Bracket Busters
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Breaking Down New Mexico: Can the Lobos Make a Run?
New Mexico Lobos basketball breakdown: 14-3 start, top-50 KenPom, elite defense. Complete analysis of Erik Olen's freshman-led at-large tournament case.
open.substack.com
The New Mexico Lobos are 14-3 as one of the youngest teams in the country.
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
North Dakota State takes undefeated in the Summit League as they pick up a MASSIVE win over St. Thomas 68-65.
The Bison are not being talked about nearly enough right now!
The Bison are not being talked about nearly enough right now!
January 17, 2026 at 9:04 PM
North Dakota State takes undefeated in the Summit League as they pick up a MASSIVE win over St. Thomas 68-65.
The Bison are not being talked about nearly enough right now!
The Bison are not being talked about nearly enough right now!
The Miami RedHawks survive 105-102 in overtime against the Buffalo Bulls to start undefeated at 19-0!
Eian Elmer hit the buzzer beater during regulation to force overtime. Peter Suder dropped 37 while shooting 7-10 from 3pt.
RANK THE REDHAWKS!
Eian Elmer hit the buzzer beater during regulation to force overtime. Peter Suder dropped 37 while shooting 7-10 from 3pt.
RANK THE REDHAWKS!
January 17, 2026 at 8:35 PM
The Miami RedHawks survive 105-102 in overtime against the Buffalo Bulls to start undefeated at 19-0!
Eian Elmer hit the buzzer beater during regulation to force overtime. Peter Suder dropped 37 while shooting 7-10 from 3pt.
RANK THE REDHAWKS!
Eian Elmer hit the buzzer beater during regulation to force overtime. Peter Suder dropped 37 while shooting 7-10 from 3pt.
RANK THE REDHAWKS!
MIAMI OHIO OH MY GOD
EIAN ELMER TO TIE IT AT THE BUZZER
WE'VE GOT OVERTIME
EIAN ELMER TO TIE IT AT THE BUZZER
WE'VE GOT OVERTIME
January 17, 2026 at 8:12 PM
MIAMI OHIO OH MY GOD
EIAN ELMER TO TIE IT AT THE BUZZER
WE'VE GOT OVERTIME
EIAN ELMER TO TIE IT AT THE BUZZER
WE'VE GOT OVERTIME
Buffalo is testing Miami Ohio today 👀
The Bulls lead the RedHawks 48-46 at the half.
The Bulls lead the RedHawks 48-46 at the half.
January 17, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Buffalo is testing Miami Ohio today 👀
The Bulls lead the RedHawks 48-46 at the half.
The Bulls lead the RedHawks 48-46 at the half.
His 64.7% effective field goal percentage is 36thin the nation, while his 67.7% true shooting percentage is 24th.
Against power conference opponents, he didn’t disappoint. He finished with 23 points against Georgia, 18 against Kansas State, 17 against Notre Dame, and 24 against Kentucky.
(2/2)
Against power conference opponents, he didn’t disappoint. He finished with 23 points against Georgia, 18 against Kansas State, 17 against Notre Dame, and 24 against Kentucky.
(2/2)
January 17, 2026 at 3:05 PM
His 64.7% effective field goal percentage is 36thin the nation, while his 67.7% true shooting percentage is 24th.
Against power conference opponents, he didn’t disappoint. He finished with 23 points against Georgia, 18 against Kansas State, 17 against Notre Dame, and 24 against Kentucky.
(2/2)
Against power conference opponents, he didn’t disappoint. He finished with 23 points against Georgia, 18 against Kansas State, 17 against Notre Dame, and 24 against Kentucky.
(2/2)
6’7 Forward Jack Karasinski has emerged as one of the most efficient shooters in the country.
In his second season at Bellarmine, Karasinski is averaging 20.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 55.9% from the floor and 39.2% from beyond the arc.
(1/2)
In his second season at Bellarmine, Karasinski is averaging 20.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 55.9% from the floor and 39.2% from beyond the arc.
(1/2)
January 17, 2026 at 3:05 PM
6’7 Forward Jack Karasinski has emerged as one of the most efficient shooters in the country.
In his second season at Bellarmine, Karasinski is averaging 20.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 55.9% from the floor and 39.2% from beyond the arc.
