This weekend’s college basketball action was nothing short of chaotic, with several top teams experiencing unexpected losses. As of January 17, 2026, only three schools remain undefeated in the NCAA, following a series of surprising outcomes. Here are the standout winners and losers from Week 12.
Winners: Kentucky Wildcats and Miami (Ohio)
The Kentucky Wildcats demonstrated resilience in their latest game against No. 24 Tennessee. Trailing by at least 17 points for the second consecutive match, Kentucky rallied on the road to secure a vital victory. Despite some struggles at the free-throw line, the Wildcats showcased a robust offensive performance, with four players scoring in double figures. Notably, guard Denzel Aberdeen contributed significantly, scoring 18 of his 22 points in the second half. Head Coach Mark Pope has the Wildcats playing at a high level, but upcoming road games against No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 17 Arkansas will be critical tests.
Meanwhile, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks thrilled fans with a dramatic buzzer-beater victory over Buffalo. Trailing in the final moments, guard Eian Elmer hit a crucial three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Fellow guard Peter Suder then sealed the win with a go-ahead shot, capping off a remarkable 37-point performance. This victory allowed Miami to maintain its undefeated status for the season.
Losers: Iowa State and Marquette Struggle
On the other hand, the Iowa State Cyclones faced a disappointing week, suffering their second consecutive defeat. After starting strong with a 16-0 record, Iowa State experienced a heavy loss against Kansas, followed by a defeat at Cincinnati. The Bearcats capitalized on Iowa State’s mistakes, scoring 20 points off 12 turnovers. Despite a career-high 34 points from star player Milan Momcilovic, the Cyclones struggled offensively, raising concerns as they move forward.
In a similar vein, the Marquette Golden Eagles continued to falter, now sitting at the bottom of the Big East standings. Following a loss to DePaul, Marquette’s overall record has dropped to 6-13, with a dismal 1-7 in conference play. The team has struggled significantly on offense, ranking among the bottom 31 nationally in three-point percentage and field-goal percentage. Coach Shaka Smart faces mounting pressure as the team’s performance declines.
While these teams grapple with setbacks, others like Cameron Boozer of the Duke Blue Devils are solidifying their status as top players. Boozer’s standout performance in a commanding 80-50 victory over Stanford included 30 points and 14 rebounds, further establishing his candidacy for the Wooden Award. Although competitors like BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Purdue’s Braden Smith are in the running, Boozer’s current form places him as the frontrunner.
As the season progresses, the landscape of college basketball continues to shift dramatically. With key matchups on the horizon, fans can expect further surprises as teams vie for dominance in their respective conferences.
