College basketball fans got a preview of March Madness on Saturday as Duke, Houston, and St. John’s secured major conference titles. Duke topped Louisville 73-62 to win the ACC, Houston beat Arizona 72-64 in the Big 12 final, and St. John’s outplayed Creighton 82-66 to clinch the Big East crown. All three teams entered their finals as top seeds and delivered strong performances just hours before Selection Sunday. The wins may impact NCAA tournament seeding, especially for Duke and Houston, who could now be in the mix for a No. 1 overall spot.
Duke Clinches ACC Championship Over Louisville
Duke lived up to its No. 1 seed status by beating No. 13 Louisville in the ACC final. The Blue Devils controlled the pace early and never let the Cardinals get into rhythm. With smart defense and sharp shooting, Duke sealed a 73-62 victory. The team’s depth and discipline were key, with strong contributions across the board.
This win adds another title to Duke’s impressive season and boosts its NCAA tournament profile. As Selection Sunday nears, analysts are watching closely to see if Duke gets a top seed in the national bracket.
Houston Tops Arizona to Win Big 12 Title
Houston finished its season on a high note by beating Arizona in the Big 12 championship game. The Cougars, ranked No. 2, held off a strong Arizona team to win 72-64. Their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense proved too much for the Wildcats.
This victory wraps up a standout year for Houston, one marked by consistency and big wins. Their performance on Saturday could push them into serious consideration for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
St. John’s Dominates Creighton in Big East Final
In the Big East title match, St. John’s pulled off a commanding 82-66 win over Creighton. The Red Storm, ranked No. 6, took control early and never looked back. Their offense clicked from the start, and Creighton struggled to keep up.
This win marks a strong finish to the season for St. John’s and secures their spot in the national tournament. With momentum on their side, they could be a team to watch in the upcoming bracket.
Other Key Games and Upsets
While top seeds won their finals, Saturday also featured some surprising upsets:
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SEC Semifinal: No. 8 Tennessee edged No. 3 Auburn 70-65, using tight defense and smart ball control to move into the final.
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Big Ten Semifinal: No. 18 Wisconsin shocked No. 7 Michigan State 77-74 with a balanced attack and clutch shooting.
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Big Ten Semifinal: No. 22 Michigan narrowly beat Maryland 81-80. Tre Donaldson hit the game-winning shot with just 0.9 seconds left.
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SEC Semifinal: Florida crushed Alabama 104-82 in a high-scoring battle.
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AAC Semifinal: Memphis slipped past Tulane 78-77 in a thrilling finish.
These results could shake up the tournament bracket, especially with major teams falling short in the semifinals.
What’s Next: Selection Sunday
With the conference championships now wrapped up, all eyes turn to Selection Sunday. The NCAA committee will release the full tournament bracket, and teams like Duke, Houston, and St. John’s are hoping their strong finishes earn them favorable seeds.
Fans can expect the full tournament field to be announced tonight. The excitement is building as March Madness officially begins.
