No. 19 Wisconsin 87, UT Rio Grande Valley 84
John Blackwell scored a career-high 30 points, including 20 in the second half, as Wisconsin outlasted UT Rio Grande Valley in a tight contest in Madison, Wis.
The Badgers (5-0) faced a halftime deficit (52-48) but leaned on their free-throw accuracy, scoring their last 11 points from the line. Wisconsin, leading the nation in free-throw percentage (90%), finished 27-of-32 from the stripe. John Tonje added 19 points for the Badgers.
UTRGV (3-3) kept it close behind DK Thorn, who drilled a deep 3-pointer in the final minute to cut Wisconsin’s lead to 85-84. Hasan Abdul Hakim, who led the Vaqueros with 19 points, missed a potential game-winner in the lane before Blackwell sealed the victory with two free throws.
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No. 3 Gonzaga 80, San Diego State 67
Graham Ike delivered 23 points and nine rebounds to lead Gonzaga past San Diego State in a clash of perennial powerhouses.
The Bulldogs (4-0) were paced by Ryan Nembhard, who added 19 points and 10 assists. Gonzaga never trailed, maintaining control against a team known for its defensive toughness.
San Diego State (2-1) saw strong performances from Nick Boyd (23 points, nine rebounds) and BJ Davis (15 points), but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Bulldogs’ efficiency.
No. 4 Auburn 102, North Alabama 69
Johni Broome put on a dominant display, scoring 30 points and grabbing 17 rebounds as Auburn dismantled North Alabama in Auburn, Ala.
Broome, who scored 17 points in the final 7:35 of the first half, also registered his second double-double of the season. The Tigers (4-0) dished out 25 assists, with Denver Jones contributing nine points and assists.
North Alabama (3-2) was led by Jacari Lane (16 points) and Daniel Ortiz (15 points), but the Lions were outmatched, falling to 0-5 all-time against ranked opponents.
No. 5 Iowa State 87, IU Indianapolis 52
Curtis Jones scored 20 points to lead Iowa State to an easy win over IU Indianapolis in Ames, Iowa.
The Cyclones (3-0) showcased their depth, with Tamin Lipsey adding 17 points and five steals, and Joshua Jefferson recording a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds). Iowa State’s defense forced 17 turnovers and held IU Indianapolis (2-3) to 35.5% shooting.
Paul Zilinskas led IU Indianapolis with 16 points in the losing effort.
No. 20 Arkansas 91, Pacific 72
Adou Thiero starred with 23 points, including six emphatic dunks, as Arkansas pulled away late to defeat Pacific in Fayetteville, Ark.
Arkansas (3-1) saw its lead shrink to two points in the second half before a late surge, fueled by Thiero’s all-around contributions, sealed the win. The Razorbacks shot an impressive 59.6% from the field and connected on 42.9% from beyond the arc.
Pacific (3-3) was led by a balanced effort, but Arkansas’ stifling defense held the Tigers to just 40% shooting from the floor.
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