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The SEC continues to be wide open in men's basketball.

The latest victim to fall in the conference is No. 16 Florida, as the defending national champions lost to Auburn 76-67 on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. It's the Tigers' first signature conference win of the Steven Pearl era.

Keyshawn Hall's team-high 24 points willed the Tigers to their first win against the Gators in Gainesville since Feb. 10, 1996.

HUGE ROAD DUB FOR AUBURN‼️@AuburnMBB gets their first win in Gainesville since 1996 😮 pic.twitter.com/iluGZHkFZ5

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 24, 2026

REQUIRED READING: How is ex-G League player Charles Bediako back at Alabama? What to know

"Boom. That's Auburn being Auburn! That's Auburn Family!" former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after the Tigers' win.

The win also marks the second upset in the SEC on Saturday and moves both teams to 5-3 in the conference standings, two things that show the conference remains wide open going into February.

Hall played a big part in Auburn being able to head into the locker room with a 15-point lead at halftime. The Tigers' senior guard had 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first half, including a 3-of-4 mark from behind the arc. He finished with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.

Florida trailed at halftime 43-28 but rallied back to tie the game at 54 then at 56-56 at the 8:09 mark following a pair of free throws from Thomas Haugh. But that'd be as close as Todd Golden's squad would get; Auburn never allowed Florida to be closer than five points for the remaining eight minutes.

👌 from deep‼️ pic.twitter.com/RyPQDWYxX8

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 24, 2026

REQUIRED READING: March Madness bubble watch: Who should start worrying about NCAA tournament?

Haugh led Florida with 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field and had 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Two additional Gators finished in double figures, as Urban Klavzar and Rueben Chinyelu added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Alex Condon, who tested the NBA draft waters last offseason following the Gators' national championship, struggled mightily for Florida. Despite grabbing nine rebounds and recording three blocks, the 6-foot-11 forward was held to one point on 0-for-4 shooting from the field and turned the ball over four times. It's the third time this season that an opponent has held Condon to single-digit points.

Auburn will test its now three-game win streak on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at home against Texas at 7 p.m. ET, while Florida will look to bounce back on the road against South Carolina at 9 p.m. ET on Jan. 28.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keyshawn Hall leads Auburn basketball upset of Florida, signature win

Keaton Wagler picked the right time to have a career-best performance.

The Illinois freshman guard scored 46 points in an 88-82 win for the No. 11 Fighting Illini road victory over No. 4 Purdue. Wagler scored his career-high on just 17 shots, making 13 of them. He also shot 9-of-11 from 3-point range and made 11 free throws.

The 46 points were the most points by a visiting player in Mackey Arena history and the most points by a Big Ten player this season.

REQUIRED READING: College basketball weekend schedule features Purdue, UConn in games to watch

Mackey Arena first opened in 1967.

Wagler had 24 points in the first half, keeping Illinois within striking distance with a four-point deficit. However, in the second half, he scored 22 points as the Fighting Illini outscored the Boilermakers by 10 points to pick up the key conference victory.

Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler with one of the GREATEST college basketball performances of all-time:

- 88-82 WIN AT MACKEY
- 46 points
- 13-of-17 FG
- 9-11 from 3
- 11-13 FT
- 4 assists

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 24, 2026

Wagler entered Saturday's game averating 15.9-points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists on 39.4% 3-point shooting.

Here's a look at Wagler's stats from the Fighting Illini's win over No. 4 Purdue on Jan. 24:

Keaton Wagler stats vs Purdue

Here's a look at Wagler's stats in Illinois' upset victory over No. 4 Purdue:

• Points: 46
• Shooting: 13 for 17
• 3-point shooting: 9 for 11
• Free throw shooting: 11 for 13
• Rebounds: 0
• Assists: 4
• Turnovers: 3

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler points today: How much did Illinois star score vs Purdue?

Ja Morant was asked one question about his future with the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 21.

