Bracketology 2024: UConn, Kansas, and Arizona with key matchups

Bracketology 2024: UConn, Kansas, and Arizona with key upcoming games

Nov 11, 2023; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley talks with forward Alex Karaban (11), center Donovan Clingan (32) and guard Cam Spencer (12) from the sideline as they take on the Stonehill Skyhawks at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame (3-3) at No. 8 Miami (5-1), Sat, Dec. 2, 12:00 PM ET, CW Network

Jim Larranaga has been quietly building something in Coral Gables for a while now, and they have now become a juggernaut in the ACC. Coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances and a trip to the Final Four last season, the No. 8 ranked Hurricanes are 5-1 after falling to No. 12 Kentucky as a part of the ACC\SEC Challenge.

In terms of the No. 1 seed conversation, the Hurricanes’ resume may not stack up with others in contention to this point in the season. The result against Kentucky certainly doesn’t help, but likely doesn’t hurt either, but a chance to take on Colorado before Christmas could help as well giving the Hurricanes another shot at a signature win before league play.

Saturday afternoon Miami begins league play with a tilt against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-3). If the Hurricanes want to be in the conversation for a No. 1 seed doing well in ACC play is imperative. It is imperative because, looking at the league in its current state, they have a home-and-home with North Carolina and a home tilt with Duke. While on the surface this game with the Fighting Irish doesn’t seem all that important in the grand scheme of things for Miami, they must avoid losses in games like this in order to be considered for a No. 1 seed. Making a statement in their league opener will also put the rest of the league on notice that the Hurricanes are here to stay.

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