Bracket Busters
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Heat Check Report: Final Full Month Push Begins
College basketball Heat Check Report entering the final month of the regular season: Charlotte surges in AAC, Akron challenges Miami, UC Santa Barbara rebounds from rough stretch
open.substack.com
As we enter the final full month of the regular season, it's crunch time for teams.
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
As we enter the final full month of the regular season, it's crunch time for teams.
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Heat Check Report: Final Full Month Push Begins
College basketball Heat Check Report entering the final month of the regular season: Charlotte surges in AAC, Akron challenges Miami, UC Santa Barbara rebounds from rough stretch
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:24 PM
As we enter the final full month of the regular season, it's crunch time for teams.
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Check out this week's Heat Check Report to see who's heating up and who's on fire including:
- Charlotte
- Central Arkansas
- Sam Houston
- Akron
- UC Santa Barbara
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Games of the day (2/3):
- #23 Miami vs Buffalo ~ 5:30pm CST
- VCU vs Fordham ~ 6pm CST
- St. Bonaventure vs Dayton ~ 6pm CST
- Kent St vs Toledo ~ 6pm CST
- Valparaiso vs Bradley ~ 7pm CST
- SIUE vs Lindenwood ~ 7:30pm CST
- Little Rock vs UT Martin ~ 7:30pm CST
- #23 Miami vs Buffalo ~ 5:30pm CST
- VCU vs Fordham ~ 6pm CST
- St. Bonaventure vs Dayton ~ 6pm CST
- Kent St vs Toledo ~ 6pm CST
- Valparaiso vs Bradley ~ 7pm CST
- SIUE vs Lindenwood ~ 7:30pm CST
- Little Rock vs UT Martin ~ 7:30pm CST
February 3, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Games of the day (2/3):
- #23 Miami vs Buffalo ~ 5:30pm CST
- VCU vs Fordham ~ 6pm CST
- St. Bonaventure vs Dayton ~ 6pm CST
- Kent St vs Toledo ~ 6pm CST
- Valparaiso vs Bradley ~ 7pm CST
- SIUE vs Lindenwood ~ 7:30pm CST
- Little Rock vs UT Martin ~ 7:30pm CST
- #23 Miami vs Buffalo ~ 5:30pm CST
- VCU vs Fordham ~ 6pm CST
- St. Bonaventure vs Dayton ~ 6pm CST
- Kent St vs Toledo ~ 6pm CST
- Valparaiso vs Bradley ~ 7pm CST
- SIUE vs Lindenwood ~ 7:30pm CST
- Little Rock vs UT Martin ~ 7:30pm CST
Tennessee Tech holds off a comeback from Tennessee State to pull off the upset on the road 90-85!
Mekhi Cameron was on fire with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists to lead the team.
Tenn Tech shot 63% from deep with 15 three-pointers to move to 9-14 and 4-8 in the OVC!
Mekhi Cameron was on fire with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists to lead the team.
Tenn Tech shot 63% from deep with 15 three-pointers to move to 9-14 and 4-8 in the OVC!
February 3, 2026 at 3:45 AM
Tennessee Tech holds off a comeback from Tennessee State to pull off the upset on the road 90-85!
Mekhi Cameron was on fire with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists to lead the team.
Tenn Tech shot 63% from deep with 15 three-pointers to move to 9-14 and 4-8 in the OVC!
Mekhi Cameron was on fire with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists to lead the team.
Tenn Tech shot 63% from deep with 15 three-pointers to move to 9-14 and 4-8 in the OVC!
Tennessee State was down 20 points in the second half, but they've gone on a huge run to cut Tennessee Tech's lead to just eight points.
The Golden Eagles lead 71-63 with 8:49 to go.
The Golden Eagles lead 71-63 with 8:49 to go.
February 3, 2026 at 3:02 AM
Tennessee State was down 20 points in the second half, but they've gone on a huge run to cut Tennessee Tech's lead to just eight points.
The Golden Eagles lead 71-63 with 8:49 to go.
The Golden Eagles lead 71-63 with 8:49 to go.
Bailey now has 23 points of the Cardinals' 32 points at the half
We've posted about Davion Bailey a few times throughout the season, but he is simply an insane scorer.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
February 3, 2026 at 2:59 AM
Bailey now has 23 points of the Cardinals' 32 points at the half
We've posted about Davion Bailey a few times throughout the season, but he is simply an insane scorer.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
February 3, 2026 at 2:53 AM
We've posted about Davion Bailey a few times throughout the season, but he is simply an insane scorer.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Bailey has 15 of Incarnate Word's 24 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks stay HOT as they take down McNeese 67-60!
