Tigers @ Boilermakers

2025-12-20T23:30Z | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Peacock
AUB: 8-4 | PUR: 11-1

The Indy Classic brings two powerhouse programs to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in what should be an entertaining clash of styles. Purdue's methodical half-court offense led by Zach Edey's successor Trey Kaufman-Renn faces Auburn's relentless transition attack. The Tigers have struggled with consistency this season, but when they're clicking, few teams can match their pace.

Purdue's only loss came against Texas early in the season, and the Boilermakers have been dominant at home. Auburn's four losses all came against quality opponents, and this is exactly the type of game that could define their NCAA Tournament resume. The Tigers will need to control the glass and limit second-chance points to have any chance on the road.

Terrapins @ Cavaliers

2025-12-20T23:00Z | John Paul Jones Arena | ESPN
MD: 6-6 | UVA: 10-1

ACC rivals clash in Charlottesville as Maryland's up-and-down season continues. The Terrapins have the talent to compete with anyone, but consistency has been a major issue. Virginia's pack-line defense remains as stingy as ever under Tony Bennett, allowing just 54.8 points per game this season.

The Cavaliers' only loss was a one-point heartbreaker at Houston, and they've been nearly perfect at John Paul Jones Arena. Maryland's guards will need to be patient against Virginia's suffocating defense, and turnovers could be the difference. This is a classic tortoise vs hare matchup, and the Cavs' tempo control usually wins out at home.

Cougars @ Razorbacks

2025-12-20T22:30Z | Prudential Center | CBS
HOU: 11-1 | ARK: 9-3

The CBS Sports Classic brings Houston and Arkansas to Newark's Prudential Center for a matchup between two programs trending in different directions. Houston's only loss came against Alabama, and Kelvin Sampson's defense-first approach has the Cougars ranked among the top teams in the country once again.

Arkansas started the season strong but has dropped three of their last five, including a surprising home loss to Arkansas State. The Razorbacks' offense can score in bunches, but stopping Houston's methodical attack will be the challenge. The Cougars excel at controlling pace and forcing opponents to play at their tempo.

Grizzlies @ Spartans

2025-12-20T17:00Z | Little Caesars Arena | BTN
OAK: 6-7 | MSU: 11-1

Tom Izzo's Spartans host Oakland at Little Caesars Arena in a tune-up before Big Ten play resumes. Michigan State's only loss came in overtime against Memphis, and this team has looked dominant at times with a deep rotation and suffocating defense. The Spartans are averaging 81.2 points per game while allowing just 64.8.

Oakland enters as a significant underdog, but the Golden Grizzlies have competed well in their Horizon League schedule. This is a David vs Goliath matchup, and while the upset is unlikely, Oakland will look to keep the game competitive in front of a Detroit crowd that includes some of their own fans.

Grizzlies @ Cardinals

2025-12-20T17:00Z | KFC Yum! Center | ACC Extra
MONT: 6-7 | LOU: 10-2

Louisville continues their non-conference schedule by hosting Montana at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals have been impressive under Pat Kelsey in his first season, with only losses to Duke and Tennessee marking blemishes on an otherwise stellar start. Louisville's up-tempo offense averages 84.6 points per game.

Montana makes the long trip from Missoula as heavy underdogs in this cross-country matchup. The Grizzlies have struggled with consistency but will look to use this opportunity as a measuring stick against ACC competition. Louisville's defensive pressure could be the difference-maker in what should be a comfortable home win.

Heels @ Buckeyes

2025-12-20T20:26Z | State Farm Arena | CBS, Paramount+
UNC: 11-1 | OSU: 8-3

The CBS Sports Classic's premier matchup brings North Carolina and Ohio State together at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. UNC's only loss came to Kansas in the Champions Classic, and Hubert Davis has the Tar Heels playing elite basketball on both ends. RJ Davis leads the backcourt and has been playing like an All-American candidate.

Ohio State's three losses have all come against quality opponents, but the Buckeyes have been inconsistent at times. The Big Ten squad will need a strong defensive effort to slow down Carolina's transition attack. This is a classic early-season showdown between blue bloods, and the environment at State Farm Arena should be electric.

Storm @ Wildcats

2025-12-20T17:30Z | State Farm Arena | CBS
SJU: 7-4 | UK: 8-4

The CBS Sports Classic opener features St. John's and Kentucky in a matchup of two storied programs. The Red Storm have been competitive under Rick Pitino but carry four losses into this neutral-site showdown. Kentucky's new-look team under Mark Pope has shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency.

This game carries extra storylines with Pitino facing Kentucky, the program where he won a national championship in 1996. The Wildcats' youth has been both a blessing and a curse, and St. John's physical style could give them problems. Expect a hard-fought game between two teams looking to build NCAA Tournament resumes.

Raiders @ Devils

2025-12-21T01:10Z | Madison Square Garden | ESPN
TTU: 8-3 | DUKE: 11-0

The World's Most Famous Arena hosts a premier non-conference showdown as unbeaten Duke takes on Texas Tech. The Blue Devils are one of the last undefeated teams in the country, with Cooper Flagg leading a talented roster that looks like a legitimate national title contender. Duke's defense has been stifling, holding opponents to just 58.4 points per game.

Texas Tech is battle-tested with three losses against quality opponents. The Red Raiders play the physical, grind-it-out style that Grant McCasland has implemented since arriving from North Texas. If Texas Tech can slow the pace and make this a half-court game, they have the defensive chops to keep it close at MSG.

Aztecs @ Wildcats

2025-12-21T03:30Z | Mortgage Matchup Center | ESPN2
Line: ARIZ -13.5 | O/U: 154.5 | SDSU: 6-3 | ARIZ: 10-0

Arizona remains unbeaten and looks like a legitimate Final Four contender under Tommy Lloyd. The Wildcats are playing beautiful basketball, combining elite shooting with suffocating defense. Arizona's 10-0 start includes quality wins that have them climbing the rankings weekly.

San Diego State's three losses have all come on the road against quality opponents. The Aztecs play tough, physical basketball and won't be intimidated by the environment. SDSU is 6-3 but has proven they can compete with anyone when their defense is engaged. The 13.5-point spread is steep, but Arizona has been covering with ease.