SI:AM | Two Big Wins for Men’s Hoops Contenders

Duke and Arizona picked up impressive victories that showed why they're two favorites to reach the Final Four.

DAN GARTLAND Good morning, I'm Dan Gartland. I'm feeling especially ready for the Winter Olympics now that I see a foot of snow every time I look out the window.  In today's SI:AM: 😮‍💨 Arizona survives 🏈 Early Super Bowl preview 🎤 Tom Brady's broadcasting flaw Duke and Arizona flex their muscles Rob Kinnan/Imagn Images College basketball season has officially begun. I mean, the season really began in early November, but now that the college football season is over, you can start paying attention to hoops.  For those who are easing into basketball season, Monday night offered two opportunities to see top men's title contenders come away with statement victories. Two of the best teams in the nation—Duke and Arizona—picked up impressive wins that showed why they should be considered threats to cut down the nets in Indianapolis in April.  No. 4 Duke demolished No. 20 Louisville in Durham, 83–52, behind another standout performance from freshman and potential No. 1 draft pick Cameron Boozer. He had 19 points and 10 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season and was one of four Blue Devils players to score in double figures.  Louisville coach Pat Kelsey said five times during his postgame press conference that "We got our butt kicked." It's tough to disagree with that assessment. The game marked the first time in three years that Louisville had lost a game by at least 30 points.  CONTINUE DAN'S COLUMN ON SI The best of Sports Illustrated Yannick Peterhans/Imagn Images Matt Verderame reveals his key matchups that could decide Super Bowl LX. Veteran players like Trey Hendrickson, Trey Smith and Dak Prescott still bring a lot of value, but plenty of young players are already establishing themselves as stars. Gilberto Manzano unveils Nos. 100–51 in his NFL Top 100 player projection. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold praises offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and much more in Albert Breer's post-championship notebook. How did No. 1 Arizona survive an upset bid at No. 13 BYU to remain undefeated? Bryan Fischer breaks down the final frantic seconds of the Big 12 Conference battle. Jimmy Traina reveals there is still one big flaw in Tom Brady's broadcast game. Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. Click to subscribe! Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images 👀 The top five ... … things I saw last night: 5. Four goals in three minutes by the Oilers against the Ducks.  4. Some really nice passing by Duke early in its win over Louisville.  3. Kevin Durant's dagger three to cap a 33-point night.  2. The Hornets fan who hit a half-court shot to win $1,000. (But come on, just $1,000? That's worth at least $50,000.) 1. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes's between-the-legs dunk.  The best of SI Video Are college sports broken? Pat Forde, Bryan Fischer and Kevin Sweeney break down Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney's revelation in the latest episode of Others Receiving Votes. Sign up for SI Newsletters Stay ahead of the game—sign up for all of SI's newsletters, from golf and soccer to MMQB, and never miss a moment. Get it in your inbox We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 155 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 202 New York, New York 10013 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the SI:AM newsletter. You can unsubscribe here . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2025 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the SI:AM newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.