College basketball preview: Five best games to watch this weekend promise to deliver excitement as fans gear up for March Madness. With the calendar now in 2025, anticipation builds for Selection Sunday and the thrilling tournament ahead!
March Madness represents the climax of college basketball, yet the games leading up to this event hold significant weight. This weekend features an impressive lineup, including two ranked matchups and seven top-10 teams competing on the road. With the potential for upsets, this weekend could bring about a dramatic shake-up in the AP Top 25 Poll come Monday.
Amidst 144 Division I men’s college basketball games scheduled for Saturday, fans must identify the must-see matchups that could shape the season.
Here are the five standout men’s college basketball games to watch this weekend:
5. No. 3 Iowa State at Texas Tech (2 p.m. ET Saturday)
Player to Watch: Texas Tech junior forward Darrion Williams
Williams is a versatile player, contributing significantly in multiple areas. He stands out as one of only two players nationwide averaging at least 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game. The Red Raiders’ success hinges on his performance, as they are undefeated when he shoots 40% or better from the field.
Key stat: Iowa State ranks in the top 10 for both offensive (sixth) and defensive efficiency (ninth) according to KenPom, a notable achievement shared only with Duke. Their defensive prowess will face a challenge against Texas Tech, which boasts the eighth-best offensive efficiency and averages 90 points per game at home.
Trends: Iowa State has struggled historically in Lubbock, failing to win on the road against Texas Tech as a ranked team since 2014. Despite this, their losses have been close, with an average margin of just 5.8 points. Conversely, Texas Tech has a strong home record against ranked teams, winning six of their last seven matchups.
4. No. 8 Florida at Arkansas (4 p.m. ET Saturday)
Player to Watch: Florida senior guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Key stat: Florida’s offensive dominance is evident as they rank eighth nationally in scoring with an average of 87.3 points per game. They are one of only two teams averaging 85 points and 45 rebounds per game, a statistic that could challenge the Razorbacks, who sit at 80th in rebounding.
Trends: Arkansas has struggled against top-10 teams at home recently, losing three of their last four encounters. Their only victory in the last seven home games against ranked opponents came outside of SEC play.
3. No. 1 Tennessee at Texas (6 p.m. ET Saturday)
Player to Watch: Tennessee senior guard Chaz Lanier
Lanier has been a key player for the Volunteers, averaging 19.6 points per game and leading the power conferences with 3.8 made three-pointers per game. Tennessee has yet to lose this season when he hits multiple three-pointers.
Key stat: Both Tennessee and Texas excel in starting strong, with Tennessee undefeated when leading at halftime, and Texas mirroring that success.
2. No. 5 Alabama at No. 10 Texas A&M (8 p.m. ET Saturday)
Player to Watch: Alabama senior guard Mark Sears
Trends: Alabama has faced challenges in recent road games against Texas A&M, holding a 1-6 record in their last seven visits. However, these contests have been fiercely competitive, with an average margin of just 4.2 points in their last five games at College Station.
1. No. 6 Kentucky at No. 14 Mississippi State (8:30 p.m. ET Saturday)
Player to Watch: Kentucky senior guard Koby Brea
Brea recently showcased his skills against Florida, sinking seven of nine three-point attempts, leading his team to victory. The sharpshooting transfer from Dayton is enjoying a remarkable season, hitting nearly 50% of his deep shots.
Trends: Historically, Kentucky has dominated Mississippi State, boasting a perfect record against them as a ranked team since the 2002-03 season, including an impressive 8-0 record on the road.
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