The calendar still says holiday break, and many fans are still easing through that in between week where days blur together. Even so, college basketball starts to feel louder with each passing night. From Sunday through New Year’s Eve, the schedule delivers ranked teams, rivalry games, and tricky road tests that matter more than they appear. With conference play right around the corner, these ten games stand out as December comes to a close.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (12-1) vs Pepperdine Waves (5-8)
Sunday, December 28
Gonzaga heads to Malibu at 12-1, looking to keep control of the West Coast Conference race. Pepperdine enters at 5-8 but plays with far more confidence at home. The Waves are capable of quick scoring runs, which makes this a game where Gonzaga’s defensive focus will be tested for the full forty minutes.
Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) vs Yale Bulldogs (11-1)
Monday, December 29
Alabama brings a 9-3 record into a fascinating matchup with 11-1 Yale. The Crimson Tide want to play fast and stretch the floor, while Yale has been one of the steadiest teams outside the power leagues. On paper this looks straightforward, but the contrast in styles makes it anything but comfortable.
Arizona Wildcats (12-0) vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits (7-7)
Monday, December 29
Arizona enters unbeaten at 12-0 and looks the part of a national contender. South Dakota State sits at 7-7, but that record hides a team that rarely beats itself. The Jackrabbits’ experience makes this a game Arizona needs to approach with maturity, even with a clear talent edge.
Michigan State Spartans (11-1) vs Cornell Big Red (6-5)
Monday, December 29
Michigan State is 11-1 and continues to build momentum at home. Cornell comes in at 6-5 and brings shooting that can test any defense. This is a game where Michigan State’s physicality and rebounding should matter, but only if the Spartans stay locked in defensively.
North Carolina Tar Heels (12-1) vs Florida State Seminoles (7-6)
Tuesday, December 30
North Carolina welcomes Florida State to Chapel Hill with a 12-1 record and plenty of confidence. Florida State sits at 7-6 and relies on length and pressure to disrupt opponents. This is an important ACC matchup for rhythm and tone as the conference schedule starts to take shape.
Louisville Cardinals (10-2) vs California Golden Bears (12-1)
Tuesday, December 30
Louisville travels west at 10-2 to face a California team that has quietly built a 12-1 record. Both teams are still defining who they are inside the ACC picture. This late December game could end up being referenced later when resumes are compared.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (12-1) vs San Diego Toreros (5-7)
Tuesday, December 30
Gonzaga’s second game in this stretch comes against San Diego, which enters at 5-7. The Bulldogs will be expected to handle business, but WCC road games often test focus. Gonzaga will want a clean performance as it continues to separate itself in league play.
Virginia Cavaliers (11-1) vs Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)
Wednesday, December 31
This rivalry matchup feels appropriately tense given the records. Virginia comes in at 11-1, while Virginia Tech sits at 11-2. Both teams value defense and execution, which usually leads to a physical, possession by possession battle that fits the rivalry perfectly.
Duke Blue Devils (11-1) vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-4)
Wednesday, December 31
Duke closes the calendar year at home with an 11-1 record, hosting a Georgia Tech team that is 8-4. Cameron Indoor Stadium will be lively, and Duke will want to look sharp heading into January. Georgia Tech has enough athleticism to hang around if Duke is careless.
UConn Huskies (12-1) vs Xavier Musketeers (9-4)
Wednesday, December 31
The final marquee game of December features UConn at 12-1 traveling to face Xavier, which enters at 9-4. The environment at Cintas Center is never easy, and this Big East matchup feels like an early statement game for both sides as conference play ramps up.
Even with the holiday break still lingering, these games signal that college basketball is shifting gears. By the time the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, the sport already feels firmly pointed toward the grind of January.