As Week 9 of men’s college basketball continues, here are Andy Katz’s top 10 must-watch games.
1. Kentucky vs. Alabama
How to watch: 12 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN
Kentucky is intact and ready to roll, but the Tide have one of the toughest offenses to defend. They can run out and score in different positions. It should be a very fun time.
2. Michigan State vs. Nebraska
How to watch: Friday nights 9pm on Peacock
The Huskers are undefeated in the Big 10 and overall, and if they beat the Spartans in Lincoln, they’ll have a late-season tiebreaker.
3. Southern California vs. Michigan
How to watch: Friday night 7pm on Peacock
The Trojans begin their three-game road trip with their toughest game yet. USC’s interior may overlap with Michigan’s. Still, it will be a great barometer for the Trojans in the Big Ten.
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4. Tennessee vs. Arkansas
How to watch: 3 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN2
This game will feature some of the best freshmen in the country and should turn the SEC off and move forward. Looking forward to physical contact in Fayetteville.
5. UCLA in Iowa
How to watch: Saturdays at 6pm ET on Peacock
The Bruins are off to a 2-0 start, but now find themselves in a tough spot to win at Iowa. Bennett Stirz has been impressive of late, but the Bruins defense, led by Skye Clarke, is clicking.
6. Purdue at Wisconsin
How to watch: 8pm ET Saturdays on FOX
The Badgers are in need of a win at home after splitting two December games. It will be a monster challenge for their defenders. Purdue proved they don’t give up on the road with a win over Alabama.
7. Louisville vs. California
How to watch: Tuesdays at 9pm on the ACC Network
Never thought it would be on the list to open the ACC, but the Bears are a real top-five contender at 12-1 in the non-conference.
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8. SMU at North Carolina
How to watch: Saturdays at 2:15pm on The CW Network
The Tar Heels are healthy and look like a real threat to win the ACC. Meanwhile, this is a golden opportunity for the Mustangs to prove whether they are contenders or pretenders.
9. Baylor vs. TCU
How to watch: Saturdays at 2pm ET on TNT
For the Horned Frogs, the Bears may be able to debut James Nnaji in a crucial game where they can prove they can compete in the top half early in the Big 12.
10. Villanova vs. Butler
How to watch: Saturdays at 12pm ET on TNT
The Wildcats showed they are a real threat to finish in the top three with a win at Seton Hall. Butler was unable to play at UConn, but had to play at home against top-half teams to finish in the top five.
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