Top-10 Clash: Duke-North Carolina & Houston-Kansas Weekend Showdowns

The Weekend’s Biggest College Basketball Match-Ups

If you’re a college basketball fan, cancel your weekend plans immediately. You will not want to miss the full slate of top-10 games and other note-worthy match-ups, all with potential impacts on NCAA tournament bids.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Houston vs. Kansas College Basketball Game

4 p.m. ET on ESPN

In the first of this weekend’s top-10 match-ups, number 4 ranked Houston is visiting Allen Fieldhouse to face number 8 ranked Kansas. While Houston currently leads the conference standings, a win against Kansas would be a major statement for the Cougars’ season.

Keep an eye on Houston’s dynamic duo, Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer, who have proved to be one of the best pairs in the country. This game could be a toss-up due to Kansas’ home-court advantage. Plus, you can’t discount Kansas’ star players, Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson.

This conference game showcases the benefit of Houston joining the previously strong Big 12 conference.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Duke vs. North Carolina College Basketball Game

6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Duke and North Carolina renew their storied rivalry in Chapel Hill. Despite preseason expectations favoring Duke, North Carolina has been the more impressive squad so far this season.

North Carolina, led by potential ACC Player of the Year R.J. Davis, and the talent of forwards Harrison Ingram and Armando Bacot, could be poised for a deep run in March. On the other side, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski is the player to watch, supported by guards Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Tennessee vs. Kentucky College Basketball Game

8 p.m. ET on ESPN

Both of these SEC powerhouses are chasing Alabama in the conference standings and are coming off losses, making this game crucial. Dalton Knecht of Tennessee and Antonio Reeves of Kentucky are both contenders for SEC Player of the Year.

Also, keep an eye on the promising freshmen, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, who have been standing out for the Wildcats this season.

Saturday, Feb. 3: UConn vs. St. John’s College Basketball Game

Noon ET on FOX

Top-ranked UConn travels to Madison Square Garden to face St. John’s. Despite St. John’s home advantage, UConn fans are known for filling MSG, creating an electric atmosphere for this match-up.

UConn, one of the most talented teams in the country, is led by Donovan Clingan, who should be back in action after dealing with injury issues. St. John’s is led by their standout center Joel Soriano, setting up an exciting match-up in the paint against Clingan.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Iowa State vs. Baylor College Basketball Game

8 p.m. ET on ESPN2

In this Big 12 face-off, both teams are vying for top spots in the conference standings. Iowa State, on a hot streak and led by guard Tamin Lipsey, is looking to maintain their position with only two conference losses so far. But Baylor, hot on their heels with only one more loss, will give them a tough challenge.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Utah State vs. San Diego State College Basketball Game

3:30 p.m. ET on FOX

This match-up between Utah State and San Diego State could have major implications for NCAA tournament seedings. Both are currently seeded as No. 6 seeds or better in the latest bracketology and are fighting for the Mountain West title.

Sunday, Feb. 4: Purdue vs. Wisconsin College Basketball Game

1 p.m. ET on CBS

This Big Ten showdown between number 2 ranked Purdue and number 6 ranked Wisconsin will wrap up the weekend. The conference title implications are huge and the winner will likely claim the top spot in the Big Ten standings.

Watch out for Purdue’s Zach Edey and Fletcher Loyer, and Wisconsin’s A.J. Storr and Max Klesmit. The game’s outcome could also be influenced by foul calls, especially after Purdue’s recent free throw disparity in their game against Northwestern.