College Hoops Feast Week Recap: Statement Wins, Stunning Losses, and Snowed-Out Showdowns
Thanksgiving week isn’t just about turkey and touchdowns-it’s a pivotal stretch in the college basketball season. Feast Week offers a national stage for teams to prove they belong in the conversation come March, and we saw plenty of programs either solidify their early-season hype or stumble when the lights got bright. From dominant performances to buzzer-beaters and even a weather-related cancellation, here's a look at the weekend's biggest winners and losers.
Winner: Vanderbilt Keeps Rolling
Vanderbilt is making noise-and not just in the SEC. The No.
24 Commodores capped off a perfect run at the Battle 4 Atlantis with a 96-71 dismantling of Saint Mary’s, moving to 8-0 on the season. Seven of those wins have come by double digits, and they’re not just beating teams-they’re overwhelming them.
Guard Duke Miles has been the engine driving this surge. Averaging nearly 19 points per game, he’s playing with the confidence and control of a veteran floor general. His ability to create off the dribble and score in bunches gives Vanderbilt a legitimate offensive weapon, and right now, they’re looking every bit like a team that can contend in the SEC.
Loser: Buckeyes Stumble in a Trap Game
While Ohio State’s football program was busy celebrating a win over Michigan, the basketball team was on the wrong end of a gut-punch loss. The Buckeyes entered the weekend undefeated at 6-0, but dropped a heartbreaker to a Pitt team that had just lost to Quinnipiac.
With three seconds left and Ohio State clinging to a two-point lead, Pitt’s Damarco Minor hit a tough, off-balance three to steal a 67-66 win. It’s the kind of loss that lingers-not just because of how it ended, but because of what’s coming next.
The Buckeyes now face back-to-back matchups against No. 13 Illinois and No.
16 North Carolina. That’s not the kind of momentum you want heading into a gauntlet.
Winner: TCU Finds Its Rhythm
Two weeks ago, TCU was firmly in the “what’s going on?” category.
But during Feast Week, the Horned Frogs looked like a completely different team. Head coach Jamie Dixon’s squad found its groove at the Rady Children’s Invitational, first upsetting No.
10 Florida and then taking down Wisconsin to win the tournament title.
The Horned Frogs lit it up from deep, shooting 57% from three in the win over the Badgers. All five starters hit double figures, and the bench production was just as impressive-Jace Posey poured in 21 points against Florida. If this is the version of TCU we’re getting moving forward, they’re going to be a problem.
Winner: Stanford’s Late-Game Heroics
Stanford delivered one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes in the Acrisure Invitational Championship. Down 13 in the second half to Saint Louis, the Cardinal clawed their way back into the game and found themselves trailing by two with just seconds left.
After a clutch offensive rebound from center AJ Rohosy, Benny Gealer hit a fadeaway three that was equal parts desperation and brilliance. It sealed a comeback win that could wind up being a turning point in Stanford’s season. Sometimes, one shot can change the energy in a locker room-and this one might’ve done just that.
Loser: Snowstorms Steal the Spotlight
While snow makes for some iconic football visuals, it’s a different story in college hoops. Northern Illinois was set to host Bellarmine on Saturday, but a winter storm sweeping through DeKalb forced the game to be canceled. The Huskies held an open practice instead, but there’s no substitute for live game reps-especially in the nonconference portion of the season, where every opportunity to build your résumé matters.
As December approaches, don’t be shocked if more teams run into similar issues. Weather delays are part of the winter grind, but they can throw a wrench into momentum and scheduling alike.
Winner: Clarity in the Chaos
Feast Week is all about separating contenders from pretenders, and we’re starting to get a clearer picture of who’s who. No.
7 Michigan made a serious statement with back-to-back wins over No. 21 Auburn and No.
12 Gonzaga at the Players Era Festival. That’s the kind of stretch that builds belief-not just in the locker room, but across the country.
On the flip side, programs like Florida and St. John’s are still searching for their identity. After strong campaigns last year, both teams are struggling to find the same rhythm early this season.
Bottom Line: Feast Week gave us everything we love about college basketball-upsets, breakout performances, last-second heroics, and a few curveballs from Mother Nature. With conference play looming, teams are starting to show us who they really are. And if this past week is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride this season.