(1/2)
In his second season at Bellarmine, Karasinski is averaging 20.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 55.9% from the floor and 39.2% from beyond the arc.
(1/2)
- Missouri St vs MTSU ~ 5pm CST
- Saint Mary’s vs Santa Clara ~ 6pm CST
- Austin Peay vs Lipscomb ~ 6pm CST
- New Mexico vs San Diego St ~ 7pm CST
- Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara ~ 8pm CST
- Montana vs Montana St ~ 8pm CST
- No. 9 Gonzaga vs Seattle U ~ 9pm CST
- Saint Mary’s vs Santa Clara ~ 6pm CST
- Austin Peay vs Lipscomb ~ 6pm CST
- New Mexico vs San Diego St ~ 7pm CST
- Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara ~ 8pm CST
- Montana vs Montana St ~ 8pm CST
- No. 9 Gonzaga vs Seattle U ~ 9pm CST
January 17, 2026 at 2:40 PM
- Missouri St vs MTSU ~ 5pm CST
- Saint Mary’s vs Santa Clara ~ 6pm CST
- Austin Peay vs Lipscomb ~ 6pm CST
- New Mexico vs San Diego St ~ 7pm CST
- Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara ~ 8pm CST
- Montana vs Montana St ~ 8pm CST
- No. 9 Gonzaga vs Seattle U ~ 9pm CST
- Saint Mary’s vs Santa Clara ~ 6pm CST
- Austin Peay vs Lipscomb ~ 6pm CST
- New Mexico vs San Diego St ~ 7pm CST
- Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara ~ 8pm CST
- Montana vs Montana St ~ 8pm CST
- No. 9 Gonzaga vs Seattle U ~ 9pm CST
- Quinnipiac vs Merrimack ~ 2pm CST
- Coastal Carolina vs Georgia Southern ~ 2pm CST
- Richmond vs Saint Louis ~ 3pm CST
- UT Arlington vs Utah Valley ~ 3pm CST
- Arkansas State vs Troy ~ 3:30pm CST
- Lindenwood vs UT Martin ~ 3:30pm CST
- SIUE vs SEMO ~ 3:45pm CST
- UC Irvine vs UC Davis ~ 4pm CST
- Coastal Carolina vs Georgia Southern ~ 2pm CST
- Richmond vs Saint Louis ~ 3pm CST
- UT Arlington vs Utah Valley ~ 3pm CST
- Arkansas State vs Troy ~ 3:30pm CST
- Lindenwood vs UT Martin ~ 3:30pm CST
- SIUE vs SEMO ~ 3:45pm CST
- UC Irvine vs UC Davis ~ 4pm CST
January 17, 2026 at 2:40 PM
- Quinnipiac vs Merrimack ~ 2pm CST
- Coastal Carolina vs Georgia Southern ~ 2pm CST
- Richmond vs Saint Louis ~ 3pm CST
- UT Arlington vs Utah Valley ~ 3pm CST
- Arkansas State vs Troy ~ 3:30pm CST
- Lindenwood vs UT Martin ~ 3:30pm CST
- SIUE vs SEMO ~ 3:45pm CST
- UC Irvine vs UC Davis ~ 4pm CST
- Coastal Carolina vs Georgia Southern ~ 2pm CST
- Richmond vs Saint Louis ~ 3pm CST
- UT Arlington vs Utah Valley ~ 3pm CST
- Arkansas State vs Troy ~ 3:30pm CST
- Lindenwood vs UT Martin ~ 3:30pm CST
- SIUE vs SEMO ~ 3:45pm CST
- UC Irvine vs UC Davis ~ 4pm CST
Games of the day (1/17):
- Elon vs Hofstra ~ 11am CST
- Buffalo vs Miami OH ~ 12pm CST
- Bradley vs Illinois St ~ 1pm CST
- Winthrop vs UNC Asheville ~ 1pm CST
- St. Thomas vs North Dakota St ~ 1pm CST
- Queens vs Stetson ~ 1pm CST
- No. 23 Utah St vs Grand Canyon ~ 1:30pm CST
- Elon vs Hofstra ~ 11am CST
- Buffalo vs Miami OH ~ 12pm CST
- Bradley vs Illinois St ~ 1pm CST
- Winthrop vs UNC Asheville ~ 1pm CST
- St. Thomas vs North Dakota St ~ 1pm CST
- Queens vs Stetson ~ 1pm CST
- No. 23 Utah St vs Grand Canyon ~ 1:30pm CST
January 17, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Games of the day (1/17):
- Elon vs Hofstra ~ 11am CST
- Buffalo vs Miami OH ~ 12pm CST
- Bradley vs Illinois St ~ 1pm CST
- Winthrop vs UNC Asheville ~ 1pm CST
- St. Thomas vs North Dakota St ~ 1pm CST
- Queens vs Stetson ~ 1pm CST
- No. 23 Utah St vs Grand Canyon ~ 1:30pm CST
- Elon vs Hofstra ~ 11am CST
- Buffalo vs Miami OH ~ 12pm CST
- Bradley vs Illinois St ~ 1pm CST
- Winthrop vs UNC Asheville ~ 1pm CST
- St. Thomas vs North Dakota St ~ 1pm CST
- Queens vs Stetson ~ 1pm CST
- No. 23 Utah St vs Grand Canyon ~ 1:30pm CST
The New Mexico Lobos are 14-3 as one of the youngest teams in the country.
