Four top-25 matchups — and two top-10 duels?! Looking at this week's best games
The 2024 edition of Feast Week brought us the best week of November men’s college basketball in recent memory: there were upsets, last-second shots and an endless supply of marquee games that led to an upending of the AP men’s top 25 poll.
Hope everyone is rested and recovered.
Because we’re about to enter another incredible stretch packed with games that will have an enormous impact on next week’s rankings — and might still be talked about by the time we get to March and the NCAA tournament. And it’s all taking place over the next 36 hours.
On Wednesday alone, there are four games involving top-25 teams — and two games matching up top-10 teams.
The SEC/ACC Men’s Challenge and the Big 12-Big East Battle highlight the docket on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. But, with expansive realignment, conference play is also now getting underway, with the Big Ten kicking things off in that respect to add even more intrigue to the schedule.
ESPN’s Myron Medcalf and Jeff Borzello break down the best men’s college basketball games to tune into over the next few nights.
SEC/ACC Men’s Challenge | Tuesday | 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
Kentucky is off to a terrific 7-0 start in Mark Pope’s first year at the helm, stunningly rising all the way into the AP Poll’s top five this week. But the Wildcats now go on the road for the first time this season, to face a Clemson team that hasn’t lost at home since mid-February of last season. Clemson will need to defend the 3-point line, while the perimeter matchup between Chase Hunter and Kentucky’s wings will be key. — Borzello
Big 12-Big East Battle | Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. ET | FS1
After three losses in three days at the Maui Invitational, UConn fell to 25th — a drop of 23 spots — in the latest AP poll. The conversation about that disastrous trip and Dan Hurley’s antics have been the main themes around the program, but the Huskies are also desperate for a signature victory. This home matchup against a top-25 Baylor squad precedes a pair of games against Texas and Gonzaga. The Huskies need some good news. — Medcalf
SEC/ACC Men’s Challenge | Wednesday | 7:15 p.m. ET | ESPN
Both squads enter this game coming off rocky Feast Week performances. In the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, Alabama lost to Oregon on a putback dunk in the final seconds in the $1 million title game. North Carolina lost to Auburn and Michigan State in the Maui Invitational, and so far All-American guard RJ Davis has connected on just 28 percent of his 3-point attempts. The loser of this game might have to go back to the drawing board. — Medcalf
Big 12-Big East Battle | Wednesday | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Even after Marquette lost key pieces from last year’s squad, including star Tyler Kolek, Kam Jones (19.6 PPG, 6.3 APG, 45 percent from beyond the arc) has emerged as the new leader and a potential Wooden Award winner for an undefeated team. But the only blemish on the resume of Iowa State, which has connected on 61 percent of its shots inside the arc thus far, is a two-point loss to Auburn in the Maui Invitational last week. Both programs deserve more acknowledgement as potential Final Four teams. — Medcalf
Big 12-Big East Battle | Wednesday | 8:30 p.m. ET | FS1
Creighton has lost three of its last four games, including two at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The Bluejays are returning home to face the No. 1 team in the country, which could get them to refocus. Greg McDermott desperately needs his team healthy, with Steven Ashworth, Pop Isaacs and Ryan Kalkbrenner all dealing with issues. A full-strength Creighton team would provide a test for Kansas, which is still looking for consistency from its perimeter newcomers. — Borzello
SEC/ACC Men’s Challenge | Wednesday | 9:15 p.m. ET | ESPN
Auburn entered the week ranked first on KenPom and second in the first NET rankings from the NCAA. Adding a road victory over Duke would strengthen Auburn’s case for the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll. Meanwhile, Johni Broome vs. Cooper Flagg is a battle between two national player of the year candidates. Flagg has had multiple mishaps toward the end of key games this season. He’ll get another chance to prove he can carry his team to a victory against a top opponent. — Medcalf
