10 Biggest Must-See Matchups in College Basketball This Weekend

(24) Creighton Blue Jays vs (9) St John's Red Storm

Undoubtedly the most anticipated bout of the weekend, the ninth-ranked St John's Red Storm host the Creighton Blue Jays in a Sunday afternoon matinee. The Johnnies were just handed their fourth loss of the season, dropping a two-point heartbreaker to the Villanova Wildcats. Likewise, the Blue Jays lost to the UConn Huskies last time, ending a nine-game winning streak. This matchup could foreshadow the Big East Final, with the victor potentially earning a No. 1 in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

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(16) Wisconsin Badgers vs (7) Purdue Boilermakers

Once again, the Big Ten is loaded with some of the top teams in the country, two of which will go toe-to-toe on Saturday afternoon. The 16th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers have won three in a row to move within striking distance of the top spot in the conference. Standing in their way is a resolute Purdue Boilermakers squad that can overwhelm opponents with their efficient 49.3% shooting percentage. Wisconsin will need to be at its best defensively, a characteristic lacking on the road.

(6) Houston Cougars vs (13) Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats face a daunting task on Saturday afternoon, trying to penetrate the Houston Cougars' top-ranked defense. Houston plays an unmerciful brand of basketball in its half of the court, limiting opponents to just 57.3 points per game on 38.2% shooting. Arizona's success relies heavily on its trio of guards, who could have trouble getting open looks against the Cougars.

(1) Auburn Tigers vs (2) Alabama Crimson Tide

It feels like football season to see these two SEC juggernauts ranked first and second. The Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have built their success on offensive efficiency, albeit with Bama playing with more pace than their rivals. Auburn needs to be ready to defend the three-ball, but that's been a strength for the Tigers all season.

(22) Mississippi State Bulldogs vs (19) Ole Miss Rebels

The in-state rivalry trend continues with another heavyweight SEC tilt. The Mississippi State Bulldogs travel to Oxford to face the Ole Miss Rebels. The Bulldogs hold an offensive advantage, particularly on the glass, but it might not be enough to break through the Rebels' stifling defense. The home faithful might help lead Ole Miss to victory in this one.

(11) Michigan State Spartans vs Illinois Fighting Illini: UCLA at Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini deserve more than the 17 wins they have on the season. Illinois plays an unrelenting game at both ends of the court, ranking in the top 30 in offensive and defensive efficiency ratings. They'll need to be at their best if they hope to knock off the Michigan State Spartans in Champaign. Michigan State was just handed an unexpected defeat against the Indiana Hoosiers as -11.5 chalk. Surely, the Fighting Illini will have better odds than that on Saturday.

(15) Kentucky Wildcats vs Texas Longhorns

The last of five SEC games on our list, the Texas Longhorns will be looking to break out of their slump against the 15th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Texas has dropped three in a row to fall a distant 4-8 in conference play. Their tournament hopes are all but extinct, meaning they'll need to run the table through the SEC Tournament if they want a seat in the big dance. They can start building that momentum now with a win over the Wildcats.

(20) Michigan Wolverines vs Ohio State Buckeyes

Any time the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes face off, it's appointment viewing. Sunday's clash at Value State Arena is no exception. The Buckeyes have fallen out of favor in the Big Ten, climbing back to .500 with their latest win. They can't afford to lose any more ground in the Big Ten; otherwise, they will face an insurmountable climb in the conference tourney.

Utah State Aggies vs New Mexico Lobos

We're taking a break from the usual suspects to highlight an underappreciated mid-major matchup. The Utah State Aggies and New Mexico Lobos, who sit second and first in the Moutain West, take to the court on Sunday afternoon. New Mexico decimated the Aggies at the start of the month and will likely be installed as prohibitive favorites at home. Nevertheless, Utah State has been on an unrelenting pace since that defeat and will have revenge on its mind at The Pit.

(24) Creighton Blue Jays vs (9) St John's Red Storm

Undoubtedly the most anticipated bout of the weekend, the ninth-ranked St John's Red Storm host the Creighton Blue Jays in a Sunday afternoon matinee. The Johnnies were just handed their fourth loss of the season, dropping a two-point heartbreaker to the Villanova Wildcats. Likewise, the Blue Jays lost to the UConn Huskies last time, ending a nine-game winning streak. This matchup could foreshadow the Big East Final, with the victor potentially earning a No. 1 in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

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