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Breaking Down New Mexico: Can the Lobos Make a Run?
New Mexico Lobos basketball breakdown: 14-3 start, top-50 KenPom, elite defense. Complete analysis of Erik Olen's freshman-led at-large tournament case.
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:25 PM
The New Mexico Lobos are 14-3 as one of the youngest teams in the country.
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Eric Olen has the Lobos' rolling on defense. Can it carry them through the Mountain West and let them make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Games of the day (1/16):
- Toledo vs Kent State ~ 5:30pm CST
- Loyola Chicago vs Dayton ~ 7:30pm CST
- Colorado State vs Boise State ~ 9:30pm CST
- Toledo vs Kent State ~ 5:30pm CST
- Loyola Chicago vs Dayton ~ 7:30pm CST
- Colorado State vs Boise State ~ 9:30pm CST
January 16, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Games of the day (1/16):
- Toledo vs Kent State ~ 5:30pm CST
- Loyola Chicago vs Dayton ~ 7:30pm CST
- Colorado State vs Boise State ~ 9:30pm CST
- Toledo vs Kent State ~ 5:30pm CST
- Loyola Chicago vs Dayton ~ 7:30pm CST
- Colorado State vs Boise State ~ 9:30pm CST
100%, I'm excited for them! Been a big fan since they've transitioned up. Hopefully I can make a game at their new arena sometime.
January 16, 2026 at 3:58 AM
100%, I'm excited for them! Been a big fan since they've transitioned up. Hopefully I can make a game at their new arena sometime.
14-4, 4-0 in the Summit, nine game winning streak, Nolan Minnessale... definitely could be a bracket buster in the Tournament!
I'm actually planning on doing some deep dives into teams once a week for the rest of the season on our newsletter. They are on my list!
I'm actually planning on doing some deep dives into teams once a week for the rest of the season on our newsletter. They are on my list!
January 16, 2026 at 3:54 AM
14-4, 4-0 in the Summit, nine game winning streak, Nolan Minnessale... definitely could be a bracket buster in the Tournament!
I'm actually planning on doing some deep dives into teams once a week for the rest of the season on our newsletter. They are on my list!
I'm actually planning on doing some deep dives into teams once a week for the rest of the season on our newsletter. They are on my list!
The Austin Peay Governors are HOT right now as they move to 5-0 in the Atlantic Sun by taking down Eastern Kentucky 74-72!
Zyree Collins continued his stellar season with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals.
The Governors move to 11-5 on the season!
Zyree Collins continued his stellar season with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals.
The Governors move to 11-5 on the season!
January 16, 2026 at 3:25 AM
The Austin Peay Governors are HOT right now as they move to 5-0 in the Atlantic Sun by taking down Eastern Kentucky 74-72!
Zyree Collins continued his stellar season with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals.
The Governors move to 11-5 on the season!
Zyree Collins continued his stellar season with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 steals.
The Governors move to 11-5 on the season!
South Alabama wins the overtime thriller over Arkansas State 91-87!
Chaze Harris went OFF with 38 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Jaguars.
South Alabama moves to 13-5 on the season and 4-2 in the Sun Belt!
