It is our long-standing policy here at Starting Five headquarters that the word ‘penultimate’ must be used whenever possible. OK, actually we just made that rule up. But be that as it may, we now find ourselves heading into the penultimate weekend of the men’s college basketball regular season, with Selection Sunday now just just two weeks away.
This weekend’s slate features the usual top-10 clash in the SEC, a second Top 25 showdown in that league, and a pair of significant contests in the Big 12. The weekend wraps up with a Sunday tilt important for contenders in the Big Ten.
Here’s the breakdown of the quintet of matchups that will have an impact on the upcoming NCAA Tournament announcement.
No. 1 Auburn at No. 23 Kentucky
Time/TV: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, ABC.
To say that the top-ranked Tigers have been on a roll is something of an understatement. Auburn enters on a five-game winning streak, capped by Wednesday’s demolition of Ole Miss, and is two games clear in the deepest conference in the nation. The Wildcats have been treading water of late splitting their last eight contests, so they hope the Rupp Arena environment provides a boost for this one. Another plus for Kentucky is the return of point guard Lamont Butler from a shoulder injury. He doled out six assists Wednesday at Oklahoma despite fouling out, and he’ll need to shake off more rust to deal with Tigers’ super pest Chad Baker-Mazara. But like nearly every other opponent Auburn has faced, the Wildcats might not have an answer for big man Johni Broome near the rim.
No. 10 Texas Tech at Kansas
Time/TV: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
While this still shapes up as a major road test for the Red Raiders, it looms as even more of a must-win for Kansas. The Jayhawks are not in bubble trouble, but they’ve been a .500 team since the calendar turned to February, and their postseason staying power is very much in question. Kansas has won its last two but closes with the Big 12’s top three teams, starting with this one. Texas Tech couldn’t complete the season sweep of league leader Houston on Monday night but was within a single possession in the final minute despite missing two of its top three scorers, Chance McMillian and Darrion Williams. Both are still listed as day-to-day, but JT Toppin can expect a heavy workload whether or not those teammates are available. KU’s perimeter shooting has been spotty at best in Big 12 play, so Hunter Dickinson has had to contend with frequent traffic inside.
No. 6 Alabama at No. 5 Tennessee
Time/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
The SEC game of the century of the week could, for the moment at least, determine a spot on the No. 1 seed line in bracket projections. How much postseason success that would actually portend remains to be seen, of course, but a win here on the first day of March would be welcomed. On the surface it’s a contrast in styles, with Alabama’s high-octane attack pitted against the Volunteers’ lockdown defense. But no matter whose preferred tempo prevails, the game will ultimately hinge on making shots. The percentages say the Crimson Tide have more guys capable of doing that, but second-chance points could prove to be an equalizer for Tennessee.
No. 21 Arizona at No. 9 Iowa State
Time/TV: Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Perhaps Arizona didn’t exactly break Iowa State back on Jan. 27, but it is undeniable that the Cyclones haven’t been the same since Caleb Love’s half-court buzzer-beater and overtime dominance propelled the Wildcats to victory in Tucson. Iowa State is now on a two-game skid and could use some Hilton magic to restore the confidence it displayed during the first half of the season. It would also help if Keshon Gilbert is able to return from injury, but that might not be determined until game time. The Wildcats for their part have come back to earth a bit since winning 11 of their first 12 in conference. Love will come out firing as he always does, and Jaden Bradley will also try to help quiet the crowd in Ames.
No. 12 Wisconsin at No. 8 Michigan State
Time/TV: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET, CBS
We can’t promise another game winner from backcourt, but the Spartans have certainly made for interesting viewing of late. They now put a four-game winning streak on the line against the Badgers, who successfully closed out Washington after letting Oregon get away last weekend. Long-time Wisconsin fans might still have a hard time recognizing their current team that is putting up 81.9 points a game, paced by Big Ten player of the year candidate John Tonje’s 19.5 per contest. Michigan State can play fast as well but is just as comfortable in a defensive slog like Wednesday night’s squeaker at Maryland. The Spartans’ depth allows them to challenge opposing shooters for the full 40 minutes, so the Badgers must be selective of when to push the pace.