NCAA Basketball: Top 10 “must see” games in November for 2023-24 season
By Jay George
No. 10 – #23 Saint Mary’s Gaels v. #17 San Diego State Aztecs
When: Friday, November 17th – 9:30pm EST
Where: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada (Continental Tire Main Event)
Sticking with the mid-major theme, this is a mid-major matchup that should have a big time feel to it. The Gaels of Saint Mary as noted are one of the best mid-major programs in terms of success and production. The San Diego State Aztecs had one of the best seasons in all of college hoops last year with no sign of stopping.
One of, if not both, of these teams could make a run in the postseason. The Aztecs have a bit more experience on the roster with some great returning pieces. However, both teams mostly matchup size wise for what should be a showcase of mid-major greatness.
No. 9 – Auburn Tigers v. #20 Baylor Bears
When: Tuesday, November 7th – 9:00pm EST
Where: Sanford Pentagon — Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Neutral)
You might not expect one of the best games to be out in Sioux Falls, yet here we are. Both Auburn and Baylor have elected to take their talents to South Dakota. Auburn just misses the cut in the top 25 this year, but has the wherewithal to face a good quad 1 opponent in Baylor and find themselves moving up. Baylor being led by LJ Cryer has a great young team that should impress.
The Sanford Arena, managed by Sanford Sports and Complete Sports Management. This is a great avenue for different localities to bring marquee talent and sporting events to their areas that may not otherwise see this level of competition. Baylor competed against Gonzaga here last season in a great atmosphere, so look for something similar this season.
No. 8 – #12 Arizona Wildcats at #2 Duke Blue Devils
When: Friday, November 10th – 7:00pm EST
Where: Cameroon Indoor Stadium — Durham, North Carolina
We will get further into what makes Duke such a dangerous matchup later on in this article. Still, it is safe to say the Blue Devils have amassed one of the best rosters in terms of talent on paper for this upcoming season.
Now for the Arizona Wildcats, they look to move past their surprising defeat against Princeton in last year’s tournament. They lost a lot of their main rotation but bring in some exciting big-time transfers. The Wildcats always stay in the mix with an elite backcourt and a great stretch big. Duke has a chance to tie up the all time series in their tenth matchup.