College basketball takes a slightly different shape Saturday after a Friday schedule featuring numerous nationally ranked programs. Only two AP Top 25 teams are scheduled to play, but the day offers several outstanding opportunities to watch programs that could become important factors in March. Gonzaga's meeting with LSU headlines the afternoon, while Cincinnati's visit to Dayton and New Mexico's trip to Santa Clara provide attractive evening contests.
Saturday also features several interesting regional battles and games between programs from traditionally competitive mid-major conferences. Bradley meets George Mason in Florida, Loyola Chicago travels to Colorado State and Furman visits Belmont. Those games could provide valuable information about potential conference championship contenders before the Thanksgiving tournament schedule arrives.
Gonzaga and LSU meet for the first time
Fourteenth-ranked Gonzaga faces LSU at Spokane's Numerica Veterans Arena in the first meeting between the programs. The Bulldogs have opened with victories over Purdue and New Mexico State, while the Tigers have won each of their first three games by at least 40 points. Will Wade's return to LSU has already produced encouraging results, but Saturday represents a significantly more demanding examination.
Gonzaga sophomore Davis Fogle has scored 22 points in each of the Bulldogs' opening two victories, earning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. LSU features several experienced transfers, including Donovan Dent, who is averaging 8.3 assists per game. The contest tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.
Cincinnati and Dayton provide an excellent evening attraction
Cincinnati travels to UD Arena for an intriguing meeting between two Ohio programs with considerable basketball tradition. Dayton's home environment should provide a challenging examination for the Bearcats, while the Flyers have an opportunity to earn a meaningful victory against Big 12 competition. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Another outstanding contest takes place in California, where Santa Clara hosts New Mexico. The Broncos have opened with four consecutive victories, including Wednesday's comeback at North Texas, and will attempt to avenge last season's 98-71 defeat against the Lobos. That game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Mid-major basketball deserves the spotlight
Saturday's schedule provides an excellent reminder that college basketball's most entertaining games do not always involve nationally ranked teams. Akron, Belmont, Santa Clara and several other programs have opportunities to strengthen their early résumés against quality opposition. For fans willing to look beyond the traditional national powers, Saturday offers a particularly attractive collection of games.
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