We here at Starting Five HQ recognize that there’s a certain upcoming event this weekend that is getting most of the sports world’s attention. But there’s plenty of action on the collegiate hardwood worthy of notice leading up to those few hours on Sunday.
Our list of the top five games in men’s college basketball in fact actually begins on Friday evening. After that, there are marquee contests in each of the other four major conferences spread out through a busy Saturday, so there’s no need to be bored until the big party in the Big Easy kicks off on Sunday. Enjoy.
No. 6 Florida at No. 1 Auburn
Time/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
We begin with this week’s game of the century in the SEC, where given the sheer numbers you’re pretty much guaranteed to see at least one top-10 showdown in the conference every week. The Tigers could absorb a loss or two in the coming month and still be comfortably placed at the head of an NCAA regional. But the fact that they haven’t taken any ‘L’s yet in the nation’s deepest conference means they’ll probably be a popular pick to cut down the nets even if that happens. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, however, as there will be a lot of physically taxing games ahead starting with this one. The Gators, very much in the mix for a top seed, as well, could solidify that case by taking down No. 1 on the road. Florida hopes to regain the services of Walter Clayton Jr., who sat out the win against Vanderbilt earlier this week with a bad ankle. Regardless, handling Auburn’s constant ball pressure that generates 7.5 steals a game will be a major priority for the Gators. Tigers big man Johni Broome, meanwhile, is back to putting up double doubles after missing a couple of games. He’s hard to stop near the rim, but Florida’s Alex Condon will do his best.
No. 10 St. John’s at No. 18 Connecticut
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Fox
We move to the Big East for the Friday headliner as the red-hot Red Storm put their nine-game winning streak on the line, and two-time defending NCAA champion UConn looks for a springboard to a strong finish. The Huskies are hopeful this will be the return game for standout freshman Liam McNeeley, though his effectiveness against a physically tough team like St. John’s after an eight-game absence remains to be seen. The Red Storm have surged to the conference lead with a combination of stout defense, holding opponents under 40% shooting, and dominance on the boards. They don’t shoot particularly well themselves, but they generate a slew of second-chance opportunities led by Zuby Ejiofor.
BRACKETOLOGY: Texas A&M, St. John’s surging up NCAA tournament projection
No. 2 Duke at No. 21 Clemson
Time/TV: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Blue Devils head to Littlejohn Coliseum for what might just be their last obstacle to a perfect run through the ACC. The Tigers could use a good result here on their home court to offset the damaging loss to Georgia Tech sustained earlier this week. While Cooper Flagg has rightly gotten most of the accolades for Duke, the contributions of his freshman classmates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach shouldn’t be overlooked. Clemson has some experienced hands but is going to need a good shooting day from Chase Hunter to keep pace with the Blue Devils.
No. 12 Texas Tech at No. 20 Arizona
Time/TV: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
You’ll want to stay up for this one as the two hottest teams in the Big 12 convene at the McKale Center. The Red Raiders have won seven in a row, following their scrappy victory at Houston with a solid effort at home against Baylor. The Wildcats have rattled off five consecutive wins since dropping their first meeting with Texas Tech in Lubbock on Jan. 18. Arizona had few answers for JT Toppin in that encounter, but a hot streak from high-volume shooter Caleb Love can erase a Wildcats’ deficit quickly.
Oregon at No. 9 Michigan State
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox
Life in the bigger Big Ten has been different in 2025. This isn’t exactly the ideal time for the Ducks, in the throes of a four-game skid, to make their first visit to the Breslin Center as league members. The Spartans are likely to be a little salty themselves in their first action since dropping a pair on their Los Angeles road swing. Oregon was at least within shouting distance in its last outing at Michigan, but the Ducks would undoubtedly like to get more close-in opportunities for Nate Bittle this time. Michigan State has a long bench and spreads out its minutes, but with the game on the line the ball usually finds its way to Jaden Akins.