College basketball weekend preview: Top five games to watch Saturday. This week in college basketball brought another round of thrilling performances, unforgettable finishes, and stunning upsets. The excitement of college basketball continues to captivate fans everywhere.
This weekend’s lineup showcases three ranked matchups and six top-10 teams hitting the road. The landscape of the AP Top 25 could shift dramatically by Monday. With several high-stakes conference battles ahead, fans can anticipate some intriguing changes in rankings.
As is typical during conference play, there are numerous games scheduled that promise high entertainment value, but a select few truly stand out as must-watch contests.
Here are the five best men’s college basketball games to watch this action-packed weekend:
Key stat: For Vanderbilt, the challenge lies in containing Kentucky’s prolific 3-point shooting. The Wildcats lead the SEC with an average of 10.2 made 3-pointers per game, accounting for nearly a third of their scoring. The Commodores rank in the middle tier of SEC teams in defending the 3-point line, allowing 7.1 made shots from beyond the arc each game. If Vanderbilt can limit Kentucky’s production from long range, it could be a significant victory. While Vandy can match Kentucky’s scoring ability (averaging 82.3 points per game), solid defense against the three will be essential.
What to expect: Both teams exhibit balanced scoring, a hallmark of their offensive strategies. Neither squad boasts a player averaging 15 points per game, but they each feature four players scoring in double figures. This balance creates an offense that thrives on floor spacing and capitalizing on the hottest hands. Fans can expect a competitive showdown.
Key stat: Turnovers will play a pivotal role, as both teams excel in forcing them. Ole Miss leads the SEC by forcing 16.2 turnovers per game, while Missouri is not far behind with 15.2, ranking third in the conference. The team that can maintain possession and minimize mistakes will be in a strong position to secure victory.
What to expect: Expect a high-scoring affair! While this matchup may not feature the top three offenses, both teams possess strong attacking capabilities. Xavier ranks eighth nationally in fast-break points, averaging nearly 17 per game, while UConn is tied for second in the nation with 19.4 assists per game, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
Key stat: Although Xavier and UConn may not lead in 3-pointers made, they excel in shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. This season, they rank second and third, respectively, in the Big East for 3-point percentage, contributing to their offensive success. Both teams average 75 points per game while shooting 35% or better from deep.
Trends: UConn has dominated the series against Xavier, winning four consecutive matchups, with the Musketeers last triumphing in the 2022-23 season. Notably, this marks the second time this season that Xavier faces three straight games against AP Top 25 teams.
What to expect: Prepare for a defensive battle. Houston holds the top spot in the nation for fewest points allowed per game at 53.9, with Drake following closely at 57.8. Kansas ranks 16th, permitting just 63.3 points per game. The first team to reach 50 points may very well secure the win!
Key stat: The critical number is 60. Since Kelvin Sampson took over in the 2015-16 season, Houston boasts an impressive 114-4 record when allowing fewer than 60 points, ranking second nationally during that period, just behind Virginia. Conversely, Kansas has a strong record of 173-63 when scoring at least 60 points, also ranking second in the nation, behind Gonzaga.
Trends: Kansas has a solid 5-2 record in its last seven games against AP top-10 teams at home. However, looking further back, they are 5-5 in their last ten home games against top-10 teams. Houston’s history is less favorable, with a 2-6 record on the road against AP top-15 teams since Sampson’s arrival.
Key stat: Auburn’s offensive prowess is a focal point, and Tennessee must elevate its defensive game to succeed. Auburn is one of only two teams (alongside Miami OH) shooting 50% from the field, 38% from three, and 74% from the free-throw line, showcasing their offensive depth. Fortunately for Tennessee, they are currently allowing just 58.6 points per game, the third-best in the nation, while limiting opponents to a mere 36.3% shooting. This matchup will test whose strength prevails.
Trends: Tennessee holds a 5-5 record in its last ten games against AP top-five teams but has not won on the road against a top-five team since 2008. Since 2010, Auburn has struggled at home against AP top-10 teams, with a 1-5 record. The Tigers have also lost their last six matchups against AP top-10 SEC teams, with their last victory dating back to 2019 against Kentucky.
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