When men's basketball programs finalized their non-conference schedules back in August and September, many fans circled Dec. 16 as one of the most action-packed days of the entire season. Well, Dec. 16 is almost upon us and it's set to live up to the hype that started in the preseason.
There are three games between ranked teams, including Arizona versus Purdue and North Carolina versus Kentucky on Saturday.
Friday, Dec. 15: No. 5 UConn vs. No. 10 Gonzaga | 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2
After a less-than-compelling start to the week's slate of games, the real action kicks off late Friday night inside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. That's where UConn will take on Gonzaga in a top-10 showdown. Both teams look solid so far this season, but the Zags are coming off an upset loss at Washington.
UConn's lone loss was on the road to Kansas and the Huskies have several quality wins on their resume. Keep an eye on the big men down low in Gonzaga's Graham Ike and UConn's Donovan Clingan. Most experts picked UConn in this one, but don’t be shocked if the Zags win in their home state.
Saturday, Dec. 16: No. 2 Kansas at Indiana | 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS
A packed Saturday slate features two historic programs playing in Assembly Hall, where the Jayhawks are heavily favored. Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris and Kevin McCullar Jr. headline another Bill Self-coached team that looks like a serious championship contender.
Indiana usually boasts a very rowdy home crowd, especially for big games like this, which is why an upset is possible. However, after a nearly 30-point defeat last Saturday to Auburn, IU didn't look like a team that can contend with Kansas in its last game.
Saturday, Dec. 16: No. 6 Baylor vs. Michigan State | 2 p.m. ET on FOX
The Spartans have already suffered five losses on the season, including an 0-2 start in Big Ten play. It's an abysmal start for the preseason No. 4 team in the country. Michigan State is now desperate for a big win. Baylor is one of just the seven remaining teams without a loss.
Saturday, Dec. 16: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 Houston | 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Both teams started in the polls but only Houston is still ranked. This is because the Aggies, led by Wade Taylor IV and Henry Coleman III, have lost two of their last three games. However, a win for Texas A&M could vault the Aggies into the rankings once again.
Houston, on the other hand, is still unbeaten. Led by L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp and Jamal Shead, the Cougars look like a serious national title contender.
Saturday, Dec. 16: No. 13 Clemson at Memphis | 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+
Clemson is another one of the seven remaining undefeated teams. P.J. Hall and Joseph Girard III both average over 15 points per game. Meanwhile, Memphis is coming off of a win over Texas A&M.
Saturday, Dec. 16: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 3 Purdue | 4:30 p.m. ET on Peacock
It’s rare to see a top-three matchup in the regular season so this matchup is really special.
Both teams have several all-conference-caliber players. Purdue's top players include Zach Edey, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, while Arizona's roster features veterans Oumar Ballo, Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson.
Purdue is favored, albeit slightly, in what should be one of the best games of the regular season.
Saturday, Dec. 16: No. 9 North Carolina vs. No. 14 Kentucky | 5:30 p.m. ET on CBS
This game is part of the CBS Sports Classic. Anytime these two programs meet, it seems like an instant classic, like when Kentucky won 103-100 in this event in 2016 behind Malik Monk's 47 points or when North Carolina won on a Luke Maye game-winner three months later in the Elite Eight en route to a national title.