When the star point guard was in London and Berlin for two NBA games in Europe against the Orlando Magic, the media assembled had plenty to ask the 26-year-old in his seventh NBA season. But this time, he was asked just one question after a loss to the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum.

"I'm sorry y'all that wasn't able to come to London, but I'm done with those questions,” Morant said.

His response was polite, and the questions turned back to basketball. Morant wanted to focus on basketball, but the news from the Grizzlies on Jan. 24 about another setback will keep the focus on his future with the organization.

Morant will miss at least three weeks due to left elbow UCL sprain. The three-week timeline overlaps with the trade deadline on Feb. 5.

If Morant is traded, he has played his last game with the Grizzlies. There is also the possibility that Memphis could keep Morant beyond the deadline if the latest injury scares off bidders from making an attractive offer.

Morant is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season. His 23.5% on 3-pointers and 41% shooting overall are both career lows. He's a 46.6% shooter for his career, including 31.1% on 3-pointers.

Ja Morant’s trade value, contract

Reports have indicated that Morant doesn’t have a robust trade market. His injury history and off-court concerns have limited what teams are willing to offer for a player who is making $39.4 million this season.

After reports surfaced that the Grizzlies would listen to offers on Jan. 9, Morant returned from a calf contusion on Jan. 18 after missing six games. He proceeded to compile at least 20 points and 10 assists in each of his next two games.

Morant’s strong play was an indication that more teams could start calling the Grizzlies, but then he suffered his latest injury.

Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two other notable NBA stars whose names have been rumored in potential trades. Both those players are also expected to be sidelined through the trade deadline.

A team in win-now mode is less likely to take on Morant’s contract, given his latest injury and injury history. Morant has missed 23 of 43 games this season. He’ll finish this season playing less than 60 games for the third consecutive year.

The Commercial Appeal reported on Jan. 9 that the Grizzlies would be open to keeping Morant if they can’t find suitable offers. The chances of Morant staying seem to be increasing.

Can Grizzlies fix the issues with Ja Morant?

Morant indicated on Jan. 18 that Memphis is where he wants to be. While that didn’t mean the Grizzlies would be more inclined to keep him, the current injury situation could lead to that.

If Morant stays past the deadline, is the relationship salvageable? That seems unlikely, given Morant’s down season and injury history with two more seasons left on his contract.

Morant was supporting his teammates on the bench during the Jan. 23 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. His latest actions have been positive, limiting the potential of a distraction.

The two sides being aligned throughout the remainder of the season doesn’t seem like it could be a conflict. However, what happens after the season is another question.

Morant will be eligible for a three-year contract extension. The Grizzlies didn’t sign him to a two-year extension last offseason. Given the recent events and the team’s willingness to shop him, an extension is even less likely now.

A perfect fairytale story would be the Grizzlies and Morant fixing their differences, moving on and making a run next season. However, without future certainty, there’s a strong chance the Grizzlies will be listening to offers again in the offseason if Morant remains on the roster past the trade deadline.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Ja Morant injury changes trade value for Memphis Grizzlies

DALLAS (AP) — Jaron Pierre Jr. had 28 points to help SMU hold off Florida State 83-80 on Saturday.

Lajae Jones buried a 3-pointer to give Florida State a 72-69 lead with four minutes remaining. Pierre had baskets on both ends of a three-point play by B.J. Edwards in a 7-0 run and SMU stayed in front from there. Edwards made two free throws with eight seconds left to set the final margin.

Pierre made 11 of 18 shots with four 3-pointers for the Mustangs (15-5, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Edwards totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Boopie Miller had 11 points and six assists and Samet Yigitoglu grabbed 11 rebounds and scored six.

Robert McCray V totaled 21 points and nine assists to pace the Seminoles (8-12, 1-6). Jones made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds for his first double-double this season. Alex Steen had 14 points and nine rebounds, while reserve Martin Somerville hit three 3-pointers and scored 13.

