College Basketball Best Games This Weekend: Feb. 3-4

The first weekend in February provides arguably the best weekend slate of the season in college basketball.

Note: There are plenty of watchable games that got left off, but added storylines make these matchups even more appealing.

Top 10 Power 6 games to watch: 

10. Colorado (15-6, 6-4) at Utah (14-7, 5-5) – Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. on PAC12

A few other games featured similar, if not better teams, but the magnitude of this game in the Pac-12 is too hard to ignore. Colorado is just 1-5 on the road this season and as a bubble team, could really use a win against a good Utah team. On the flip side, the Utes have lost two straight and are nowhere near a lock for the NCAA Tournament. The winner gets a resume booster, which is hard to come by in this conference.

9. Virginia (16-5, 7-3) at Clemson (14-6, 4-5) – Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. on ESPN

Just like the game above, Virginia and Clemson could both use this win equally and while losing a close contest won’t hurt either team, there are limited chances of Quad 1 wins in the ACC. Virginia is flying well under the radar, despite a solid non-conference slate. However, Clemson wants to prove they’re tournament-worthy after a close and controversial loss to Duke.

8. Nebraska (16-6, 6-5) at #14 Illinois (16-5, 7-3) – Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. on BTN

Sunday’s slate is better than usual and you can thank the Big Ten. While Nebraska-Illinois doesn’t top another Sunday game on this list, it’s worthy of some attention. The Cornhuskers have officially put the nation on notice with wins against Purdue and Wisconsin. Can they pull off the trifecta and knock off Illinois? The Fighting Illini are just 2-3 against the top five teams in the Big Ten and while they’re practically a tourney lock, a win over Nebraska can’t hurt.

7. #12 Iowa State (16-4, 5-2) at #18 Baylor (15-5, 4-3) – Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. on ESPN2

Top 20 matchups in the Big 12 are becoming far too common but we shouldn’t overlook Iowa State and Baylor. The Cyclones are one of the hottest teams in the country having taken down Kansas last weekend. The Bears have dipped a bit but can add to their resume with a win over Iowa State. On any other Saturday, this might be the best game to watch, but given how often ranked Big 12 teams play, and the slate to come, it’s a bit further down on the list. Still, these will be two single-digit seeds in March Madness, so it’s a very important game for bracket filling-out purposes.

6. #16 Auburn (17-4, 6-2) at Ole Miss (18-3, 5-3) – Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. on SECN

We might finally get a good glimpse of what Auburn is made of. The Tigers lost two games to two good SEC teams last week, but is that just a small bump in the road or a foreshadowing of what’s to come? While Ole Miss isn’t Kentucky or Tennessee, they’re still a good measuring tool. The college basketball world is still trying to figure out how good this Rebels team is too, so whoever wins is sure to pick up some extra brownie points.

5. #1 UConn (19-2, 9-1) at St. John’s (13-8, 5-5) – Feb. 3 at Noon on FOX

The nation’s number one team pays a visit to Madison Square Garden to face Rick Pitino and St. John’s. The matchup itself isn’t as good as a few of the games behind it, but taking the Red Storm’s record out of the equation and you have a Hall of Fame coached bubble team looking to knock off a rival at the Mecca. That’s a pretty good selling point, especially considering UConn nearly lost to Providence earlier in the week. Could the Huskies be on upset alert or will they continue to prove why they’re a favorite to win the National Championship?

4. #4 Houston (19-2, 6-2) at #8 Kansas (17-4, 5-3) – Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. on ESPN

Now we’re getting into the GREAT games. Does it get better than a top-10 college basketball matchup in February? I’m not sure if it does, and I’d love to debate if you disagree. This could very well be a deciding factor in which Big 12 team gets a 1 seed in March. I’m sure ONE Big 12 team will ultimately be on the one-line considering how respected the conference is this year. Houston can either solidify themselves as true contenders or Kansas can make up for a worse-than-usual start in conference play. Pick your poison.

3. #5 Tennessee (15-5, 5-2) at #10 Kentucky (15-5, 5-3) – Feb. 3 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

Coming into the season, we thought Tennessee and Kentucky might be the best teams in the SEC and for the most part, that’s come true. But both teams have one common denominator – losses to South Carolina! How about dem apples? Either way, the Gamecocks are one of the best stories on college basketball themselves. But sticking with this game, Dalton Knecht and Antonio Reeves is one of the best stories in the SEC. They’re arguably the two best players in the conference and one of them will earn bragging rights on Saturday night.

2. #2 Purdue (20-2, 9-2) at #6 Wisconsin (16-5, 8-2) – Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. on CBS

We might have saved the best for Sunday. The two best teams in the Big Ten will fight it out on CBS in a game sure to feel like March Madness. With UConn closing the gap on the top overall seed, Purdue could really use a road win over Wisconsin. Similarly, the Badgers don’t want to drop a second straight game after falling to Nebraska earlier in the week. Both teams are Final Four contenders and will play again on Mar. 10. However, I’m sure they might meet a third or fourth time. Get ready, this is the start of what should be the first of a few great battles.

1. #7 Duke (16-4, 7-2) at #3 North Carolina (17-4, 9-1) – Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. on ESPN

Why is Purdue-Wisconsin not number one? Well, Duke and North Carolina play. It’s the greatest rivalry in college basketball, college sports, and by some standards, all sports. You know the story. 8 miles separate the schools. They’re on the shortlist of blue bloods in college hoops. But now, the rivalry is taking a new form. With NIL, the transfer portal, and two new head coaches, it feels different. But when that ball tips, both shades of blue will remind everyone why it’s the best show in college basketball. And what could get better than both teams ranked in the top seven of the AP Poll?

