Before we wish all the college hoop fans a Happy New Year, we have a nice slate of games on the hardwood. The New Year's Eve slate features some fun conference games that will set the tone for the teams heading into a long next two months. Here are the top 8 New Year's Eve games for 2025:
No. 8 — Loyola Ramblers (4-9) at Rhode Island Rams (9-4)
It has been a difficult season for Loyola, which has won just four of its first 13 games and already sits with nine losses, the most in the Atlantic 10. The Ramblers hit a low point with a home loss to Chicago State but responded by beating Santa Clara in their most recent outing. Opening conference play on the road will not be easy.
Rhode Island gets a favorable home matchup and needs to take advantage. The Rams are riding a two-game winning streak and are looking for their third straight victory. While they have not been explosive offensively, this is a game they cannot afford to let slip away.
No. 7 — St. Bonaventure Bonnies (11-2) at VCU Rams (9-4)
This Atlantic 10 matchup has the feel of a midseason measuring stick. St. Bonaventure opened the year with five straight wins before falling to North Carolina, then won five more before a narrow loss to Ohio. The Bonnies enter off a comfortable win over Le Moyne and remain one of the conference’s most consistent teams.
VCU has quietly built momentum as well, winning three straight games since a close loss to New Mexico. The Rams’ other losses came against quality opponents, and their offense has been among the league’s best. Expect a competitive game that could come down to late possessions.
No. 6 — Clemson Tigers (10-3) at Syracuse Orange (9-4)
Clemson has made a habit of playing tight games. Their three losses came by a combined 14 points, and their most recent win was a comeback thriller against Cincinnati after trailing by 27. The Tigers have balanced scoring and defense, which has kept them competitive in nearly every outing.
Syracuse enters confident after rebounding from a difficult stretch against elite competition. The Orange followed that run with three straight wins and will lean on their home crowd to open conference play strong. This one sets up as another close ACC battle.
No. 5 — St. Joseph’s Hawks (8-5) at Saint Louis Billikens (12-1)
St. Joseph’s arrives with an uneven resume, featuring solid wins but several losses against quality teams. The Hawks are capable offensively and will need to be sharp to keep pace on the road.
Saint Louis has been one of the most explosive teams in the country. The Billikens are a buzzer-beater away from being undefeated and have scored 100 or more points three times in their last five games. This matchup is about whether St. Joseph’s can slow down one of the nation’s hottest offenses.
No. 4 — Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-4) at Duke Blue Devils (11-1)
Georgia Tech enters conference play on a four-game winning streak but without a signature victory on its resume. The Yellow Jackets’ losses have come against solid competition, though this road test represents a significant jump in difficulty.
Duke has dropped just one game all season, a blown lead at Madison Square Garden against Texas Tech. The Blue Devils return home with momentum and another chance for fans to see their young stars shine as ACC play begins.
No. 3 — Virginia Cavaliers (11-1) at Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)
Virginia enters ranked and riding a six-game winning streak following an early home loss. The Cavaliers have balanced offense and defense well and have built an impressive resume with multiple quality wins.
Virginia Tech would love nothing more than to spoil a ranked rival at home. The Hokies have taken care of business against strong nonconference opponents and have been difficult to beat in their own building. This ACC opener has all the makings of a tense rivalry game.
No. 2 — St. John’s Red Storm (8-4) at Georgetown Hoyas (9-4)
This New Year’s Eve matchup brings energy to the Capital One Arena. St. John’s enters after a dominant win and owns losses only against elite competition. While the Red Storm need more marquee wins, their schedule has prepared them well.
Georgetown is 1-1 in conference play and rebounded from a tough loss with a convincing victory in its last outing. With both teams eager to establish early league footing, this Big East matchup should deliver urgency from the opening tip.
No. 1 — UConn Huskies (12-1) at Xavier Musketeers (9-4)
The final must-watch game of 2025 features UConn closing the year on the road. The Huskies are 2-0 in conference play and have already stacked one of the strongest resumes in the country, with wins over multiple high-level opponents.
Xavier has been inconsistent but dangerous, especially at home. After a blowout loss to Creighton, the Musketeers responded with a strong road win and will look to make a statement against the defending national champions. This Big East showdown carries the most weight and attention on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve may be the final day on the calendar, but it is far from an afterthought on the college basketball schedule. These eight games offer early conference tone-setters, rivalry energy, and several chances for teams to define who they are heading into January. It is a strong way to close 2025 on the hardwood before the grind of league play fully takes over.