College Basketball’s Feast Week: Key Winners and Losers

The final week of November is pivotal in college basketball, setting the stage for teams as they approach Selection Sunday. This year’s Feast Week showcased significant performances, with teams either solidifying their standings or facing unexpected setbacks. As the competition intensifies, here are this weekend’s notable winners and losers.

Dominant Performances from Vanderbilt and TCU

The Vanderbilt Commodores emerged as a standout team, boasting an impressive record of 8-0. They clinched the Battle 4 Atlantis Championship with a resounding 96-71 victory over Saint Mary’s on November 29, 2025. This commanding win reflects their overall dominance, as seven of their eight games have been secured by double-digit margins. Leading the charge is guard Duke Miles, who averages nearly 19 points per game, positioning Vanderbilt as a formidable contender in the Southeastern Conference.

In a remarkable turnaround, the TCU Horned Frogs capitalized on their recent challenges to secure a championship title in the Rady Children’s Invitational. After struggling earlier in the season, TCU upset No. 10 Florida and completed the tournament by defeating Wisconsin. The team shot an impressive 57 percent from beyond the arc, with each starter contributing at least 11 points in the final match. Guard Jace Posey notably scored 21 points against the Gators, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience.

Setbacks for Ohio State and Weather Interruptions

In contrast, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced a challenging weekend. Despite entering the game against Pitt with a perfect 6-0 record, Ohio State suffered a narrow defeat. Guard Damarco Minor secured victory for Pitt with a last-second three-pointer, leading to a 67-66 win. This loss comes at a critical time, as Ohio State prepares for upcoming matchups against No. 13 Illinois and No. 16 North Carolina.

Additionally, winter weather wreaked havoc on scheduling, as a snowstorm led to the cancellation of a game between Northern Illinois and Bellarmine. While the Huskies managed an open practice, the absence of nonconference matchups limits essential playing time and experience, particularly as December approaches.

Exciting Comebacks and Emerging Clarity

Stanford also made headlines with an exhilarating comeback, led by guard Benny Gealer. In the Acrisure Invitational Championship, Stanford overcame a significant deficit against Saint Louis, rallying from a 13-point deficit to win the game. Gealer’s last-minute fadeaway three-pointer secured the victory and showcased the team’s grit and determination.

As the nonconference games progress, the landscape of college basketball is becoming clearer. No. 7 Michigan has emerged as a strong contender, demonstrating their potential with decisive victories over ranked opponents No. 21 Auburn and No. 12 Gonzaga. Conversely, teams like Florida and St. John’s are grappling with consistency, struggling to replicate their past success.

As November draws to a close, the performances during Feast Week will have lasting implications for the teams’ trajectories heading into the heart of the season. With key matchups on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which teams will solidify their status as contenders and which will falter in the weeks to come.