College Basketball Watchability Rankings: 5 games to watch in Week 5

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: Jalen Brunson #1 of the and head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats talk during the Big East Basketball Tournament - Semifinals against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2017 in New York City. The Wildcats won 55-53. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 02: Villanova Guard Jalen Brunson (1) carries the ball up court in the first half during the game between the St. Joe’s Hawks and Villanova Wildcats on December 02, 2017 at Hagan Arena in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Gonzaga vs. Villanova, Tuesday 7:00 p.m. ET

With both Gonzaga and Villanova looking terrific in the early going, Tuesday’s contest at Madison Square Garden is a game worthy of being in late March.

Despite losing a large chunk of talent from last year’s team that reached the National Championship Game, Gonzaga is ranked in the top 15 with a mark of 7-1. The Bulldogs gave Florida all it could handle in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in the PK80 before recovering to beat Creighton in Spokane last Friday.

Jay Wright has built Villanova into a consistent national championship contender, and the Wildcats have won their first eight games to take over the No. 4 spot in the AP Poll. While there’s no doubt Villanova is the Big East favorite, Tuesday’s game will be a good test, as the Wildcats have yet to play a ranked team this year due to all the upsets in the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Next: Xavier beats Cincinnati: 3 takeaways

Jonathan Williams has led the charge for the Bulldogs with 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest while receiving plenty of support from fellow returners Josh Perkins and Killian Tillie. Like always, the Wildcats don’t have a ton of flashy stars, but play excellent small ball behind Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson.

While other games in week four might be more important for seeding down the line, expect some high-level basketball on Tuesday night in New York City.