NCAAB · 8 months ago

10 Biggest Must-See Matchups in College Basketball This Weekend

Grant White

Host · Writer

(11) Wisconsin Badgers vs (8) Michigan State Spartans
As usual, college basketball fans have a quiet Sunday to look forward to, except for the Big Ten matinee between the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan State Spartans. Both teams are 7-3 over their last ten, earning signature wins over marquee opponents. Wisconsin can still catch the Spartans atop the conference standings but needs to pull off the upset in East Lansing to keep those hopes alive.

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UCLA Bruins vs (20) Purdue Boilermakers
At the rate they're going, there's still enough time for the Purdue Boilermakers to play themselves out of a tournament spot. Purdue has dropped four straight and five of 10, compromising their position as a Quad 1 team. Things don't get any easier as they welcome the UCLA Bruins to Mackey Arena for a Friday night Big Ten battle. UCLA is rising and could validate its position as a top-25 team by knocking off the Boilermakers as +5.5 underdogs.

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(1) Auburn Tigers vs (17) Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday's early slate is relatively unassuming, except for the SEC tilt between two top-25-ranked opponents. The top-seeded Auburn Tigers head to Lexington for a showdown with the 17th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. This is the only time these teams will meet during the regular season, but it could foreshadow a late-round SEC Tournament game. Playing at Rupp Arena could be the x-factor in helping Kentucky pull off the upset.
(10) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday's Big 12 clash between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kansas Jayhawks is a classic battle of strength versus strength. The high-flying Red Raiders invade the Allen Fieldhouse to try and break through the Jayhawks' stifling defense. Texas Tech was stymied earlier in the week, putting up just 61 points in a loss to the Houston Cougars. A similar outcome is expected against Kansas.
(6) Alabama Crimson Tide vs (5) Tennessee Volunteers
Arguably the most anticipated game of the weekend, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers renew acquaintances in a crucial SEC test. Bama has asserted itself as one of the top offensive teams in the country. The Crimson Tide average more points per game than any other program, and they play at a breakneck speed. Slowing them down will be the key if Tennessee hopes to escape with the victory.

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Creighton Bluejays vs Xavier Musketeers
Unless they find a way to go on a Big East Tournament run, the Xavier Musketeers could be on the outside looking in come tournament time. Xavier has looked suspect at times this season, dropping a few questionable decisions to bad teams. This is Xavier's last actual test before the conference tournament, so expect them to try their best to earn another signature win.
(14) Missouri Tigers vs Vanderbilt Commodores
After a three-game losing streak, the Vanderbilt Commodores are trying to prove they are a legitimate threat in the SEC. Vandy is coming off back-to-back wins off ranked opponents and can make it three in a row against the Missouri Tigers. Mizzou has crossed the century mark in two of its last three. Another dominant offensive showing could be in store against defensively-liable Commodores.
(12) Texas A&M Aggies vs (3) Florida Gators
The Texas A&M Aggies and Florida Gators stumble into their weekend showdown in Gainsville. The Aggies have dropped three in a row and could be on the verge of falling out of the top 25 with another loss ahead of the updated rankings. While they've only lost one, the Gators were completely out-gunned in their mid-week showdown versus the Georgia Bulldogs. Still, both teams should be operating at peak capacity as they look to end the week on a high note.

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(22) Arizona Wildcats vs (9) Iowa State Cyclones
The Arizona Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones must find their footing ahead of the big dance. Zona has lost three of its last five and could be out of the top 25 with another loss. While they aren't at risk of falling out of the national rankings, the Cyclones have lost two in a row and five of ten. If Iowa State loses any more ground, they could compromise their position as a Quad 1 team. Expect both programs to be at their best on Saturday night.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs (25) BYU Cougars
The West Virginia Mountaineers are desperately trying to prove they are tournament-worthy. WVU has been teetering on the bubble for most of the season but is running out of opportunities to prove itself. This will be their last top-25 showdown ahead of the Big 12 Tournament. The Mountaineers cannot afford another loss to the BYU Cougars.
(11) Wisconsin Badgers vs (8) Michigan State Spartans
As usual, college basketball fans have a quiet Sunday to look forward to, except for the Big Ten matinee between the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan State Spartans. Both teams are 7-3 over their last ten, earning signature wins over marquee opponents. Wisconsin can still catch the Spartans atop the conference standings but needs to pull off the upset in East Lansing to keep those hopes alive.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
UCLA Bruins vs (20) Purdue Boilermakers
At the rate they're going, there's still enough time for the Purdue Boilermakers to play themselves out of a tournament spot. Purdue has dropped four straight and five of 10, compromising their position as a Quad 1 team. Things don't get any easier as they welcome the UCLA Bruins to Mackey Arena for a Friday night Big Ten battle. UCLA is rising and could validate its position as a top-25 team by knocking off the Boilermakers as +5.5 underdogs.

March Madness 2025: Top National Championship Contenders

10 Biggest Must-See Matchups in College Basketball This Weekend

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