Chaze Harris went OFF with 38 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Jaguars.
South Alabama moves to 13-5 on the season and 4-2 in the Sun Belt!
January 16, 2026 at 3:17 AM
South Alabama wins the overtime thriller over Arkansas State 91-87!
Chaze Harris went OFF with 38 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Jaguars.
South Alabama moves to 13-5 on the season and 4-2 in the Sun Belt!
Chaze Harris went OFF with 38 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Jaguars.
South Alabama moves to 13-5 on the season and 4-2 in the Sun Belt!
The Towson Tigers pick up a HUGE win over Charleston 61-52!
Tyler Coleman led the team with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The Tigers have won back-to-back games in the CAA to move to 2-4 as they hand the Cougars their first conference loss of the season!
Tyler Coleman led the team with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The Tigers have won back-to-back games in the CAA to move to 2-4 as they hand the Cougars their first conference loss of the season!
January 16, 2026 at 3:12 AM
The Towson Tigers pick up a HUGE win over Charleston 61-52!
Tyler Coleman led the team with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The Tigers have won back-to-back games in the CAA to move to 2-4 as they hand the Cougars their first conference loss of the season!
Tyler Coleman led the team with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block.
The Tigers have won back-to-back games in the CAA to move to 2-4 as they hand the Cougars their first conference loss of the season!
Jadis Jones is already 6-6 from the floor with 13 points and 4 rebounds.
He's averaging 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds as just a sophomore.
He's a name to watch! 👀
He's averaging 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds as just a sophomore.
He's a name to watch! 👀
Lindenwood has come out hot against SEMO as they are 9-11 from the floor and up 20-7 just 6 and a half minutes into this game.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
January 16, 2026 at 2:33 AM
Jadis Jones is already 6-6 from the floor with 13 points and 4 rebounds.
He's averaging 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds as just a sophomore.
He's a name to watch! 👀
He's averaging 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds as just a sophomore.
He's a name to watch! 👀
Lindenwood has come out hot against SEMO as they are 9-11 from the floor and up 20-7 just 6 and a half minutes into this game.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
January 16, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Lindenwood has come out hot against SEMO as they are 9-11 from the floor and up 20-7 just 6 and a half minutes into this game.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
The most notable stat so far? 5 assists on 9 made baskets.
Ball movement wins basketball games.
Wright State continues to dominate in the Horizon League as they knocked off Youngstown State 93-83 to move to 7-1 in conference.
TJ Burch dropped 24 points with 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals while three others had 15+ points.
The Raiders have now won seven in a row!
TJ Burch dropped 24 points with 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals while three others had 15+ points.
The Raiders have now won seven in a row!
January 16, 2026 at 2:13 AM
Wright State continues to dominate in the Horizon League as they knocked off Youngstown State 93-83 to move to 7-1 in conference.
TJ Burch dropped 24 points with 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals while three others had 15+ points.
The Raiders have now won seven in a row!
TJ Burch dropped 24 points with 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals while three others had 15+ points.
The Raiders have now won seven in a row!
Oakland stays hot in the Horizon League as they took down Milwaukee on the road 73-60 to move to 6-2 in conference!
Michael Houge led the team with 19 points and 7 rebounds as Isaac Garret finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Grizzles move on to 10-9 on the season!
Michael Houge led the team with 19 points and 7 rebounds as Isaac Garret finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Grizzles move on to 10-9 on the season!
January 16, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Oakland stays hot in the Horizon League as they took down Milwaukee on the road 73-60 to move to 6-2 in conference!
Michael Houge led the team with 19 points and 7 rebounds as Isaac Garret finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Grizzles move on to 10-9 on the season!
Michael Houge led the team with 19 points and 7 rebounds as Isaac Garret finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Grizzles move on to 10-9 on the season!
App State has taken down James Madison 80-65 as they move to 11-8 on the season and 4-3 in the Sun Belt!
Alonzo Dodd & Kasen Jennings finished with 23 points each ass Dodd also racked up 10 rebounds.
The Mountaineers shot 53% and racked up 38 rebounds!
Alonzo Dodd & Kasen Jennings finished with 23 points each ass Dodd also racked up 10 rebounds.
The Mountaineers shot 53% and racked up 38 rebounds!
