College basketball delivered again last weekend, but this weekend could be truly memorable. The No. 1 game in the AP poll, which pits the top two teams in the nation against each other in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday, is undoubtedly noteworthy. Auburn has dominated the poll for much of the season, including the last five weeks, but now comes its biggest test, and Alabama could jump to the top of the AP poll the following week. In any case, this game will be historic as it will be the first time in SEC history for the top two-ranked teams in the nation.
There are plenty of other games worth watching, even though that one takes up most of the attention. This week, there are four ranked versus. ranked matches in three separate conferences. Furthermore, with 10 of the top 25 teams traveling for conference play, this week’s schedule has a lot of upset potential.
The top five men’s college basketball games to watch on Saturday are listed below.
5. No. 8 Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (12 p.m. ET)
What to anticipate: Free throws and 3-pointers are the lifeblood of both of these squads. At the rim, where Arkansas excels at securing its restricted territory, the real test will be conducted. The Razorbacks are swatting opponents at a rate of 5.7 blocks per game, which is second in the SEC and seventh nationally. Texas A&M, who are tied for second place in the SEC with 37.6 two-point field-goal attempts per game, will put them to the test.
Key stat: The Aggies are 12-1 when winning the rebounding battle by 10 or more this season and just 7-4 when failing to do so. The Razorbacks have been outrebounded in 11 games this season with a 3-8 record in those games. Trends: Arkansas has lost six straight meetings against AP top 10 teams. It has also lost seven straight matches against AP top 10 teams in SEC play. Texas A&M is 5-5 in its past 10 meetings against Arkansas. The Aggies are 4-2 in their past six games at home against the Razorbacks. 4. No. 6 Houston at No. 13 Arizona (2 p.m. ET) What to expect: A clash of opposites. Houston is the top defense in the Big 12 and in the country, while Arizona is the top offense in the Big 12. The Wildcats hunt for fouls and make their mark inside the 3-point line. They take almost 22 free throws per game, fourth in the Big 12. Fortunately for them, the Cougars foul a lot due to their physical nature, committing almost 17 fouls per game. Key stat: Arizona is 11-1 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 21-plus points per game, while Houston is 6-0 on the road, outscoring its opponents by 12-plus points per game. Moreover, Houston has just one regulation loss this season, and it was to No. 1 Auburn on a neutral court. Arizona needs to bring it Saturday. Trends: Arizona is 8-2 in its past 10 home games against AP top 10 teams and has won four consecutive games in those circumstances. Houston is 1-4 when allowing 70 or more points this season and is 19-0 when holding opponents under 70 points this year. 3. No. 16 Wisconsin at No. 7 Purdue (1 p.m. ET) What to expect: Both teams thrive offensively, with the Boilermakers and Badgers ranking eighth and ninth in offensive efficiency, respectively, according to KenPom. Moreover, they rely heavily on the 3-point shot, leading the conference with 10.2 made shots from deep per game. On the other side, the Boilermakers don’t hit a ton of 3-pointers, but when they do, they are incredibly difficult to beat, going 7-0 this season when making 10 or more. Key stat: When Wisconsin can avoid overfouling, it has been elite this season. When the Badgers’ opponents attempt 20 or more free throws, they are 3-5, but when they don’t attempt 20 free throws, the Badgers are 16-0. Purdue has 14 games with 20 or more free throws this season, posting a 12-2 record in those 14 games. Trends: Purdue has won three of the past four meetings against Wisconsin. The Boilermakers are also 6-1 against Wisconsin at home in their past six meetings. Wisconsin has lost three in a row and is 4-6 in its past 10 matchups when both the Badgers and their opponent are ranked.