Edwards had 13 points, Pierre scored 11 and SMU closed the first half on a 20-10 run for a 46-34 advantage at halftime.

McCray buried a 3-pointer, Steen tipped in a miss and Jones hit a jumper and a 3-pointer to cap a 10-0 run that gave the Seminoles a 50-49 lead with 15 minutes remaining. The lead changed hands four times until Edwards scored in the paint with three minutes left to put the Mustangs on top for good.

Up next

Florida State: The Seminoles host California on Wednesday.

SMU: The Mustangs visit No. 23 Louisville on Saturday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 18
VJ Edgecombe – 6
Joel Embiid – 5
Paul George – 5
Andre Drummond – 2
Dominick Barlow – 1
Adem Bona – 1
Justin Edwards – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Jared McCain – 1
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1

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The Philadelphia 76ers fell in dramatic fashion (of course) 112-109 to the visiting New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.

It was a tale of two halves this afternoon. The first featured a dominant 28-point performance from Joel Embiid on 12 shots that helped lead the Sixers to a slight advantage by halftime.

The second half… not so fun for Philly. The Sixers put up their worst period since Jan. 2, 2024, scoring just 13 points in the frame compared to the Knicks’ 30. Philadelphia started the fourth just as cold and it seemed like the game might already be over before a late push pulled them back within single digits. It was too little, too late, though. After a wild final minute (that felt like it took 20 minutes real time), the Knicks walked away with a 112-109 victory over the Sixers.

The Sixers will now fly out of Philly (before the snowstorm arrives) to visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday evening.

Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer. Not many choices from this one.

Joel Embiid: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block

Embiid was coming off a triple-double performance in the Sixers’ overtime win over the Houston Rockets just a few days ago. Having played nearly 46 minutes in that Thursday evening contest, just the fact that Embiid was available for this one was great to see.

The fatigue didn’t seem to bother him much. Instead, we got vintage Joel to start this one.

Yep, Joel Embiid can still dunk like that. pic.twitter.com/16I1T7IJOp

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) January 24, 2026

I’ll be honest, there was a time I didn’t know if we’d ever see the big fella do that again.

Embiid did a lot more than that, though, leading the Sixers right out of the gate with a field-leading 15 points in the opening frame on 5-for-7 field goal shooting in his first 10 minutes. The Knicks could not slow him down. Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns… it didn’t seem to matter who they tried to put on him, Embiid simply was unstoppable. By halftime, he had 28 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the floor. Let me say that again: he had 28 points by halftime, on 12 shots, less than 48 hours after playing 46 minutes.

The big fella did seem to slow down in the second half (along with the entire Sixers’ squad) and was dealing with some pain after New York’s Ariel Hukporti landed on Embiid’s knee battling for a ball on the floor. He kept battling, though, leading the Sixers’ late charge to pull back within single digits of the Knicks in the final frame. Embiid finished the contest with 38 points (13-for-21 field goals, 3-for-5 from three) with 11 rebounds, five assists and one block.

Embiid may not be the same guy he was a few seasons ago health-wise, but damn if he isn’t making it work anyway. He’s moving well, hitting silky-smooth jumpers, getting up for boards and defense, and clearly isn’t shy or worried about using his body to drive hard to the rim. It’s all extremely encouraging to see. Now, if only the rest of the squad could figure some things out…

That was a tough finish for the Sixers vs. Knicks. But, it was another extremely encouraging showing from Joel Embiid, even considering the rough second half for the entire team.

38 PTS (13-21 FG, 3-5 3PT), 11 REB, 5 AST, 1 BLK

Here are some Embiid highlights from this one ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Emgeq0bKod

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) January 24, 2026

Tyrese Maxey: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

There were definitely times in this one that it seemed like fatigue and frustration were getting the better of Tyrese Maxey, but he kept battling and was a driving force in the Sixers’ last game push to try to come from behind. It was also his best night from long range in about two weeks, sinking 3-of-7 attempts (42.9%) from beyond the arc. He was 8-for-15 from the floor overall and had six assists. Maxey was able to maneuver through the Knicks defense into the paint and was hitting some nice pull-ups.

