Top-ranked Auburn survives Missouri’s scare
K.D. Johnson scored 17 points, including five straight within the final 90 seconds, and Auburn survived a scare, beating Missouri 55-54 on Tuesday in the program’s first-ever game as the nation’s top-ranked team.
Johnson converted a three-point play with 1:29 remaining to put Auburn ahead 53-51, then added a layup with 45 seconds left for a fourpoint advantage, and the Tigers (19-1, 8-0 SEC) held on from there.
at No. 9 Duke 71, Clemson 69: Paolo Banchero scored 19 points as Duke pulled away late from Clemson. Wendell Moore Jr. scored 13 points for Duke (16-4, 6-2 ACC), Joey Baker added 11 and Mark Williams registered his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Banchero also had seven rebounds and four assists. PJ Hall led Clemson (11-9, 3-6) with 14 points and 10 boards.
at No. 24 Illinois 56, No. 10
Michigan State 55: Trent Frazier scored a game-high 16 points, and Illinois (14-5, 7-2) held on to beat Michigan State and take sole possession of first place in the Big Ten.
Illinois was without two of its stars: All-American center Kofi Cockburn (concussion) and guard Andre Curbelo (COVID-19 protocols) but rebounded from its Friday loss at Maryland.
at No. 14 Villanova 67, DePaul 43: Justin Moore scored 16 points, Collin Gillespie had 14 and Villanova beat DePaul for its 22nd straight win over the Blue Demons (10-9, 1-8 Big East) since 2008.
at No. 20 Connecticut 96, Georgetown 73: Adama Sanogo scored 19 points to lead Connecticut to its fourth straight win. Isaiah Whaley and Jordan Hawkins each added 15 points for the Huskies (14-4, 5-2 Big East). R.J. Cole had 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Tyrese Martin chipped in with 13 points.
at No. 12 Kentucky 82, Mississippi State 74 (OT): Kellan Grady scored 18 points, including eight in overtime, with four threepointers, to lead the Wildcats and give coach John Calipari win No. 800.