After last week’s numerous upsets, no one knows what to expect for the rest of the men's basketball season. There are several upset opportunities this week, starting on Tuesday.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: No. 2 Purdue at Indiana; 7 p.m. ET on Peacock
This week starts with one of the biggest in-state rivalries in college basketball. While this matchup is not as high-profile as last year's, any time these two programs meet, it's a game to watch.
As for this year's matchup, Purdue is the favorite. The Boilermakers are the Big Ten frontrunner and No. 2 team in the nation. But in a game like this, anything is possible. The Boilermakers include reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey, alongside stellar guards Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith.
For Indiana, forward Malik Reneau has led the charge with Trey Galloway and Mackenzie Mgbako also having good performances throughout the season. The biggest matchup will most likely be inside, where IU’s Kel’el Ware will try to prevent Edey from dominating the paint. Overall, Purdue may have the edge in talent, but because of Assembly Hall’s raucous environment, it could be anyone’s game.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: No. 24 Iowa State at No. 18 BYU; 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+
This is another Tuesday night game on a paid streaming service. Both teams had possible season-altering weeks last week, but for different reasons. The Cyclones beat No. 2 Houston, which vaulted them into the AP Top 25, while BYU dropped another game. The Cougars' conference record is now 1-2.
That divergence makes this matchup especially interesting since the Big 12 is such a competitive league. For Iowa State, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Tre King are the names of note. They've really started to click as a unit. Jaxson Robinson, Trevin Knell and Spencer Johnson are the big names for the Cougars, who have been somewhat of a surprise thus far.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: No. 18 Creighton at No. 1 UConn; 7 p.m. ET on FS1
This is the Huskies’ first time ranked No. 1 since 2009, but they have won three national championships since then.
Creighton has a big three of Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander, all veterans who are all very solid players. For UConn, Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban and Tristen Newton are the names to note, all of whom have All-Big East potential.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: No. 25 Texas Tech at No. 2 Houston; 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU
The Red Raiders have had a bit of a surprising year, finding themselves ranked after starting undefeated in Big 12 play.
Houston, on the other hand, has lost two in a row. The Cougars are looking a bit down after being the last undefeated team in the nation.
Saturday, Jan. 20: No. 17 Marquette at St. John’s; Noon ET on FOX
Marquette travels to Madison Square Garden to take on St. John’s and this game should be a big one because the Big East standings are so tight.
Marquette has recently dropped some games many college basketball fans would have assumed the team would win, resulting in just a 3-3 conference record thus far.
Saturday, Jan. 20: No. 24 Iowa State at No. 19 TCU; 2 p.m. ET on ESPNU
This is Iowa State's second ranked game of the week. The Cyclones will face TCU, which had an amazing set of games last week. TCU had two big wins last week over Oklahoma and Houston.
Saturday, Jan. 20: No. 22 Ole Miss at No. 13 Auburn; 8:30 p.m. ET on SECN
The nightcap for Saturday's action features a good one in the SEC, as Ole Miss travels to Auburn to take on the Tigers. The Rebels have just one loss on the season, but they've played a weak schedule. This game represents one of their few tests so far.
It won't be easy against the Tigers and their crowd, which is known for being great, especially in conference games. The Tigers may be the SEC frontrunner, with other contenders in the mix, including Ole Miss. This will make it a very important game for the standings and for their NCAA tournament resumes.
Elms' Essentials: Week 12
