NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 Gavitt Games matchups for 2023-24

NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 Gavitt Games matchups for 2023-24 season

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 17: Tyler Kolek #11 of the Marquette Golden Eagles celebrates a basket against the Vermont Catamounts during the first half in the first round game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn (23) fouls Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi NCAA Basketball Uwmen18 11 /

8. Butler Bulldogs at Michigan State Spartans

There is some intrigue with each of these teams to start the season. Butler turned its entire roster over, including landing St. John’s transfer, Posh Alexander. Michigan State is the complete opposite, bringing just about everyone back and having a top-5 preseason-caliber roster.

The problem is that on paper, there’s a massive talent gap between these teams. And with the game at Michigan State, there’s a really good chance at a blowout. Plus, with the game being early in the non-conference, the Bulldogs are going to need time to have all these new players mesh, while the Spartans’ cohesion will already be set.

7. Georgetown Hoyas at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Hoyas have a new head coach in Ed Cooley and a completely revamped roster. Jay Heath is surrounded by several young newcomers, including Dontrez Styles of UNC and Jayden Epps of Illinois. Rutgers, on the other hand, has lost a couple of guys in Cam Spencer and Caleb McConnell.

The Knights still have to deal with both Paul Mulcahy and Cliff Omoruyi in the NBA Draft process. If both of them are gone, this game would lose even more interest. It’s likely to be a close game but there’s not a ton of talent on either side that would make you want to tune it.

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