Top 5 mid-major games to watch:

5. Samford (19-3, 8-1) at Chattanooga (15-7, 7-2) – Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN+

The SoCon always seems to have a few tournament-worthy teams and creates some great matchups in January and February. This weekend, first-place Samford visits a Chattanooga team they beat by 15 points earlier in the season. But make no mistake – the Mocs have improved. They’re tied for second in the conference and have picked up five straight wins, four of them coming on the road. Florida (and former VMI) transfer Trey Bonham is knocking down 49.2% of his threes. He’s only attempted 65 of them on the year, so the leading scorer has a lot more in his arsenal, but you have to respect him from all areas of the court. If Samford can put an end to his hot play, the Bulldogs might start making an argument for a potential two-bid SoCon.

4. Richmond (16-5, 8-0) at VCU (13-8, 5-3) – Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. on ESPNU

I saw VCU play against St. Bonaventure on Tuesday and while the Rams blew a 20-point lead, they have all sorts of talent on the court. At 8-0 in the Atlantic 10, Richmond has a target on their back and playing at VCU isn’t the easiest task. Still, it’s time we start respecting the Spiders putting them in the same conversation as Dayton. After all, they beat the Flyers and have a complete roster with super-scorer Jordan King and 7-footer Neal Quinn.

3. Saint Mary’s (17-6, 8-0) at Gonzaga (16-5, 7-1) – Feb. 3 at 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

We don’t just have some great Power 6 games. The mid-major slate is unbelievable. Do you consider Gonzaga a mid-major? What about Saint Mary’s? Both teams are playing like Power 6 schools and both could wind up getting at-large bids. In my eyes, the Gaels are nearly a lock and a win AT Gonzaga could make that 100%. The key is in the keyhole, they just need that final twist. But can the Zags also start making their own key copy? Mark Few has NEVER missed the NCAA Tournament. He took over as head coach in 1999. That’s a streak if I’ve ever seen one and I’m sure he doesn’t want to let it slip.

2. Drake (18-4, 9-2) at Indiana State (19-3, 10-1) – Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. on ESPN2

Speaking about potential multi-bid leagues, Drake and Indiana State are hoping the Missouri Valley will become one. In my opinion, they both deserve a spot in the field. And if only one gets in, it’s why the tournament needs to be expanded. But that’s a conversation for another day. Robbie Avila has the Sycamores channeling their Larry Bird days and Tucker DeVries might be the Mid-Major All-American. I’m sure most college basketball fans will watch Duke and UNC at this exact time, but I plead with you to change the channel during breaks. It won’t disappoint.

1. #17 Utah State (19-2, 7-1) at San Diego State (16-5, 5-3) – Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. on FOX

I’m ready to argue that not only is the Mountain West a “Power Conference,” this season, but it might only be behind the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC. I’d mark it nearly even with the Big East. There are just too many possible second-weekend teams to ignore, and arguably the best two at this moment in time square off Saturday afternoon. Utah State still doesn’t have the respect of our very own TJ O’Sullivan, so can the Aggies prove him wrong?

My First 5 Out:

– Utah State
– Dayton
– Texas
– Ole Miss
– Indiana State

— TJ O’Sullivan (@SullyVoice_) January 29, 2024

At 19-2 he doesn’t believe, but maybe at 20-2 he’ll finally catch on. Meanwhile, San Diego State could use another quality win to stay in good graces of the NCAA Tournament selection committee. They’re not in danger of falling out of the field, but you can never be too sure!

3 underrated games to watch:

3. Florida (15-6, 5-3) at Texas A&M (12-8, 3-4) – Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. on ESPN2

Two SEC bubble teams face off in a must-win on both sides. The Gators just knocked off Kentucky on the road, and if not for a home collapse, would have swept the Wildcats. Can they continue their hot play and win at Texas A&M? The Aggies are under .500 in SEC play and could really use this win. They’ve got great metrics, but a 12-8 record doesn’t sit too well with me.

2. Maryland (13-8, 5-5) at Michigan State (13-8, 5-5) – Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. on FOX

A must-win for two Big Ten squads. Michigan State is 2-7 in Quad 1 games and while a home game against Maryland is nowhere near a Quad 1 win, it would be solid enough to give the Spartans some respect. But the Terps are sneakily 13-8 and creeping up the Big Ten standings. Kevin Willard usually gets his teams playing good basketball when they need to find wins, so this could be their chance.

1. #23 Oklahoma (16-5, 4-4) at UCF (12-8, 3-5) – Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. on BIG12/ESPN+

So many great games in the Big 12 like always, but here’s one that’s slipping under the radar. Remember when UCF beat Kansas and then knocked off Texas on the road? I wouldn’t say the Knights are out of the tournament talk and a win over Oklahoma should keep them firmly back on the bubble. Meanwhile, the Sooners have started to slip and want to stay on track in the Big 12.

Bonus pick!

1. Washington State (15-6, 6-4) at Washington (12-9, 4-6) – Feb. 3 at 9 p.m. on PAC12

Mike Hopkins has not gotten the most out of his talent at Washington and is very much on the hot seat. Saturday night, the Huskies can knock off a rival team that’s one win away from being on the right side of the bubble. The Cougars are playing like a tournament team and could use a road win. The Pac-12 might not be the Big 12, but how can we ignore a 16-6 team that’s 7-4 in the conference?