NCAAB Notebook: Will COVID cripple college basketball?

At this time of year, most college kids are taking finals or are already home for the holiday break. However, that doesn’t mean college basketball action has slowed down. Quite the opposite in fact, and we’ve got plenty to talk about in this week’s NCAAB Notebook.

Baylor is Back

The Baylor Bears won last year’s NCAA title, and with a big win this week, they’re back on top of the national rankings. Baylor stifled No. 9 Villanova all night long during a 57-36 victory Sunday that was part of the Big East-Big 12 battle. Villanova made just 12 field goals during the contest and shot 22.2% from the floor, and they’ll look to forget about this performance as quickly as possible. Baylor, meanwhile, travels to Oregon for a Saturday night tilt.

Memphis Outruns Alabama

The Memphis Tigers had gotten off to rocky start this season and desperately needed a statement win. Penny Hardaway’s crew got just that Tuesday night, when the Tigers defended their home floor in a 92-78 win over No. 6 Alabama.

A 12-0 run early in the second half pushed Memphis’s lead to 61-42 with less than 13 minutes to go, and the game’s outcome was never in doubt from that point onward.

COVID-19 Forces Several Cancellations

No. 15 Ohio State was supposed to play No. 21 Kentucky on a neutral floor Saturday in Las Vegas. That matchup won’t happen, as COVID-19 issues within the Buckeyes program have made it unsafe for the team to travel.

Up next for Kentucky is a clash with hated in-state rival Louisville, while Ohio State is scheduled to host Tennessee-Martin next week (provided Ohio State can field a healthy roster).

Another game Saturday in Las Vegas was supposed to feature two of the most well-known programs in the country. UCLA was slated to take on North Carolina, but that game is also in jeopardy. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin tested positive Wednesday, and the Bruins’ scheduled game against Alabama State was postponed a short time later.

Maravich Memorabilia Nets $160K

An auction of basketball legend Pete Maravich’s LSU gear netted a pretty penny this past weekend. Items obtained directly from the Maravich family included a jacket worn by the sharpshooter, which topped the sale at a price tag of nearly $117,000.

His jersey from the 1978 All-Star Game was also sold, as were his three All-American plaques from his days in Baton Rouge.