January 16, 2026 at 1:30 AM
App State has taken down James Madison 80-65 as they move to 11-8 on the season and 4-3 in the Sun Belt!
Alonzo Dodd & Kasen Jennings finished with 23 points each ass Dodd also racked up 10 rebounds.
The Mountaineers shot 53% and racked up 38 rebounds!
Alonzo Dodd & Kasen Jennings finished with 23 points each ass Dodd also racked up 10 rebounds.
The Mountaineers shot 53% and racked up 38 rebounds!
The Oakland Grizzles have looked so good in the Horizon League so far.
Kept it within 10 to Purdue, 4 to UCF, and 9 to Michigan State.
They've fallen twice to Wright State, but the battle down the stretch for the Horizon League is going to be a blast to watch.
Kept it within 10 to Purdue, 4 to UCF, and 9 to Michigan State.
They've fallen twice to Wright State, but the battle down the stretch for the Horizon League is going to be a blast to watch.
January 16, 2026 at 1:06 AM
The Oakland Grizzles have looked so good in the Horizon League so far.
Kept it within 10 to Purdue, 4 to UCF, and 9 to Michigan State.
They've fallen twice to Wright State, but the battle down the stretch for the Horizon League is going to be a blast to watch.
Kept it within 10 to Purdue, 4 to UCF, and 9 to Michigan State.
They've fallen twice to Wright State, but the battle down the stretch for the Horizon League is going to be a blast to watch.
The Liberty Flames remain undefeated in the Conference USA!
The Flames held off a comeback from New Mexico State as they took down the Aggies 73-71.
JJ Harper and Brett Decker Jr. finished with 17 points as Zach Cleveland had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
The Flames held off a comeback from New Mexico State as they took down the Aggies 73-71.
JJ Harper and Brett Decker Jr. finished with 17 points as Zach Cleveland had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
January 16, 2026 at 12:58 AM
The Liberty Flames remain undefeated in the Conference USA!
The Flames held off a comeback from New Mexico State as they took down the Aggies 73-71.
JJ Harper and Brett Decker Jr. finished with 17 points as Zach Cleveland had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
The Flames held off a comeback from New Mexico State as they took down the Aggies 73-71.
JJ Harper and Brett Decker Jr. finished with 17 points as Zach Cleveland had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
All three teams from our "Heating up" list on this week's Heat Check Report play this evening.
Make sure to get caught up on what's putting these teams on the radar ahead of tonight's matchups!👇
Make sure to get caught up on what's putting these teams on the radar ahead of tonight's matchups!👇
This week's Heat Check Report is live and we have some fun teams in the edition! Murray State, Miami Ohio, and UNC Wilmington achieve On Fire status, while the following heat up:
- Austin Peay
- Charleston
- Wright State
Check out the full report! 👇
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
- Austin Peay
- Charleston
- Wright State
Check out the full report! 👇
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Basketball Heat Check Report: January Mid-Season Update
College Basketball Heat Check with two months until Selection Sunday. Which teams are surging and which are fading? Complete breakdown of all movers.
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:42 PM
All three teams from our "Heating up" list on this week's Heat Check Report play this evening.
Make sure to get caught up on what's putting these teams on the radar ahead of tonight's matchups!👇
Make sure to get caught up on what's putting these teams on the radar ahead of tonight's matchups!👇
- UT Arlington vs Utah Tech ~ 8pm CST
- Hawaii vs Cal Poly ~ 9pm CST
- Cal St Northridge vs UC San Diego ~ 9pm CST
- Northern Colorado vs Portland St ~ 9pm CST
- Hawaii vs Cal Poly ~ 9pm CST
- Cal St Northridge vs UC San Diego ~ 9pm CST
- Northern Colorado vs Portland St ~ 9pm CST
January 15, 2026 at 1:12 PM
- UT Arlington vs Utah Tech ~ 8pm CST
- Hawaii vs Cal Poly ~ 9pm CST
- Cal St Northridge vs UC San Diego ~ 9pm CST
- Northern Colorado vs Portland St ~ 9pm CST
- Hawaii vs Cal Poly ~ 9pm CST
- Cal St Northridge vs UC San Diego ~ 9pm CST
- Northern Colorado vs Portland St ~ 9pm CST