There will be plenty of must-watch college basketball games played throughout the season. We could be getting an early look at some match-ups we could see possibly again in March Madness. Some teams have some difficult schedules ahead, but here are 10 must-watch college hoops action in the opening week of the season.
Must See Opening Night Games
Champions Classic: #1 Michigan State vs. #2 Kentucky on 11/5
The season kicks off in a big way on Tuesday, November 5th, as the top four teams in the country will meet at Madison Square Garden for the 2019 addition of the Champions Classic. In a match-up of the top two teams in the country sees the Michigan State Spartans square-off with the Kentucky Wildcats. Its Tom Izzo versus John Calipari, two Hall of Fame coaches and two squads with real National Title aspirations. More importantly, we could be seeing a match-up of two leading candidates for National Player of the Year. Cassius Winston is the established leader for the Spartans, while freshman Tyrese Maxey will look to make an impact quickly for the Wildcats. This is a can’t miss match-up.
Champions Classic: #3 Kansas vs. #4 Duke on 11/5
Kentucky and Michigan State won’t be the only highly touted match-up in New York City, as the Jayhawks and Blue Devils will also be facing each other on opening night. This match-up will open up the Champions Classic and could be the true definition of a Blue Blood match-up. Kansas has key leaders in Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson, while the Blue Devils will lean on Tre Jones for leadership, while they look to break in a new freshman group. Like the Spartans-Wildcats match-up, this is a must-see game.
#20 Saint-Mary’s vs. Wisconsin on 11/5
The Gaels and Badgers will square-off on a neutral-court as they meet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for an opening night clash. Saint-Mary’s were runner-up to Gonzaga in the WCC last season and were able to squeak into the NCAA tourney, before a1st-round exit in a loss to Villanova. The Badgers may not be in the rankings to start the season but they have plenty of potential with a strong-returning frontcourt of Brad Davidson and D’Mtrik Trice. The Gaels will have to lean on new faces including Kristers Korikiz and Aaron Menzies. With a brutal non-conference ahead, the Gaels could use a win here. The Badgers are no-pushover.
Must-See Games 11/6 through 11/9
Notre Dame at #9 North Carolina
What a start to the season as the ACC takes an early center stage, as the Fighting Irish visits Chapel Hill for a battle with the Tar Heels. An early test for freshman guard Cole Anthony. Will this team gel, or can the Irish sneak out a win? 11/6
Cincinnati at #18 Ohio State
An in-state duel as the Bearcats visits Columbus for their season opener. The Buckeyes have plenty of returning talent to compete in the Big Ten. Can new head coach John Brannen continue the Bearcats success? This could go a long way come tourney time. For fans of Ohioian basketball, this is a must-see. 11/6
#11 Virginia at Syracuse
In yet another opening week ACC-clash, the defending national champion Cavaliers won’t have it easy as they visit the Carrier Dome. The Syracuse Orange will hope to make life difficult for Virginia. This makes for must-see conference action right from the start. 11/6
#24 Auburn vs. Davidson
The Tigers and Wildcats will square off in Annapolis, Maryland. This doesn’t have the feel of a big-time match-up, but Auburn was a Final Four team last season, and Davidson has an impact-star in the making. That makes this a worthy match-up. Can Kellan Grady unleash his inner-Steph Curry? 11/8
#16 Baylor vs. Washington
Is that a chill I feel, it should be a cold one as the Bears and Huskies meet-up in Anchorage, Alaska. Which team will be able to survive the cold? 11/8
Texas at #23 Purdue
The Longhorns venture north for a clash with the 23rd-ranked Boilermakers. It should be loud and packed inside Mackey Arena for a must-see Big Ten-Big 12 clash. No more Carsen Edwards, who will fill the role? Texas could be down, as they lost most of their key contributors. 11/9
Oklahoma vs. Minnesota
I mean neither team is ranked to start the season, yet the Gophers have some good mojo surrounding them. Daniel Oturu and Gabe Kalscheur are strong pieces to build around. Oh, will they miss Amir Coffey and Jordan Murphy, but coming off an NCAA tourney appearance, the Gophers will be a player this season. The Sooners have lots of youth, but that could bold well for the future.