Tyrese Maxey with the 3-point play and somehow the Sixers only trail by single digits! pic.twitter.com/pdWlTbLg1n

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 24, 2026

This wasn’t the best Maxey game overall, we can be honest about that. That being said, he was the only other real scoring threat the Sixers had in this one besides Embiid. With Embiid putting up 38 and Maxey adding 22, the duo combined for 55% of the Sixers’ 109 total points.

(No, this doesn’t mean I like Maxey forcing up that last three-point attempt even if the Knicks were trying to intentionally foul. It’s too risky of a move to rely on the whistle and there was enough time to just try to get a better shot.)

The Celtics roll into Chicago looking to extend a winning rhythm, but the Bulls are in a groove as well. Boston had to dig deep last night, and they’ll have to again on the second half of a back-to-back. Fatigue may be a factor, but the Celtics have a key contributor returning. Here are three questions that could decide the outcome.

Can the Celtics survive a short turnaround against the Bulls?

Boston was put to the test all night by Brooklyn, and had just enough left in the tank to pull off a gutsy win. After a double-overtime finish and a late-night flight to Chicago, the Celtics haven’t had much time to recharge ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Bulls.

Chicago, meanwhile, enters well-rested and riding a three-game winning streak. They most recently handled Minnesota behind a balanced effort that saw seven players reach double figures.

Brooklyn’s size and switchability posed problems for Boston, but Chicago presents a different challenge. The Bulls lack the same positional versatility, which should allow the Celtics to generate and punish switches more easily. The concern lies on the other end.

Chicago plays fast. They rank fourth in pace and average the second-most transition possessions per game — a recipe that could expose tired legs if this game stays close late.

This puts a premium on execution. If Boston can control turnovers and get into its half-court offense, they’ll limit Chicago’s ability to run, and force the Bulls to score against a set defense.

The good news? Derrick White is back.

Can Derrick White’s return slow down the Bulls’ fast break?

The weather is unusually cold — and so is Derrick White’s jumper lately.

After a slow start to the season, White found his rhythm, before slipping back into another brief efficiency dip. It’s a familiar pattern, and one that prompted Joe Mazzulla to give him the night off against Brooklyn.

Derrick White tends to slump every January. It’s probably cost him an All-Star nod (or two). But he tends to break out in a big way by February. pic.twitter.com/kB0pcne1z2

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) January 21, 2026

His return against Chicago comes at an ideal moment. White’s defensive versatility and off-ball activity could be critical against a Bulls team that thrives in transition, particularly when it comes to slowing his namesake, Coby White. With extra rest, he may also be better positioned to shoulder a larger load if others begin to fade.

There’s no long-term concern with one of the league’s most reliable shooters. If anything, this feels like a natural spot for a course correction.

Will Amari Williams get more minutes after his strong performance?

Amari Williams had arguably the most encouraging five-minute stint one could imagine against the Nets.

With Neemias Queta and Luka Garza fouled out, it was Amari Williams who stepped up with the game on the line. His size and defensive impact were huge, but more importantly, he looked like he belonged.

Getting thrown into the fire of double overtime is a big ask for a rookie two-way center. He handled it extremely well, and effectively iced the game with some excellent rim protection.

Mazzulla has consistently rewarded young players who impact games, and Williams may have earned himself a longer look. While his development is primarily happening in Maine, there’s value in giving him NBA reps — something he’s handled well each time so far.

With Queta still dealing with illness and listed as probable, tonight presents another opportunity. Like White, Williams could help Boston manage the physical toll of a short turnaround.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Toby Fournier scored 19 points, reserve Arianna Roberson had 19 points in a double-double and No. 21 Duke overwhelmed Pittsburgh 95-41 on Saturday for the Blue Devils' 11th straight win.

