NCAA Basketball: Top 10 “must see” games in November for 2023-24 season

No. 1) #2 Duke Blue Devils v. #4 Michigan State Spartans

When: Tuesday, November 14th – 7:00pm EST

Where: United Center — Chicago, Illinois (State Farm Champions Classic)

This State Farms Champions Classic is looking like potentially the most exciting early-season tournament in college basketball with the stacked lineup of games it has and this being the best of them. Both programs look like they are final four ready just from a preseason perspective which should hopefully deliver especially in this game here.

Duke was able to impressively maneuver their way through one of the game’s most legendary coaches retiring from coaching and leaving the program in Coach K. A lot of people thought the program was going to be in a difficult spot as Jon Scheyer took the helm, but you couldn’t even notice a difference. Speaking of legendary coaches, you can’t discuss college basketball and storied programs without mentioning Michigan State and coach Tom Izzo.

This season looks to be one of Izzo’s best incoming classes headlined by five-star recruit, Xavier Booker. What makes this team so dangerous is the returning talent as well which is a common theme for the top programs in the AP Poll. Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, Jaden Akins, AJ Hoggard, and Maddy Sissoko all come back to East Lansing.

This game should really come down to which teams can find more success in the interior. The guard play and outside threats should be there for both teams. In the end whichever team can dominate down low protecting the rim and attacking the basket should come out victorious. This will be one of the first tests for both teams to really see what they have. The matchup more than others should be an impressive showcase of some of the best overall programs college basketball has to offer historically and currently with either of these teams having great potential to be in the National Championship game in the post-season. The game will be held at a neutral site in the United Center of Chicago for the State Farms Champions Classic Tournament.

Oh yeah! It’s almost time for college basketball once again! Hopefully you enjoyed this list and can use this to keep tabs on all the great games to check out this month. With another great season ready to start, these games should not disappoint. Many conferences look to bounce back such as the ACC while others remain top-tier for what will be a competitive season all-around. Be on the lookout for another list on December’s best games to watch down the road with another promising month of action packed hoops.