Entering week 12 of the college basketball season, teams shift into their full conference schedules. This week delivers multiple matchups that are bound to shift the rankings and spark rivalries. As the league races heat up, every game increases in its importance of helping shape college basketball and the top 25 rankings.
As one of the only unbeaten teams left in the country, Arizona remains top of the rankings sitting at (18-0) on the season before their matchup tonight hosting Cincinnati. The Bearcats were 0-3 against top 25 teams this season before they stunned No. 2 Iowa State 79-70 and handed the Cyclones their second straight loss. With hope and fuel to their fire, Cincinnati will look to pull off another upset against the current top-ranked Wildcats.
Another unbeaten team, Nebraska, will take on Washington tonight as they look to continue their undefeated run. The Cornhuskers stand at No. 8 in the country, only facing off against two ranked opponents so far this season. With matchups against the stronger side of the Big Ten coming up, Nebraska will use these games to prepare for Michigan, Illinois and Purdue in the next few weeks.
No. 3 Michigan will face off against Ohio State on Friday, Jan. 23. The Wolverines have shown their dominance this season, dropping just one game on the year, putting up their case as a favorite to win the National Championship. As for the Buckeyes, their losses have mostly come from the top 25 teams, falling a few points short every time. They can keep it close against any team; they just need to focus on closing the games in high pressure situations. If they can improve that, they can make some noise in March.
Saturday’s slate displays multiple big conference games, putting some of the best against each other. In the Big East, No. 2 UConn looks to notch their fifteenth straight win of the season after a nailbiter against Georgetown last weekend. Georgetown will also travel to Providence to take on the Friars in a highly anticipated rival matchup.
ACC powerhouses No. 22 North Carolina and No. 14 Virginia will face off in an eagerly awaited mashup. With the Tar Heels struggling in conference play, they will need this win to get back on pace as they prepare for the upcoming conference battles. As for the Cavaliers, they look to secure their sixth straight win after falling to Virginia Tech in triple overtime for their second loss of the season.
The Big Ten pits Illinois against Purdue in a top 12 matchup. Purdue is undefeated in conference play, competing for the top spot against Nebraska and sitting comfortably with the top teams in the country. Illinois has not lost since mid-December when they fell to undefeated Nebraska. Both programs have since continued their success; however, one will pause its run this weekend.
No. 6 Houston looks to take on No. 12 Texas Tech with both programs near the top of their conference, the Big 12. Houston came out as one of the favorites to cut down the nets this year even after their one and only loss to No. 17 Tennessee in November. They have since been on an 11-game winning streak, taking down two top 15-ranked opponents. As for Texas Tech, they have made some noise this year taking down Duke and BYU, showing they have the skill to defeat any program.
For one of the late-night games, Tennessee will travel to No. 17 Alabama. The SEC clash will test the Volunteers after falling short to Kentucky 80-78. The Tide has shown signs of inconsistency regardless of their offensive dominance. It is still early in conference play, but all games show importance and much needed practice in anticipation for March.
Monday of next week has No. 23 Louisville traveling to Durham to face the top ranked Blue Devils. Duke sits at No. 5 in the AP poll, losing only once this season but also defeating six top 25 teams. Even in times of trouble, the Devils have shown they belong in Indianapolis this April.
Lastly, No. 1 Arizona travels north to Utah where No. 13 BYU awaits the hottest team in America. The Wildcats have shown no signs of slowing down, demolishing any team in their way. The tough Big 12 schedule might catch up to them though as they will later face off against top 20 teams in four straight games.
Although half a season remains, the top teams are starting to make their separation from the others. With the top 6 teams in the country playing on another level, they show no signs of stopping.