Best college basketball games of the weekend: Conference play begins
These are the games you can’t miss in college basketball this weekend.
The last few weeks in college basketball have been slightly quieter. We primarily saw the big-hitters play against some lower level teams, in preparation for conference play.
Well, that is now over and conference play is here! Now, the Big Ten and even the ACC already have at least one conference game under their belt from earlier in December. From this point on, though, it is essentially conference games only.
Louisville vs. No.16 Kentucky: Friday, 1 p.m. ET
Naturally, after I go on about conference play being over, the first game listed is a non-conference game. Luckily, it is one of the best rivalries in college basketball. Louisville vs. Kentucky never fails to excite. This year it has a different feel to it, though. Both teams are having sub-optimal seasons and have played worse than their fanbase is used to.
The Louisville Cardinals are in an obvious state of transition this year, having put in a new head coach and losing someone who was poised to be a key player right before the season, as well as your school being under tremendous scrutiny with the FBI scandal. These things take a toll on college kids. Despite that, the team has looked very good at times, and there is still loads of talent on the squad.
Kentucky is in flux as well, with an extremely young squad that is still trying to find its identity. They are fresh off a loss to UCLA and will be keen to bounce back. Louisville hasn’t lost any of its last six. Despite the struggles of these two teams, we can count on this game being heated and exciting.
No. 11 Kansas vs. Texas: Friday, 9 p.m. ET
Another rivalry game on Friday, this one goes down in the Big 12. Kansas did not have a great December, dropping games to Washington and Arizona State. The Longhorns were quite up-and-down this month as they ended non-conference play. This match in Austin sees two teams looking to capitalize on the other’s recent struggles.
Texas will likely be without star Andrew Jones again, as he has missed the last couple games with a wrist injury. Despite that, the Longhorns are still a terrific defensive team that has a tall task of slowing down Devonte Graham and crew ahead of them.
The key may be in the frontcourt for this game. Kansas adds Silvio De Sousa, an early graduate of high school and a highly-touted big man, and they have absolutely needed the depth. Udoka Azubuike will be active per usual, though he has not faced a rim protector like Mo Bamba before. Bamba and Osetkowski have proven to be one of the best 1-2 frontcourt punches in America. Things will get heated down in Austin.
No. 24 Florida State vs. No. 4 Duke: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET
It would not be conference weekend without the ACC. This ACC matchup sees national powerhouse Duke play host to the surprising Florida State Seminoles. Both teams lost once this month and are wanting to set the record straight.
Florida State has been a terrific defensive team this year, only allowing around 65 PPG on the season. On the other hand, Duke boasts one of the best offenses in the country, scoring over 94 points in each game. Something has got to give. The Seminoles will be without key big man Christ Koumadjie, a crucial loss against a team that Marvin Bagley in its squad.
The key, though, could be point guard play. If C.J Walker and the FSU defense can apply enough pressure on Trevon Duval and force mistakes, there is a real shot at an upset at Cameron Indoor. Duke will want to assert dominance, but Florida State will not roll over. Look for this to be an intense game throughout.
No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 10 TCU: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET
Trae Young is playing basketball again! That should be reason enough to watch this one, to be honest. If you want more of a reason, look at the fact that its two top-15 teams in the country kicking off Big 12 play with a bang.
The Horned Frogs are undefeated and play host to one of the best offenses in the nation. Jamie Dixon has revitalized the TCU basketball program beyond expectations, and could get a big staple win here. If TCU is to really compete for the Big 12, it has to win here. The same goes for the Sooners, though. They can mark themselves as Big 12 competitors by getting a massive win on the road in this one.
If high-octane offense and high stakes are your thing, this is an absolute must-watch.
No. 3 Arizona State vs. No. 17 Arizona: Saturday, 9 p.m. ET
Another elite rivalry game to highlight a terrific weekend. The red-hot Arizona State Sun Devils travel to Tuscon to visit their rival, Arizona. The Wildcats had an awful time in the Bahamas in November, but have really bounced back since. The Wildcats have since amassed wins over Texas A&M, Alabama and UNLV.
Having built some momentum of its own with the return of Rawle Alkins, Arizona will be looking to play spoiler to its rival’s undefeated season. Both teams hold their opponents to about 71 PPG and are mostly above-average defensive squads, even if it’s only marginally. The difference is that the Sun Devils have one of the best offenses in all of America, while the Wildcats have really been up-and-down.
With the season narratives essentially being reversed from pre-season expectations with these two teams, there is a lot more at stake in this game. Most importantly? Bragging rights.