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College Basketball: 5 best games for Week 10

By Nathaniel Reeves

Dec 29, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) inbounds the ball against the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 92-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) inbounds the ball against the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 92-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) reacts after making a three point shot against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Villanova defeated Marquette, 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) reacts after making a three point shot against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Villanova defeated Marquette, 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Xavier at Villanova, Tuesday 7:00 p.m. ET

The showdown in Omaha won’t be the only crucial Big East matchup of the week, as first place could be on the line when Xavier clashes with Villanova on Tuesday evening.

Xavier is currently in sole possession of first place with a perfect 3-0 mark in conference and 13-2 record overall. None of those victories have come against top Big East competition, but the Musketeers have still been in good form with a six-game winning streak entering Tuesday’s game.

The Wildcats’ 20-game winning streak that dated back to the run to the NCAA title game came to an end last week, dropping them behind Xavier in the standings at 3-1. Even so, Villanova is well on its way to a No. 1 seed with a record of 15-1 that includes wins over Purdue and Notre Dame.

Villanova hasn’t lost at home in nearly a calendar year, so the Musketeers will need an outstanding effort to pull off the upset on Tuesday night. While Xavier has been taking care of business over the past month, it has looked shaky at times due to injuries and suspensions, and will need to play much better to take down the Wildcats.

The good news is the Musketeers reinstated star guard Myles Davis following a 15-game suspension on Saturday, which will help an offense that relies heavily on its top three players with little depth. Still, Davis may not be at full capacity just yet, and the Wildcats are just too balanced on both sides of the ball. Josh Hart has the ability to take over any game for Villanova and can further his case for the Naismith Award with a good showing against Xavier.