NCAA Basketball: Top 10 “must see” December games for 2023-24 season
By Jay George
No. 10 – Colorado v. #8 Miami
When: Sunday, December 12th – 2:00pm EST
Where: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, New York (NABC Brooklyn Showcase)
We’re talking about the Colorado Buffalos and not focusing on the football program believe it or not. Now the Buffs have taken a step back following some losses as have the Miami Hurricanes. That being said, at this moment, both teams look like they can still be some of the more exciting programs to watch at a high caliber.
The Buffalos will be coming off a home game against Pepperdine and will be looking to re-establish themselves behind KJ Simpson who is lighting it up with 20 PPG while also leading the team with 4.4 assists per game. Miami is one of the most offensively productive teams for what that’s worth. Colorado goes deeper and has a bit more size, but Miami has more production overall. This will be a great test for Colorado especially to prove themselves of their early ranking status again.
No. 9 – #17 Alabama at #8 Creighton
When: Saturday, December 16th – 2:00pm EST
Where: CHI Health Center – Omaha, Nebraska
The Crimson Tide had an impressive season with many picking them to at least make it to the Championship game. Nate Oats and company continue this year led by Mark Sears who had a huge impact last season transferring out of the MAC, and is one of their flashiest players this season. Creighton will be left with no small task of trying to neutralize Sears, Aaron Estrada, and Grant Nelson as the trifecta of their scoring attack.
On the flip side, Creighton will be faced with their toughest test yet in this Alabama team. They had a hot start and do all the little things from rebounded, free-throw shooting, and forcing turnovers effectively. This has pushed them into the top 50 scoring offenses so far this season. Following a big loss to Colorado State, the Bluejays will look to get back into gear in a tough, but exciting way in this matchup.
No. 8 – #17 Alabama v. #3 Arizona
When: Wednesday, December 20th – 11:00pm EST
Where: Footprint Center – Phoenix, Arizona (Hall of Fame Series Phoenix)
By the time Alabama gets to this matchup, they’ll have ran through the gauntlet that is their December schedule. This will be the third currently ranked matchup in a row for the Crimson Tide by December 20th following a neutral game with Purdue and a road game at Creighton as just mentioned.
Arizona will be amidst a tough run of things themselves coming off of a game against a sneaky Wisconsin team, a neutral game with Purdue as well, and then following this game with a neutral matchup with FAU. With both of these teams being in the thick of things, this matchup will come down to toughness and focus on top of the play. Arizona is one of the most exciting teams to watch,. but also looks like they’re unstoppable at the moment. However, Oats has his team playing an electric brand of basketball too.