NCAA Basketball: Each top 25 team’s toughest November test in 2023-24
By Joey Loose
22. Villanova
November 22 (vs. Texas Tech)
Last season did go according to plan in Kyle Neptune’s first season at the helm, but Justin Moore should be healthy and the Wildcats look stronger this season. Villanova is already very challenge during Big East play but have a fair bit of difficulty in their nonconference schedule as well. The first few games are very winnable, as is an intriguing home game against Maryland on the 17th, but things get dicey after that.
The Wildcats head to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis and will certainly face their stiffest test in the young season. We can only confirm their opening round matchup against Texas Tech, which in itself could be a fantastic showdown with a new-look Red Raiders squad. There’s also potential to see North Carolina in the second round and several great teams in their final game.
21. USC
November 6 (vs. Kansas State)
The Trojans have Isaiah Collier, Boogie Ellis, and a whole lot of potential for the upcoming season, but what will they make of it in their final season in the Pac-12? They’ll have to answer those questions quickly, as their toughest test of November is on opening night, heading to Vegas to play a tough Kansas State squad as part of the Hall of Fame series.
Those Wildcats start the year outside the rankings but have a potent lineup after making the Elite Eight last season, and certainly aren’t USC’s only true test of November. Most of their actions comes at home, but the Trojans will head to La Jolla as part of the Rady Children’s Invitational, playing Seton Hall on Thanksgiving before either Iowa or Oklahoma the following day.