Roberson, a freshman, was 9-of-15 shooting and matched her high of 12 rebounds for her first double-double. Riley Nelson also posted her first double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Delaney Thomas scored 16 points and Taina Mair added 12 for the Blue Devils (14-6, 9-0 ACC), who share first place with No. 8 Louisville.

Mikayla Johnson led the Panthers (8-14, 1-7) with 15 points.

Duke scored the first seven points of the game and Pittsburgh's first made basket came with 3:50 remaining in the first quarter. Duke led 9-4 at that point then made 6 of 8 shots to finish the quarter. The Blue Devils led 22-8 after one.

Duke shot 68% in the second quarter and finished the half on a 19-4 run, building a 51-16 halftime lead.

Duke led 66-20 midway through the third quarter before Pitt scored back-to-back baskets for the first time. The Panthers scored 14 points in the third, their first quarter with double-digit scoring. Duke led 76-30 at the end of three.

The lead peaked at 85-30 after the Blue Devils scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter.

The 11 consecutive wins match Duke's longest under coach Kara Lawson, also accomplished in the 2022-23 season.

The game was moved from Sunday to Saturday because of the severe winter storm in the south and east.

Up next

Duke: at Miami on Thursday

Pittsburgh: at Virginia Tech on Thursday ___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball.

In today’s matinee, the Knicks (27*-18) absorbed a Joel Embiid onslaught, survived cold shooting from the wings, and steadied themselves just enough in the final seconds to leave Philadelphia with a 112–109 win, holding off the 76ers (24-20) after nearly squandering a 17-point fourth-quarter lead.

Through the first quarter, New York mostly controlled the flow but never created separation. They relied on Brunson, Towns, and McBride to build modest leads, but never more than six points. Before the game, Towns was questionable to play due to back spasms. Numerous times this afternoon, he seemed to aggravate the problem. Off the bench, Mitchell Robinson’s rim protection and physicality made him the only effective deterrent to Embiid.

In a tightly contested frame, Maxey and Embiid consistently erased any ground the visitors gained. When McBride drilled a late three, Maxey answered with some freebies, and the quarter ended with a 34-34 deadlock.

The home team seized control in the second quarter. Maxey bent the defense at the point of attack. Embiid gradually thundered into the lane, benefiting from his strength, footwork, and friendly whistles. For our heroes, Anunoby emerged as an offensive presence, cutting and finishing with concentrated energy, but Towns was unable to slow Embiid. By the break, the Knicks were on the wrong side of 64-60.

a lil spin n slam action from OG 🎱 pic.twitter.com/gu4f8V75jB

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 24, 2026

Through the half, New York dominated the glass (25–14) and crushed the offensive boards (10–1). The Sixers, meanwhile, were ruthless when they got looks, shooting 65% overall, won the paint 30-22, and moved the ball well enough to offset the rebounding deficit. Embiid’s highest scoring first-half of the season ended with a game-high 28 points. For the Knicks, Brunson posted 19.

In the third quarter, the Knicks showed us what they can do when focused on both ends. Behind efficient scoring and furious defense, they opened the second half with a 14-4 run. Philly’s Embiid looked bedraggled after his extraordinary first half, so perhaps the coronation by the ABC halftime panel was a tad premature.

When Shamet slipped through for a backdoor layup, the Knicks had outscored Philly 21-7 and taken a 10-point lead, their largest yet. A little later, Deuce hit a jumper to make the score 88-74. With steals, blocks, rebounds, and forced turnovers—and Karl-Anthony Towns benched for most of the quarter due to foul trouble—the Knicks held the home team to just 13 points in the frame. (Yep, 13.) With the wind in their sails, New York gleefully embarked into the fourth with a 90-77 advantage.

