Championship Week has officially arrived.
Across the country Tuesday, conference tournaments take center stage with elimination games, automatic bids and bubble hopes hanging in the balance. Some teams are trying to survive and extend their seasons. Others are fighting for a spot in March Madness.
The schedule is packed with meaningful basketball. Championship games in the Horizon League, MAAC, CAA and Northeast Conference highlight the night, while the Big 12 and ACC tournaments begin to ramp up.
Here are the eight best college basketball games to watch Tuesday.
8. BYU Cougars vs Kansas State Wildcats: Big 12 tournament: 7:00 PM ET
This matchup features two of the nation’s top scorers.
BYU star AJ Dybanta leads the country in scoring with 24.7 points per game and has been one of the most electric offensive players in college basketball this season. The Cougars (21-10) rely heavily on his ability to create shots and stretch defenses.
Kansas State guard PJ Haggerty ranks third in the nation at 23.3 points per game and will be the Wildcats’ best chance to keep this game competitive. Kansas State (12-19) struggled during the regular season but still has elite scoring talent.
When two of the nation’s top scorers share the floor, anything can happen.
7. Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Virginia Tech Hokies: ACC tournament: 7:00 PM ET (ACC Network)
This game could be one of the most competitive of the day.
The Virginia Tech Hokies (19-12) have been solid down the stretch and are slight favorites entering the matchup.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (16-15) are capable of explosive scoring nights and would love to start a run in Charlotte.
In March, momentum can change quickly.
6. Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs: ACC tournament: 4:30 PM ET (ACC Network)
The ACC tournament begins in Charlotte with a matchup between two teams trying to extend their seasons.
The SMU Mustangs (19-12) enter as the favorite thanks to their high-powered offense and strong perimeter shooting.
The Syracuse Orange (15-16) have been inconsistent this season but remain dangerous in tournament play. Their zone defense can create problems for opponents unfamiliar with facing it.
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Colorado Buffaloes: Big 12 tournament: 9:30 PM ET
The Big 12 tournament opens with an intriguing matchup between two teams that still have postseason hopes.
The Colorado Buffaloes (17-14) are a slight favorite and have played some of their best basketball late in the season. Colorado’s offense has been capable of big scoring nights.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys (18-13) have the talent to make a run in Kansas City if they can find consistency. A win could strengthen their postseason resume while a loss would put serious pressure on their NCAA Tournament chances.
4. Monmouth Hawks vs Hofstra Pride: CAA championship: 7:00 PM ET (CBSSN)
The Colonial Athletic Association championship should be tightly contested.
The Hofstra Pride (23-10) finished the season strong and enter the game with momentum after an impressive semifinal performance. Hofstra’s balanced scoring attack has been difficult for opponents to slow down.
The Monmouth Hawks (19-14) have been one of the hottest teams in the CAA tournament and have already knocked off several contenders during their run.
A conference title and NCAA Tournament berth await the winner.
3. Siena Saints vs Merrimack Warriors: MAAC championship: 9:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
One of the most intriguing championship games of the night takes place in Atlantic City.
The Merrimack Warriors (23-10) dominated MAAC play this season with a 17-3 conference record and have looked sharp throughout the tournament. Merrimack’s defense has been a major reason for its success.
The Siena Saints (22-11) have battled through a tough bracket to reach the title game and bring experience and toughness to the matchup.
The winner punches a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
2. Wright State Raiders vs Detroit Mercy Titans: Horizon League championship: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN)
An automatic NCAA Tournament bid will be decided in Indianapolis.
The Wright State Raiders (22-11) arrive as the slight favorite after a strong run through the Horizon League bracket. Wright State has been one of the conference’s most efficient offensive teams and has the ability to score in bunches.
The Detroit Mercy Titans (17-14) have been one of the surprises of Championship Week. Detroit Mercy caught fire at the right time and now sits one victory away from a remarkable NCAA Tournament appearance.
With everything on the line, expect a physical and emotional game.
1. Santa Clara Broncos vs Gonzaga Bulldogs: WCC championship: 9:00 PM ET (ESPN)
The biggest game of the night takes place in Las Vegas with the West Coast Conference title on the line.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs (29-3) are back in the championship game for the 29th straight year, continuing one of the most remarkable streaks in college basketball. Gonzaga defeated Oregon State in the semifinals behind a dominant performance from Graham Ike, who leads the Bulldogs with 19.9 points per game.
The Santa Clara Broncos (26-7) stand in the way after knocking off Saint Mary's in a dramatic semifinal. Santa Clara has been one of the best shooting teams in the league and enters the title game with confidence.
For Gonzaga, the NCAA Tournament bid is essentially secure. For Santa Clara, this is a chance to reach the Big Dance for the first time in decades.