Every new beginning, as it is said, comes from some other beginning’s end. So while the men’s college basketball regular season reaches its – well, closing time this weekend, that in turn signals the start of the postseason when champions are declared and the quest for the ultimate banner commences.
The final installment of the Starting Five actually features a sixth player as it were, as we recognize that a certain rivalry game will garner plenty of attention even if neither participant is currently ranked. We’ll even add a seventh contest to watch to round out your Sunday viewing schedule, so there’s plenty of bench help this weekend. The true headliners, however, are a pair of Saturday top-10 clashes, with two other matchups of ranked squads.
No. 3 Kansas at No. 7 Texas
TIME/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
With the Big 12 regular-season title already secured and a No. 1 regional seed likely in the bank thanks to a bevy of top-tier victories, the Jayhawks can play this one with little to no pressure. The Longhorns are also in good shape in terms of their postseason resume, but they’d still like to snap a two-game mini-skid and present an argument for a top seed themselves. Kansas is nearly impossible to beat when facilitator extraordinaire Dajuan Harris isn’t turning the ball over, which he hasn’t been of late, but Longhorns super sub Sir’Jabari Rice can heat up at any time from the three-point arc.
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No. 9 Arizona at No. 4 UCLA
TIME/TV: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
UCLA has likewise clinched the Pac-12 regular-season crown, but the Bruins’ hold on a top seed is slightly more tenuous than that of Kansas. Is that important? Consider that while earning a No. 1 doesn’t guarantee a trip to the Final Four, the last five NCAA champions have been top seeds. In any event, the Bruins would also not mind avenging their earlier loss to the Wildcats in Tucson. While both teams are known for stingy defense, UCLA’s Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa are capable of long-distance deliveries should a comeback be required.
No. 2 Alabama at No. 21 Texas A&M
TIME/TV: Saturday, noon ET, CBS
There’s nothing on the line here as far as the upcoming SEC tournament is concerned with the Crimson Tide and Aggies having already secured the first and second seeds, respectively. But A&M wouldn’t mind having another high-end victory on its ledger to enhance its NCAA seeding, while Alabama wants to remain on the top line (see above). Amid a firestorm entirely of its own making, the Alabama team is sure to receive a warm welcome from the A&M fans who don’t have a whole lot of affection for the school to begin with. But on the court the Aggies must find a way to slow the Tide’s drive-and-dish game, an effort that will likely start with floor leader Wade Taylor IV who averages nearly three steals a game.
No. 25 Pittsburgh at No. 15 Miami
TIME/TV: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ACCN
The ACC picture is still quite muddled heading into the final weekend. One thing is clear: The winner of this game will be at least regular-season co-champs and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. The Hurricanes have had a week to stew since their collapse against Florida State. The Panthers, thanks to Wednesday’s subpar performance at Notre Dame, could slip to the fifth spot if things break badly for them. Pitt’s recent free-throw woes and Miami’s lack of attention to detail on defense are among the concerns for the respective coaching staffs as the season concludes.
Duke at North Carolina
TIME/TV: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Of course the Tar Heels and Blue Devils get the prime time position without either team being ranked, and the game certainly doesn’t lack for importance. UNC has moved closer to the correct side of the bubble but is in need of another Quad 1 victory to feel more secure on the eve of the ACC tournament. Duke still has an opportunity to crack the top four of the conference standings and a earn free pass to the quarterfinals, but really no outside incentives are necessary when facing the Heels. The Blue Devils, finally at full strength, enter on a five-game winning streak. UNC has won three in a row itself with improved perimeter shooting but would still be advised to run the offense through big man Armando Bacot when possible.
No. 1 Houston at Memphis
TIME/TV: Sunday, noon ET, CBS
It’s safe to say the Tigers have been pointing to this rematch for the last three weeks. That’s when Memphis, without its best player, was still able to hang with the Cougars in Houston until the final minutes. Kendric Davis is now back for the Tigers, and he’ll be eager to help back-court mate DeAndre Williams trade shots with Houston’s Marcus Sasser and Jarace Walker.
Illinois at No. 5 Purdue
TIME/TV: Sunday, 12:30 p.m. ET, Fox
By the time this contest on the final day of the regular campaign tips off, the Big Ten tournament picture will likely still be clear as mud. Both teams should therefore still have plenty to play for as they look to head into the postseason with some positive momentum. The Fighting Illini will have to make a high percentage of mid- to long-range shots to avoid challenging Purdue’s man in the middle Zach Edey too often. The Boilermakers’ young backcourt has been more loose with the ball in recent outings, but turnovers have been an issue for Illinois, too.
