Checking in on the biggest storylines in men’s college basketball

The GIST: With less than two months to go until March Madness, the men’s hoops picture is starting to take shape. Some storylines were expected (hi, projected No. 1 NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg), while others have come as a surprise (Sorry, UConn fans). Here’s what’s happening on the hardwood:

Cooper Flagg and No. 2 Duke continue to dominate: The Blue Devils held on for a dramatic 74–64 win over NC State on Monday as Flagg finished with 28 points, his third straight game dropping at least 24 points. Duke’s now 18-2 overall and undefeated in the ACC — we’ll undoubtedly be speaking plenty of these Blue Devils.

SEC is the king of the conferences: Much like in women’s hoops, the SEC is balling out, with 10 teams in the top 25, including No. 1 Auburn, No. 4 Alabama, and No. 5 Florida featuring in the top-five. Is it conference tourney time yet?

No. 25 UConn’s three-peat bid continues to sputter: The two-time defending champ Huskies are 14-6 overall and 6-3 in the Big East after Saturday’s 76–72 loss to Xavier, their third L in their last five games. Help may be on the way, though, as star freshman Liam McNeeley, who’s been out since January 1st with an ankle injury, is expected to return any day now.