College Basketball Watchability Rankings: 5 games to watch in Week 5
Nevada vs. TCU, Friday Midnight ET
The Wolfpack potentially face a make-or-break week for their at-large NCAA Tournament hopes, as beating either Texas Tech or undefeated TCU would provide a huge resume boost.
Third-year head coach Eric Musselman has done a terrific job with the Wolfpack, which qualified for its first NCAA Tournament since 2007 last season and was projected to take the Mountain West in 2017-18. Nevada has rolled to an 8-0 start to rise all the way to No. 35 in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted efficiency ratings, although the schedule is about to get a lot tougher.
TCU is on an upward trajectory under second-year head coach Jamie Dixon, and is currently ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll, its highest mark since 1999. With an 8-0 record, the Horned Frogs are in the hunt for their first NCAA Tournament in two decades, although they will need to improve a resume that features St. Bonaventure as its best win.
NC State transfer Caleb Martin has been a huge get for Nevada, as he leads the Wolfpack with 19 points per game to support returning star Jordan Caroline. The Horned Frogs are keyed by a balanced offense with five scorers averaging double figures, including senior Kenrich Williams, who piles up over 10 rebounds per contest as well.
This will be the toughest remaining came of nonconference play for both teams by far, so Friday’s winner could end up undefeated heading into the conference slate.