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NCAA Basketball: Iowa State vs Kansas, Kentucky vs Tennessee among games to watch

By Tristan Freeman

AMES, IA - JANUARY 10: Jaren Holmes #13 of the Iowa State Cyclones runs down the court in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 10, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 84-50 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - JANUARY 10: Jaren Holmes #13 of the Iowa State Cyclones runs down the court in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 10, 2023 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 84-50 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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There are a bunch of quality NCAA Basketball matchups this Saturday that has plenty of ramifications. Here are five to keep an eye on when it comes on.

Kentucky at Tennessee – (12 pm ET, ESPN)

After a stunning loss at home to South Carolina, Kentucky (10-6, 1-3) and its sputtering offense has to travel to Knoxville and take on one of the toughest defenses in the country in Tennessee (14-2, 4-0). The Vols, who have a healthy Santiago Vescovi now, have a five-game winning streak and lead the SEC with a 4-0 record. All signs point to this as a potential blowout on Saturday afternoon so if the Wildcats can keep it close, there’s some positive to build off from. But if Cason Wallace (back) isn’t able to go, it could get ugly.

Duke at Clemson – (5 pm ET, ACC Network)

After wins over Pittsburgh and Louisville, Clemson (14-3, 6-0) stands alone on top of the ACC. Hunter Tyson has emerged as a true Conference of the Year candidate, leading the Tigers with 15.4 ppg and 10.0 rpg. His matchup at the power forward position is freshman Kyle Filipowski, a five-star prospect coming off a season-high 28 points and 15 rebounds in Wednesday’s win over Pitt. With Jeremy Roach (toe) still likely out, Duke (13-4, 4-2) will have to find a way to win with a backcourt that has questions.

Providence at Creighton –  (2:00 pm ET, FS1)

The backs are against the wall for Creighton, who is just one game over .500 and is on a two-game losing streak. There’s nothing shameful about losing on the road at Providence and UConn but when there’s no resume and just 14 regular-season games left, the Bluejays need to find some signature wins somewhere. They have a shot to do it at home against Providence, currently tied for first place in the Big East. The Friars, who have won nine straight overall, are looking for their 5th true road win of the year.

Iowa State at Kansas – (4:00 pm ET, ESPN+)

For some reason, Kansas has been fairly vulnerable at home, needing big second-half comebacks against both Oklahoma State and Oklahoma to stay unbeaten in Big 12 play. The emergence of sophomore KJ Adams alongside Jalen Wilson has given the Jayhawks a formidable frontcourt, able to withstand off-nights from freshman wing Gradey Dick. They take on another unbeaten Big 12 team in Iowa State, coming off a 34-point beatdown over Texas Tech. Gabe Kalscheur is shooting 33% from deep on the season but is on a tear in the past couple of weeks, shooting 48% from deep while leading the team with 18.0 ppg. If the Jayhawks don’t slow him down, Iowa State can come away with the huge road.

New Mexico at San Diego State – (9:00 pm ET, CBBSN)

New Mexico was the last unbeaten team in the country but before a home win over Oral Roberts this week had lost two straight games in Mountain West play vs Fresno State and UNLV. They still have a chance to remain in contention at the top of the standings if they can go on the road and beat the league’s best team in San Diego State (13-3, 4-0), coming off an impressive 74-65 win over Nevada.

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