Today's NCAAB Games

Marquee Non-Conference Showdown

The best game on Friday's college basketball slate features two traditional powers meeting at a neutral site in Milwaukee. Wisconsin (7-3, 1-1 Big Ten) enters as a 5-point favorite at Fiserv Forum, where the Badgers will enjoy a pseudo-home court advantage just 80 miles from Madison. The Badgers have been led by Nicholas Boyd, who is averaging 20.2 points per game while John Blackwell has been deadly from deep with 3.0 three-pointers per contest.

Villanova (8-2) brings one of the nation's most efficient offenses to Milwaukee, shooting 47.2% from the field compared to Wisconsin's 44.2% clip. Bryce Lindsay has been the catalyst for the Wildcats, shooting 48.7% while averaging 17.2 points per game. Acaden Lewis provides scoring depth at 12.4 ppg. The Wildcats have compiled an impressive 8-2 record against teams over .500, proving they can compete with quality opponents.

This neutral-site showdown offers both programs a resume-building opportunity heading into the meat of conference play. Wisconsin holds a 6-2 non-conference record while the Badgers are 7-3 against teams above .500. The Wildcats' superior shooting efficiency against Wisconsin's stingy defense creates an intriguing matchup. Expect a competitive game decided in the final minutes.

Big East Conference Opener

The Big East season tips off with a fascinating clash of styles as Seton Hall's elite defense meets Providence's explosive offense. The Pirates (10-1) are off to their best start since 2011-12, riding a four-game winning streak that includes an emphatic 81-59 demolition of Rutgers. Seton Hall's defense ranks sixth nationally in points allowed at just 61.4 per game, with A.J. Staton-McCray leading the scoring at 14.3 ppg. The Pirates check in at 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (95.6).

Providence (7-5) counters with one of the nation's most potent offenses, ranking 18th nationally at 90.4 points per game. Jason Edwards paces the Friars at 18.6 ppg while Jaylin Sellers adds 15.4. However, Providence enters reeling after a 113-110 overtime loss to Butler that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. The Friars rank a concerning 185th in adjusted defensive efficiency (108.2) - a 20.4-point gap from Seton Hall's elite unit.

This series has been extremely competitive, with nine of the last 12 meetings decided by six points or less. Providence holds a 60-56 all-time advantage and has won three straight, including last year's 69-67 thriller. The over has hit in 9 of Providence's 12 games this season, setting up a fascinating test of whether Seton Hall's stifling defense can contain the Friars' prolific attack.

Friday's Only Ranked Matchup

The only Top 25 action on Friday's slate features No. 10 BYU looking to extend an eight-game home winning streak against Abilene Christian. The Cougars (10-1) have been dominant at home with a 8-1 record at the Marriott Center, and star freshman AJ Dybantsa continues to announce himself as one of college basketball's brightest talents. Dybantsa leads BYU at 21.1 points per game while grabbing 7.0 rebounds and dishing 3.3 assists. Keba Keita anchors the frontcourt with 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest.

Abilene Christian (7-4) has been solid at home with a perfect 5-0 record but has struggled on the road at 2-4. The Wildcats are led by Bradyn Hubbard's 15.7 ppg and 5.1 rebounds, while Joseph Scott contributes 5.8 boards and Rich Smith distributes at 3.9 assists per game. However, the massive 33.5-point spread reflects a significant talent gap between the programs.

BYU enters with a 98.8% win probability according to analytics models, and the Cougars are 9-0 straight up as favorites this season. The main intrigue becomes whether BYU can cover the massive spread. Abilene Christian is 3-5-0 ATS this year, and blowout-priced games often come down to late-game substitutions and garbage time scoring.

First-Ever Meeting

This late-night West Coast affair marks the first regular-season meeting between these two programs. Saint Mary's (9-2) enters ranked 19th nationally in adjusted net efficiency, sporting an elite defense that holds opponents to just 37.8% from the field (17th nationally) and 28.4% from three (38th). Paulius Murauskas has been outstanding at 18.3 ppg with 7.1 rebounds, while Andrew McKeever dominates the glass at 10.3 boards per contest.

Florida Atlantic (8-3) rides a three-game winning streak after torching Albany 105-79. The Owls have scored 100+ points in back-to-back games, led by Devin Vanterpool's 17.5 ppg and 7.3 rebounds. Junior guard Kanaan Carlyle provides additional firepower in what has become one of the nation's more explosive offenses at 83.9 ppg. However, FAU shoots just 45.0% from the field (201st) and 33.5% from three (181st) - problematic metrics against Saint Mary's elite perimeter defense.

The Gaels have been dominant at home with an 8-1 record and are 6-4 ATS this season. Saint Mary's controls tempo exceptionally well, which could neutralize FAU's transition game. Expect the Gaels' defensive discipline to frustrate the Owls into contested jumpers throughout the night.