NCAA Basketball: Each top 25 team’s toughest November test in 2023-24

24. Alabama

November 24 (vs. Ohio State)

While Brandon Miller is off to the NBA, Alabama got busy in the Transfer Portal and brings back an exciting and talented lineup for this upcoming season. Out the gates, there won’t be much challenge for the Crimson Tide, who play their first four games at home against mid-majors, with Indiana State the toughest challenge.

Things get a little tougher later in the month, as the Crimson Tide head over to Florida for the Emerald Coast Challenge. Their first game is against an improved Ohio State squad that will give them a stiffer challenge, with a potential matchup against Oregon waiting after that. While the Crimson Tide will also host Clemson for their final November game, this first test away from Tuscaloosa is certainly their hardest test of the month.

23. Saint Mary’s

November 17 (vs. San Diego State)

There’s plenty of intrigue at Saint Mary’s this season, with Aidan Mahaney and plenty of other talent back for the Gaels. Their November slate won’t see them leave Moraga very often, but it does pose a few intriguing tests. The Gaels will host New Mexico, Weber State, Davidson, and Utah during the month, with the Lobos and Utes both looking much improved this season.

However, the Gaels will leave the comforts of Moraga in the middle of the month for the Continental Tires Main Event. They’ll play a pair of games in Las Vegas, beginning with a highly-anticipated showdown with #17 San Diego State, who are coming off a trip to the national title game last season. These teams are relatively evenly matched and it will be one of the most exciting mid-major matchups of the entire nonconference slate.