Keon Thompson dropped 21 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the team.
The Lumberjacks move to 20-3 on the season and 13-1 in the Southland as they extend their conference lead by two games!
Keon Thompson dropped 21 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the team.
The Lumberjacks move to 20-3 on the season and 13-1 in the Southland as they extend their conference lead by two games!
February 3, 2026 at 2:43 AM
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks stay HOT as they take down McNeese 67-60!
Keon Thompson dropped 21 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the team.
The Lumberjacks move to 20-3 on the season and 13-1 in the Southland as they extend their conference lead by two games!
Keon Thompson dropped 21 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists to lead the team.
The Lumberjacks move to 20-3 on the season and 13-1 in the Southland as they extend their conference lead by two games!
Shout-out to the parent raising a hardcore mid-major fanatic kid that's screaming near the microphone of the Stephen F. Austin game.
Forever a Lumberjack.
Forever a Lumberjack.
February 3, 2026 at 2:38 AM
Shout-out to the parent raising a hardcore mid-major fanatic kid that's screaming near the microphone of the Stephen F. Austin game.
Forever a Lumberjack.
Forever a Lumberjack.
It's been a defensive battle between McNeese (18-4) and Stephen F. Austin (19-3).
The Lumberjacks lead 36-30 with 14 minutes to go as both teams are shooting 30% or less.
If you like defense, this has been the game for you.
The Lumberjacks lead 36-30 with 14 minutes to go as both teams are shooting 30% or less.
If you like defense, this has been the game for you.
February 3, 2026 at 1:52 AM
It's been a defensive battle between McNeese (18-4) and Stephen F. Austin (19-3).
The Lumberjacks lead 36-30 with 14 minutes to go as both teams are shooting 30% or less.
If you like defense, this has been the game for you.
The Lumberjacks lead 36-30 with 14 minutes to go as both teams are shooting 30% or less.
If you like defense, this has been the game for you.
Games of the day (2/2):
- McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin ~ 6:30pm CST
- Bethune-Cookman vs Alabama A&M ~ 7pm CST
- Idaho State vs Portland State ~ 9pm CST
- McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin ~ 6:30pm CST
- Bethune-Cookman vs Alabama A&M ~ 7pm CST
- Idaho State vs Portland State ~ 9pm CST
February 2, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Games of the day (2/2):
- McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin ~ 6:30pm CST
- Bethune-Cookman vs Alabama A&M ~ 7pm CST
- Idaho State vs Portland State ~ 9pm CST
- McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin ~ 6:30pm CST
- Bethune-Cookman vs Alabama A&M ~ 7pm CST
- Idaho State vs Portland State ~ 9pm CST
Tulsa continued their strong season today as they took down Wichita State 93-83.
Tylen Riley was on fire with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Golden Hurricane are now 19-3 and 7-2 in the American.
Looking for a Bracket Buster in March? Tulsa is looking like a dangerous team.
Tylen Riley was on fire with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Golden Hurricane are now 19-3 and 7-2 in the American.
Looking for a Bracket Buster in March? Tulsa is looking like a dangerous team.
February 1, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Tulsa continued their strong season today as they took down Wichita State 93-83.
Tylen Riley was on fire with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Golden Hurricane are now 19-3 and 7-2 in the American.
Looking for a Bracket Buster in March? Tulsa is looking like a dangerous team.
Tylen Riley was on fire with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Golden Hurricane are now 19-3 and 7-2 in the American.
Looking for a Bracket Buster in March? Tulsa is looking like a dangerous team.
Kellen Pickett poured in 21 points with 8 rebounds and one assist as he led the Wright State Raiders over Green Bay 83-75.
The Raiders are now 15-8 overall, 10-2 in the Horizon League, and inching closer to top-100 KenPom status.
Power teams aren't going to want to face the Raiders come March.
The Raiders are now 15-8 overall, 10-2 in the Horizon League, and inching closer to top-100 KenPom status.
Power teams aren't going to want to face the Raiders come March.
February 1, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Kellen Pickett poured in 21 points with 8 rebounds and one assist as he led the Wright State Raiders over Green Bay 83-75.
The Raiders are now 15-8 overall, 10-2 in the Horizon League, and inching closer to top-100 KenPom status.
Power teams aren't going to want to face the Raiders come March.
The Raiders are now 15-8 overall, 10-2 in the Horizon League, and inching closer to top-100 KenPom status.
Power teams aren't going to want to face the Raiders come March.
If you are looking for a Sunday read, check out last week's Heat Check Report!
