Brandon Robinson plays first game in Atlanta

… North Carolina has won two straight since a Dec. 17 loss to Kentucky, 100-103, in Las Vegas as part of the CBS Sports Classic. The Tar Heels only other loss was 76-67 at Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Robinson has played in all 14 of the Tar …

SEC basketball preview

Texas A&M Aggies center Tyler Davis puts up the ball during the first half of the Lone Star Shootout against Arizona at the Toyota Center on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in Houston. puts up the ball during the first half of the Lone Star Shootout against Arizona at the Toyota Center on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in Houston.

Tulsa wins opener in Diamond Head Classic

Pat Birt made six 3-pointers and scored a season-high 20 points to lead Tulsa to a 74-51 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Thursday in the opening game of the Diamond Head Classic. Jaleel Wheeler added 12 points and Will Magnay 11 for the Golden Hurricane , who shot 50 per cent and were 11 of 21 from the arc in winning for the third time in four games.

Auburn beats Oklahoma 74-70 Birthday of Basketball showcase

Jared Harper and T.J. Dunans each scored 21 points and Auburn beat Oklahoma 74-70 Wednesday in the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Birth of Basketball showcase. Freshman Mustapha Heron, playing in his home state of Connecticut, added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Tigers, who are 9-2 for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Auburn beats Oklahoma 74-70 Birthday of Basketball showcase

Oklahoma’s Rashard Odomes splits the defense of Auburn’s Anfernee McLemore and Mustapha Heron during an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Oklahoma’s Rashard Odomes and Auburn’s TJ Lang collide as the chase a loose ball during an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Illinois Basketball: Jaylon Tate Was Big for the Illini

This wasn’t a big win because the Cougars are good, but this was big because Illinois needs to finish 10-3 in the non-conference to really have a shot at the postseason. Tracy Abrams followed up his 31-point performance against Central Michigan with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists night against the Cougars.

No. 24 USC rallies to beat Troy to improve to 10-0

Troy forward Juan Davis, Jr., right, pushes Southern California guard Elijah Stewart, bottom, down while battling for the rebound with forward Nick Rakocevic during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. less Troy forward Juan Davis, Jr., right, pushes Southern California guard Elijah Stewart, bottom, down while battling for the rebound with forward Nick Rakocevic during the first half of an NCAA college basketball … more Troy guard Wesley Person, right, drives the ball past Southern California guard De’Anthony Melton during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016.

Top 25 Capsules

… left put the Bruins up 81-71 and stopped Ohio State (8-3) from mounting a late comeback in the first game of the CBS Sports Classic. Marc Loving scored 13 of his 19 points in the first half for the Buckeyes, who lost for the third time in five …