’ mentality that had helped them lately.



<h2>John Calipari says his players changed their mindset</h2>



“I think they wanted to win so bad. You can’t play that way. Just play. Have fun, be fearless, make the plays you have to. Make easy plays,” Calipari said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333924_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_eb5a3adb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, it’s not easy knowing that you have your back against the wall. As good as the Razorbacks had been lately, their slow start left them no margin for error.


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You’re never as good as you were in your biggest win or as bad as you looked in your toughest loss. Now, Calipari’s boys will have to regroup and get back to what worked for them.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes sad admission after loss to Alabama

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes sad admission after loss to Alabama - Bolavip US

It’s never usual to see the South Carolina Gamecocks struggle. The reigning national champions have been dominant for most of Dawn Staley’s tenure, and they rarely make up any excuses.



Then again, the veteran head coach was far from satisfied with what she saw during the upset loss to the Texas Longhorns. More specifically, she was quite frustrated with the officials.



Shortly after the loss, the legendary coach didn’t mince her words about the referees, calling them out for not letting the players play and not making the game about themselves.



<h2>Dawn Staley calls out the referees</h2>



“People are here to see the players play,” Staley sentenced. “I know I can speak for (Texas coach) Vic (Schaefer) when it’s either or, our team or their team, let the players play. The viewership, the people wanna see the players make the plays and make them game. I’ll just say that.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333903_Dawn-Staley-1024x576_8fb60170.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315503" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks</figcaption></figure>



Eventually, the Gamecocks couldn’t hold their own after trailing early in the game. The game could’ve gone both ways, especially down the stretch, but the Longhorns took home a 66-62 victory.


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Staley’s troops will now look to regroup and not leave anything on the referees’ hands. They have a tough date with the Florida Gators on Thursday, and they can’t afford another setback.

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley rips referees after latest upset

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley rips referees after latest upset - Bolavip US

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights were in need of some big performances on Sunday afternoon. They would need all hands on deck to stop Derik Queen and the Maryland Terps.



Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Dylan Harper was as sharp as he’s been for most of the season, but his partner in crime, Ace Bailey, was pretty much a non-factor.



Bailey, one of the biggest sensations in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, sat out for the final 12 minutes and 55 seconds of the loss to Maryland, leaving fans shocked. Now, coach Steve Pikiell reveals that he’s been dealing with an illness.



<h2>Rutgers coach reveals why Ace Bailey struggled vs. Maryland</h2>



“He’s had the same thing that all these guys have had,” Pikiell said. “He’s been sick and just couldn’t go. He really tried. Love him for the effort. He hasn’t been feeling well. It’s just a thing that we’ve been kind of dealing with.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333902_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_978c13e2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315498" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103734/Ace-Bailey.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



Bailey tried to play through it. He was on the floor for 24 of the first 27 minutes, but he clearly wasn’t his usual self, scoring just 4 points on 2-of-4 from the floor with four boards, three assists, and three turnovers.


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Fortunately, this is nothing serious. If anything, his determination to play through this speaks volumes about his feel for the game and toughness and those are two traits NBA scouts love.

NCAAB News: Rutgers coach explains why he benched Ace Bailey

NCAAB News: Rutgers coach explains why he benched Ace Bailey - Bolavip US

Long before he announced his commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>was already the most talked-about player in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> scene.



That hasn’t changed during his first — and most likely only — season at Durham. However, as good as he’s been, he struggled mightily in the loss to the Clemson Tigers.



Flagg finished the game with 18 points on 35% from the floor, and he had a crucial turnover down the stretch. When asked the secret to stop him, however, coach Brad Brownell admitted that they didn’t do anything.



<h2>Clemson coach says Clemson didn’t do anything special to stop Cooper Flagg</h2>



“We didn’t do anything nobody else hasn’t done before,” Brownell told ESPN after the win. “The second half,” the coach continued, “that’s about as good as we can play.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333901_Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576_3dfe9ff7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) </figcaption></figure>



Sometimes, there’s no right answer. You can have a perfect game and still struggle to contain a player of Flagg’s talent, and that’s what sets him apart from other players.


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More often than not, you can do anything but play the best brand of basketball you can play and hope that the other player has an off night. It certainly worked for Clemson.

NCAAB News: Clemson coach reveals how to stop Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Clemson coach reveals how to stop Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Even the best players on Earth have bad games every now and then. We saw prime <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> getting clamped and completely outplayed by Jason Terry during the NBA Finals.



However, great talent also comes with sky-high expectations. That’s why players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>are often put on blast when they fail to put up heroics or play up to their usual standards.



Unfortunately for him, that was the case after a crucial turnover cost his team a win over Clemson. Following the loss, ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla questioned his status as the top dog in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



<h2>ESPN analyst questions Cooper Flagg’s draft stock</h2>



“The fact that Cooper Flagg is slipping on wet floors will dramatically affect his draft status. Very unfortunate,“ he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333900_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_7060e74a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315502" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



Flagg was held to six points for most of the game, but he finished the matchup with 18 points on 35% shooting. That was far from his usual efficiency, which is close to 48% from the floor.


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Even so, all players are entitled to a bad game. If anything, it’ll be interesting to see how he manages to bounce back from this and show his resiliency and mental toughness.

NCAAB News: ESPN analyst rips Cooper Flagg after loss to Clemson

NCAAB News: ESPN analyst rips Cooper Flagg after loss to Clemson - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies continued their disappointing season on Friday night. They couldn’t get past the St. John’s Red Storms, dropping their fourth game in conference play this season.



That narrow loss was the Huskies’ seventh of the year. To make things even worse, they’ve now dropped down from the Top 25 AP poll for the first time in the past 53 weeks.



The Huskies were aiming for a three-peat this season, and that seems to be out of the question now. However, coach Dan Hurley isn’t ready to sound off the alarms just yet. 



<h2>Dan Hurley isn’t ready to panic</h2>



“No one gets crowned in February,” Hurley said. “You know, there’s no crowns handed out for a while here. Obviously, in today’s world there’s going to be very quick reactions and all types of hot takes. You win a game at Marquette, you’re back and you’re the team that now, once they’re healthy, everyone’s gonna be afraid of. And then you lose a close game at home to a really good team [St. John’s, and you stink again.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250211_BUS_333875_dan-hurley-1024x576_0940effa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="dan hurley" class="wp-image-281112" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/dan-hurley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn coach Dan Hurley.</figcaption></figure>



The Huskies have gone 4-4 in their last eight games, and things won’t get much easier when they hit the road to go against No. 24 Creighton. They’re no longer the team to beat.


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Of course, their chances of winning three National Championships in a row were always slim, but most people expected more from the once-dominant Huskies this season.

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley gets real on falling in latest AP polls

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley gets real on falling in latest AP polls - Bolavip US

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