College Basketball’s Regular Season Closes: A Look at Five Key Matchups
As the regular season clock winds down in men’s college basketball, the echoes of Semisonic’s lyrics ring true: every new beginning springs from the end of something else. This weekend marks the culmination of on-campus contests, a final flurry of action before the intensity of tournament season takes center stage. While many teams have a clear understanding of their path forward, the landscape of the NCAA Tournament bracket remains uncertain, with Selection Sunday looming just one week away. In this last installment focusing on the weekend’s most pivotal games, we dissect matchups featuring teams battling for top seeds and those seeking a final opportunity to make a statement.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
This in-state rivalry clash pits two Southeastern Conference powerhouses against each other. Their previous meeting saw both teams occupying the top spots in the polls, but heading into this rematch, both squads are reeling from recent losses, a testament to the SEC’s relentless competitiveness. The Crimson Tide, in particular, has stumbled, dropping consecutive games that included a road trip to Tennessee and a home contest against Florida. A third consecutive defeat, this time to the Tigers, would likely derail their aspirations of securing a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, although it’s worth noting that they reached the Final Four as a No. 4 seed just last year. For Auburn, while their position near the top of the bracket is unlikely to change significantly even after a recent loss at Texas A&M, sweeping Alabama would serve as ample motivation. Alabama’s offensive-minded approach, which relies heavily on three-point shooting, has faltered recently as their shots haven’t been falling consistently. This becomes a significant weakness against defensive-minded teams like Auburn. While the Tigers will also need to find their shooting touch, expect a more determined effort on the boards after coach Bruce Pearl expressed disappointment with his team’s physicality in the loss to the Aggies. This game has all the ingredients of a classic rivalry battle with both teams seeking to right recent wrongs and solidify their tournament positioning. The team that can control the tempo, execute its game plan effectively, and demonstrate toughness will likely emerge victorious.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans
Sunday, noon ET, CBS
While the stakes may seem lower for Michigan State on the surface, the rivalry aspect of this game cannot be overlooked. The Spartans have already clinched the Big Ten regular-season title, and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament appears to be a likely outcome regardless of the result this week. However, the Wolverines will undoubtedly command their full attention. Michigan, on the other hand, is eager to snap a two-game losing streak and avenge their recent defeat to Michigan State on their home court just over two weeks ago. The Wolverines have shown resilience in close games but have also suffered several double-digit losses in conference play, including their previous encounter with the Spartans. To avoid a similar outcome, they must improve their perimeter defense, a challenging task against Michigan State’s wealth of offensive options. This game is crucial for Michigan’s tournament hopes. A win against their archrival would significantly boost their resume, while another loss could jeopardize their chances of securing a favorable seed or even an at-large bid. For Michigan State, maintaining focus and avoiding complacency will be key to securing a victory and solidifying their position as a top contender in the NCAA Tournament.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Marquette Golden Eagles
Saturday, noon ET, Fox
In the Big East, the regular-season championship has already been decided. Nevertheless, St. John’s aims to conclude the season with another quality road win before heading to the conference tournament, which will be held on their familiar home court. Marquette has a slim chance of improving to a No. 3 seed at Madison Square Garden next week, but a victory here would be beneficial regardless. They haven’t secured a win against a top-tier conference opponent since defeating Creighton in early January. Marquette thrives on a fast-paced style of play, but this can be detrimental during cold shooting stretches due to their lack of size in the interior. St. John’s has distinguished itself this season by dominating the offensive glass, and their improved shooting accuracy has made them an even more formidable opponent. This game presents a clash of styles, with Marquette’s up-tempo offense facing off against St. John’s physical play and rebounding prowess. The team that can impose its will and control the pace of the game will have a significant advantage. St. John’s is looking to build momentum heading into the conference tournament, while Marquette is seeking a much-needed quality win to solidify its NCAA Tournament seeding.
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Despite their dominant performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference for much of the season, Duke remains the only power conference leader without a locked-in top seed heading into the final weekend. A win against their archrivals would secure the top seed for the Blue Devils and push North Carolina closer to NCAA Tournament elimination. The Tar Heels have won their last six games, but these victories have not significantly enhanced their postseason resume. A win against Duke would be a major boost, but to achieve this, they must shoot exceptionally well and keep Ven-Allen Lubin and Jalen Washington out of foul trouble to compete on the boards. Duke enters the game with an extra day of rest after a decisive victory over Wake Forest on Monday, and the return of veteran guard Tyrese Proctor from a knee injury further strengthens their young and talented lineup. This rivalry game is always a must-watch, but the stakes are particularly high this year. Duke is looking to secure a top seed and eliminate their rivals from tournament contention, while North Carolina is fighting for its postseason life. Expect a hard-fought, intense battle with both teams leaving it all on the court.
Baylor Bears vs. Houston Cougars
Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
Unlike North Carolina, Baylor is likely on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. However, the Bears can significantly strengthen their position by defeating Houston, who have secured the Big 12 regular-season crown in both of their seasons in the conference. Known for their stingy defense, Houston further complicates matters for opponents by shooting nearly 40% from three-point range, with L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp leading the way. Baylor has not been as consistent from beyond the arc this season, but veteran big man Norchad Omier can provide crucial second-chance opportunities. This game features a clash of styles, with Houston’s dominant defense and three-point shooting facing off against Baylor’s interior presence and rebounding ability. The team that can control the tempo, limit turnovers, and capitalize on scoring opportunities will have a significant advantage. Houston is looking to solidify its position as a top seed, while Baylor is aiming to secure its spot in the NCAA Tournament and potentially improve its seeding.