We've got a big one coming your way tomorrow. 3,100 words will be hitting your inbox tomorrow as we enter the last full month of the regular season!
We've got a big one coming your way tomorrow. 3,100 words will be hitting your inbox tomorrow as we enter the last full month of the regular season!
This week's Heat Check Report is live! Check out who was hot coming out of last week and learn about a few teams that are heating up:
- UIC
- Troy
- Purdue Fort Wayne
- Grand Canyon
Check out the full report below!👇
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
- UIC
- Troy
- Purdue Fort Wayne
- Grand Canyon
Check out the full report below!👇
open.substack.com/pub/bracketb...
Heat Check Report: Late January Power Shift
College Basketball Heat Check Report: Winthrop's Logan Duncomb explodes, Purdue Fort Wayne surges, Miami Ohio stays perfect at 20-0. Winter storm addition.
open.substack.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:42 PM
If you are looking for a Sunday read, check out last week's Heat Check Report!
We've got a big one coming your way tomorrow. 3,100 words will be hitting your inbox tomorrow as we enter the last full month of the regular season!
We've got a big one coming your way tomorrow. 3,100 words will be hitting your inbox tomorrow as we enter the last full month of the regular season!
Games of the day (2/1):
- Rhode Island vs Duquesne ~ 11am CST
- Sacred Heart vs Merrimack ~ 12pm CST
- Wichita St vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Quinnipiac vs Fairfield ~ 1pm CST
- Wright St vs Green Bay ~ 1pm CST
- Northern Kentucky vs Oakland ~ 2pm CST
- East Tennessee St vs Wofford ~ 6pm CST
- Rhode Island vs Duquesne ~ 11am CST
- Sacred Heart vs Merrimack ~ 12pm CST
- Wichita St vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Quinnipiac vs Fairfield ~ 1pm CST
- Wright St vs Green Bay ~ 1pm CST
- Northern Kentucky vs Oakland ~ 2pm CST
- East Tennessee St vs Wofford ~ 6pm CST
February 1, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Games of the day (2/1):
- Rhode Island vs Duquesne ~ 11am CST
- Sacred Heart vs Merrimack ~ 12pm CST
- Wichita St vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Quinnipiac vs Fairfield ~ 1pm CST
- Wright St vs Green Bay ~ 1pm CST
- Northern Kentucky vs Oakland ~ 2pm CST
- East Tennessee St vs Wofford ~ 6pm CST
- Rhode Island vs Duquesne ~ 11am CST
- Sacred Heart vs Merrimack ~ 12pm CST
- Wichita St vs Tulsa ~ 1pm CST
- Quinnipiac vs Fairfield ~ 1pm CST
- Wright St vs Green Bay ~ 1pm CST
- Northern Kentucky vs Oakland ~ 2pm CST
- East Tennessee St vs Wofford ~ 6pm CST
It is ALL Belmont right now as the Bruins pull out with a 22-4 lead in the first eight and a half minutes.
The Racers cannot buy a basket right now and it's raining threes for Belmont.
The Racers cannot buy a basket right now and it's raining threes for Belmont.
Bracket Busters is tuning in from the Curb Events Center for a premier matchup between long-time rivals Murray State and Belmont!
February 1, 2026 at 1:29 AM
It is ALL Belmont right now as the Bruins pull out with a 22-4 lead in the first eight and a half minutes.
The Racers cannot buy a basket right now and it's raining threes for Belmont.
The Racers cannot buy a basket right now and it's raining threes for Belmont.
Bracket Busters is tuning in from the Curb Events Center for a premier matchup between long-time rivals Murray State and Belmont!
February 1, 2026 at 12:51 AM
Bracket Busters is tuning in from the Curb Events Center for a premier matchup between long-time rivals Murray State and Belmont!
St. Bonaventure has come out firing against George Mason as they jump to a 21-10 lead early.
Shout-out to this restaurant for having A-10 hoops on 🫡
Shout-out to this restaurant for having A-10 hoops on 🫡
January 31, 2026 at 11:55 PM
St. Bonaventure has come out firing against George Mason as they jump to a 21-10 lead early.
Shout-out to this restaurant for having A-10 hoops on 🫡
Shout-out to this restaurant for having A-10 hoops on 🫡
Fordham goes on the road and upsets the George Washington Revolutionaries 79-65!
Dejour Reaves led the team with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals as Jack Whitbourn had a 10 point and 12 rebound double-double.
The Rams move to 12-10 and 3-6 in the A-10!
Dejour Reaves led the team with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals as Jack Whitbourn had a 10 point and 12 rebound double-double.
