College Basketball Saturday: 10 Games To Watch Without Oregon State On

1. Butler Bulldogs vs. Indiana Hoosiers (8:30 AM PT, FS1)*

The Crossroads Classic never fails to disappoint as they pair some of the Hoosier State’s biggest programs together yet again. Indiana is a solid 4-2 with losses to Texas and Florida State, while Butler is still just 1-1, as they’ve been dormant since November 25th before returning this week.

2. #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. #3 Iowa Hawkeyes (9:00 AM PT, CBS)*

Well, here’s the one we’ve all been waiting for. Gonzaga’s COVID-19 hiatus postponed a meeting with Baylor and now they draw Iowa as the Hawkeyes are starting to play the best basketball they’ve been all-season long. If nothing else, this one shouldn’t lack for any offensive prowess.

3. #12 Wisconsin Badgers vs. #23 Louisville Cardinals (9:00 AM PT, ESPN2)

A holdover clash from the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, both the Badgers and Cardinals boast four players who average double-figures in scoring and play a certified style of team basketball. Flashy? Not really. But some of the best college basketball squads in the land? Absolutely.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (11:00 AM PT, ESPNU)

Alabama and Western Kentucky both have some lingering inconsistencies, most which can be attributed to their style of play. The Crimson Tide live and die by the three ball, while the Hilltoppers know that they need more than just Charles Bassey to make things go. A good one.

5. Kentucky Wildcats vs. #22 North Carolina Tar Heels (11:00 AM PT, CBS)*

How weird can this one get? The Tar Heels bounced back from defeats at the hands of Texas and Iowa with one of the most unimpressive victories in Roy Williams tenure and Kentucky, well I think enough’s been written about them to try and define their 1-4 start. The CBS Sports Classic is on!

6. Dayton Flyers vs. Ole Miss Rebels (11:30 AM PT, NBCSN)

Ole Miss travels into Dayton with a flawless 4-0 record, awaiting an intriguing Flyers group that can turn the table. The Rebels think they have some very gifted back-court pieces in Devontae Shuler and Luis Rodriguez, but they haven’t seen anything like Ibi Watson and Jalen Crutcher yet.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Purdue Boilermakers (11:30 AM PT, ESPN2)*

The second tilt in the Crossroads Classic, Purdue is red-hot after their win over Ohio State, which is discovering who they after a 3-2 start to the year. For Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish have been tested like no other and won’t slow down anytime soon. Can they repeat their Kentucky win?

8. Winthrop Eagles vs. Furman Paladins (1:00 PM PT, ESPN+)

If you love mid-major basketball (and you better), this is probably the best clash of high-scoring sides that will entertain and battle for a full forty minutes. Winthrop is averaging 89.3 points per game through their 4-0 start, while Furman boasts an 85.0 scoring average at 5-2 overall.

9. #20 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. UCLA Bruins (1:15 PM PT, CBS)*

As we alluded to, Ohio State had a hard defeat to digest at the hands of Purdue and who the Buckeyes really are now comes into question. Chris Holtmann’s team got a gut check and didn’t like it. UCLA hasn’t lost since their season opener to San Diego State. The Bruins look ready.

10. Georgia Bulldogs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (5:00 PM PT, SECN)

Tom Crean has a whole heap of likeable SEC talent on his roster and without a focal point like Anthony Edwards, the Bulldogs are playing great team basketball and even has guys coming off the bench averaging double-digits in scoring. Can Cincinnati stop the bleeding in Athens?