Early in the fourth, Embiid went down, grabbing his leg, but remained in the game. His gait was gimpy, Joel had scored zilch in Q3, and missed two free throws before gingerly hitting a triple around the eight-minute mark of Q4. The big fella spurred an eight-point run to cut into New York’s 17-point lead, but you could just tell he was already fantasizing about that postgame ice bath. By game’s end, he’d have 38 points, 11 boards, and five assists.

Good luck keeping a lead in today’s NBA when two of your players (Bridges, McBride) each shoot 1-of-8 from downtown. Bridges was terrible, hurting his team by missing dead-on bunnies and, at one point, shooting 3-of-16 from the floor. Captain Clutch sizzled from deep (6-of-12) but was the only Knick with more than one made three-pointer. Nonetheless, they looked like the better team. Worried about the playoffs? Not us, not yet. (Brunson would finish with 31 points on 11-of-24 FG.)

At the midway point, Towns fouled out. Blame the bad back, but that’s six fouls in 16 minutes to go with his 10 points and six boards. Lucky for New York, Robinson was playing like a spring chicken, grabbing every possible offensive rebound. Philly had some juice, though, with Kelly “Sideshow Bob” Oubre, Jr. and OAKAAKUYOAK Quentin Grimes pitching in to cut the differential to five with five minutes left.

With two minutes left, Embiid scored to make the score 102-99. Anunoby (the wing who was shooting well) made a tip-in to drive half of the stadium wild. VJ Edgecombe responded with a quick-trigger triple, which set the Philly half of the crowd cheering. OG said Hmph and answered with a triple; then an Embiid miss became a Shamet trey for an eight-point lead with 42 seconds left. The Knicks fans were shaking the building. (Anunoby tallied 23 points on 10-of-15 FG.)

OG Anunoby loves throwing down a monster dunk in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/sagsghgUza

— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) January 24, 2026

A Maxey triple and two Edgecombe free throws made it a three-point game. In a wild final 30 seconds, Brunson was tagged for an offensive foul, trying to break away from Edgecombe on an inbound. A coach’s challenge overturned the call, giving New York a free throw and possession. Anunoby was fouled and made one of two free throws. Maxey raced down the floor for a layup, cutting the difference to five points with 18 seconds left. Brunson missed two free throws, but Maxey missed on a three-pointer, Shamet wasn’t whistled while trying to commit an intentional foul, and New York escaped with a 112-109 win.

Up Next

My sheet says Matthew Miranda is coming in hot with a recap. As for New York, they will host the Kings of Sacramento on Tuesday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but the NBA Cup win doesn’t count.

As Bright Side’s East Coast Correspondent, I attended the Phoenix Suns’ contests against the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. About halfway through the season, and Jalen Green returning, there was a lot going on for the team. Here are the most interesting things I heard on the trip:

---

Jordan Ott’s Infatuation with Process:

Against the Knicks, the Suns had six players score in double digits after just four different players scored in the first quarter. I asked Ott about the stat and he didn’t hold back:

Question: In the First quarter you had four players score a basket and then by the time ended you guys had six players in double-digits. What was the shift after the first quarter with the ball movement?

Answer: I try not to just look at the scoreboard, I don’t think that’s 2026 coaching. There’s too much data out there. There’s too much data, what the quality of shots were getting. I did feel from the middle of the first on, our process was starting to get right, and again, we’re gonna shoot threes, that’s what were gonna do. It’s hard for us to get to the rim at times. We’re gonna try and play as fast as we can, especially, into an action as fast as we can, so we play a lot of pick-and-roll. When that starts to get right and we’re starting to find some high quality shots, whether they go in or not, we trust that that process is right.

After the Suns got down early in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix went on a 38-18 run to close the quarter which gave them a cushion when the 76ers rallied late. Ott said that their process was a huge part of what helped them go on their huge run.

"We didn't have to say much in the timeout."