The Rams move to 12-10 and 3-6 in the A-10!
January 31, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Fordham goes on the road and upsets the George Washington Revolutionaries 79-65!
Dejour Reaves led the team with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals as Jack Whitbourn had a 10 point and 12 rebound double-double.
The Rams move to 12-10 and 3-6 in the A-10!
Dejour Reaves led the team with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals as Jack Whitbourn had a 10 point and 12 rebound double-double.
The Rams move to 12-10 and 3-6 in the A-10!
The Ohio Bobcats pick up a solid road win over Buffalo 95-83!
Javan Simmons led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds (7 offensive) on 10-16 shooting.
The Bobcats shot 53% from the floor as they move to 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the MAC!
Javan Simmons led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds (7 offensive) on 10-16 shooting.
The Bobcats shot 53% from the floor as they move to 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the MAC!
January 31, 2026 at 9:02 PM
The Ohio Bobcats pick up a solid road win over Buffalo 95-83!
Javan Simmons led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds (7 offensive) on 10-16 shooting.
The Bobcats shot 53% from the floor as they move to 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the MAC!
Javan Simmons led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds (7 offensive) on 10-16 shooting.
The Bobcats shot 53% from the floor as they move to 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the MAC!
The Utah State Aggies pick up their third win in a row as they take down San Diego State 71-66!
Karson Templin was electric off the bench with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Aggies overcame an early 11-point deficit as they move to 18-3 and 9-2 in the Mountain West!
Karson Templin was electric off the bench with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Aggies overcame an early 11-point deficit as they move to 18-3 and 9-2 in the Mountain West!
January 31, 2026 at 8:15 PM
The Utah State Aggies pick up their third win in a row as they take down San Diego State 71-66!
Karson Templin was electric off the bench with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Aggies overcame an early 11-point deficit as they move to 18-3 and 9-2 in the Mountain West!
Karson Templin was electric off the bench with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Aggies overcame an early 11-point deficit as they move to 18-3 and 9-2 in the Mountain West!
Utah State and San Diego State feels like a March Conference Tournament game right now.
Back-and-forth, electric atmosphere, and it's coming down to crunch time.
The Aggies lead the Aztecs 59-56 with 5:42 to go.
Back-and-forth, electric atmosphere, and it's coming down to crunch time.
The Aggies lead the Aztecs 59-56 with 5:42 to go.
January 31, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Utah State and San Diego State feels like a March Conference Tournament game right now.
Back-and-forth, electric atmosphere, and it's coming down to crunch time.
The Aggies lead the Aztecs 59-56 with 5:42 to go.
Back-and-forth, electric atmosphere, and it's coming down to crunch time.
The Aggies lead the Aztecs 59-56 with 5:42 to go.
After an insane offensive showing in the first half from Campbell, William & Mary has stormed back to cut Campbell's lead to just 3 points with 7 minutes to go.
Get to CBSSN asap!
Get to CBSSN asap!
January 31, 2026 at 7:02 PM
After an insane offensive showing in the first half from Campbell, William & Mary has stormed back to cut Campbell's lead to just 3 points with 7 minutes to go.
Get to CBSSN asap!
Get to CBSSN asap!
Utah State with a HUGE run to eliminate San Diego State's 11 point lead!
We are tied at the half, 34-34.
This arena is ROCKING right now.
We are tied at the half, 34-34.
This arena is ROCKING right now.
January 31, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Utah State with a HUGE run to eliminate San Diego State's 11 point lead!
We are tied at the half, 34-34.
This arena is ROCKING right now.
We are tied at the half, 34-34.
This arena is ROCKING right now.
DJ Smith has 25 points at halftime.
Campbell dropped 57 points in the first half, while William & Mary still managed to shoot 50% from the floor.
There are some wild games in the CAA already today.
Campbell dropped 57 points in the first half, while William & Mary still managed to shoot 50% from the floor.
There are some wild games in the CAA already today.
Campbell has dropped 33 points in eight and a half minutes against William & Mary.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.
January 31, 2026 at 6:11 PM
DJ Smith has 25 points at halftime.
Campbell dropped 57 points in the first half, while William & Mary still managed to shoot 50% from the floor.
There are some wild games in the CAA already today.
Campbell dropped 57 points in the first half, while William & Mary still managed to shoot 50% from the floor.
There are some wild games in the CAA already today.
Campbell has dropped 33 points in eight and a half minutes against William & Mary.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.
January 31, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Campbell has dropped 33 points in eight and a half minutes against William & Mary.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.
DJ Smith already has 12 points. Insane start to the game for the Fighting Camels.