College Basketball – Jan 15: 5 Big Games by 5 Big-Time Players

Big-time players step up...that's just a fact of life.

They want the ball, and they make things happen for their team and their teammates.

Here is a quick look at some stellar performances from the vast collection of college hoops' contests from Saturday, January 15.

These players not only filled the box score but helped their teams pick up another victory.

Khris Middleton: Texas A&M

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 21: Khris Middleton #22 of the Texas A&M Aggies drives the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. Purdue

Khris Middleton scored 28 points, 11 coming in overtime as Texas A&M (No. 13 ESPN/USA Today) beat Missouri (No. 12) 91-89 for its 13th straight win.

Middleton scored all but three of the Aggies points in the extra session.

The sophomore forward shot 9-for-16 from the floor (2-for-4 from beyond the arc) and 8-for-10 from the line.

Middleton also grabbed seven rebounds and handed out four assists.

With today's win, A&M sits atop the Big 12 with a 16-1 record (3-0 in conference play).

Nolan Smith: Duke

Nolan Smith helped Duke rebound from their first defeat of the season by scoring 29 points to lead the Blue Devils over Virginia, 76-60.

The senior guard shot 10-for-19 from the floor (1-for-6 from beyond the arc) and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line.

Smith also grabbed seven boards, handed out six assists and had three steals.

This was the eighth game this season Smith went for at least 20 points.

Duke is now 16-1 overall and 3-1 in ACC play.

D.J. Gay: San Diego State

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - MARCH 13: D.J. Gay #23 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives against Tre'Von Willis #33 of the UNLV Rebels during the championship game of the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center March 13, 2010 in

D.J. Gay scored a career-high 30 points to lead No. 6 San Diego State past New Mexico, 87-77.

All of Gay's seven-made field goals were from beyond the arc (seven for 14).

The senior guard also hit 9-of-14 free throws, grabbed three rebounds and handed out four assists.

San Diego State is now 19-0 overall, 4-0 in Mountain West Conference play.

Kemba Walker: Connecticut

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 01: Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals on February 1, 2010 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Kemba Walker scored 31 points to help pace the Huskies in beating DePaul, 82-62.

This was the sixth time this season Walker has hit at least 30 points or more.

Walker shot 10-for-17 from the field (2-for-4 from beyond the arc) and hit 9-of-10 free throws.

Walker also grabbed four boards and handed out five assists.

Connecticut is now 14-2, 3-2 in Big East play.

Derrick Williams: Arizona

Derrick Williams put up 31 points to lead the Arizona Wildcats to a 80-69 victory over cross-state and Pac-10 rival, Arizona State.

Williams shot 8-for-12 from the floor and an amazing 15-for-16 from the line.

The sophomore forward, who leads the country in points per shot and free-throw attempts, grabbed 10 boards and handed out two assists.

This was Williams' fifth double-double of the season.

Arizona sits atop the Pac-10 with a 15-3 record, 4-1 in conference play.