-Jordan Ott on how the coaching staff managed the Suns going down 66-59 early in the third.

Phoenix ended the quarter on a 38-18 run. @BrightSideSun
⬇️⬇️⬇️

— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 21, 2026

Jalen Green on Traveling with the Team While Hurt:

Green spent a lot of time with the Suns while injured, traveling throughout the country with the team. After his first game, he spoke about the impact that it had on his recovery. Green was out more than two months with a hamstring strain.

"We bond together so well, the guys supporting so much."

-Jalen Green on the impact on traveling with the Suns while he was injured in his recovery process. @BrightSideSun

⬇️⬇️⬇️

— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 21, 2026

Devin Booker on the Importance of Having Depth:

In the Suns’ 116-110 win over Philly, Phoenix’s bench and starters scored the same amount, 58 each. I asked Booker about the team’s depth after the game, and he talked about the importance of having a strong rotation.

"That's what you need to go far in this league."

-Devin Booker on the Suns' depth.

Phoenix reserves had the same amount of points as their starters with 58.@BrightSideSun

⬇️⬇️⬇️

— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 21, 2026

In his first two games back, Green has come off the bench. It’s yet to be seen if he will stay with the second unit as he gets healthier.

Royce O’Neale’s Comfort in Jordan Ott’s System

Royce O’Neale is having the best season of his career. Averaging the most points of his career, O’Neale has 29 games this season with three or more made threes. On Tuesday, when he turned 29, he was tied for the most in the NBA this season. I asked after the game what that meant about how comfortable he is in Phoenix, and gave credit to his teammates and his hard work.

"Just all the work I've been putting in."

With three 3s tonight, Royce O'Neale is tied for first for the most games this season with 3 or more threes with 29.

Here's how he responded when he heard the news. @BrightSideSun

⬇️⬇️⬇️

— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 21, 2026

Jordan Ott on Dillon Brooks’ Shooting Slump

Once again, Ott’s infatuation with process leaves him confident in his players. After a few poor shooting nights, he wasn’t surprised to see Dillon Brooks hit six triples against the Nets because of the work he puts in.

"It's the process."

-Jordan Ott on Dillon Brooks' strong shooting game after a rough shooting stretch

Brooks also picked up his 14th technical foul tonight. If he gets two more he'll be suspended for a game unless any are rescinded. @BrightSideSun

⬇️⬇️⬇️

— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 20, 2026

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Riley Kugel scored 22 points with the help of six 3-pointers and Themus Fulks scored 19 points and UCF beat Colorado 95-86 on Saturday to earn its first-ever win over the Buffaloes in Boulder.

Jamichael Stillwell scored 15 points and reserves Devan Cambridge and Chris Johnson scored 11 and 10 respectively for the Knights (15-4, 4-3 Big 12) who shot a blistering 61% (33 of 54) including 63% (15 of 24) from 3-point range.

UCF made more 3s (15) than foul shots (14).

Barrington Hargress, Isaiah Johnson and Sebastian Rancik each scored 20 points for Colorado (12-8, 2-6) who on most other nights would've posted a victory, shooting 52% (29 of 56) including 55% (11 of 20) from 3.

Jordan Burks’ short shot gave UCF its largest lead at 79-64 with 6:48 left before Colorado went on a 16-7 spurt to close within 86-80.

With 2:16 left and Colorado rallying, Kugel banked in a 3 out of an inbounds play with 0.6 on the shot clock, and the Buffs never recovered.

Rancik gave Colorado its largest lead at 34-27 with 6:53 before halftime with a deep 3 before UCF went on a 9-2 run to tie it at 36 with 5:32 before the break. Cambridge's layup a minute-and-a-half later put UCF up for good and they led 49-47 at halftime.

Up Next

Colorado: The Buffs, who now have lost six five straight, travel to face ninth-ranked Iowa State on Thursday.

UCF: The Knights host Arizona State on Tuesday.

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