Power programs are increasingly scheduling home-and-home matchups against each other, a shift motivated by recent conference realignments that complicate the organization of nonconference games. This trend has led to some exciting clashes during a period when major programs traditionally dominate smaller schools in “buy games.”
This week presents a notable matchup: No. 12 Duke will face No. 17 Arizona. The two prestigious college basketball teams are set to compete this Friday night at McKale Center, making it one of the most highly anticipated encounters of the nonconference season.
The Blue Devils, currently boasting a record of 3-1, feature a talented roster headlined by freshman Cooper Flagg, who is projected to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Meanwhile, the Wildcats, with a record of 2-1, are led by preseason All-American Caleb Love, who has a strong connection to Duke, having played three seasons with North Carolina.
Flagg has certainly lived up to expectations, averaging 16.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Another freshman, Kon Knueppel, has had a strong start as well, with a 22-point performance in his debut against Maine. The Blue Devils also rely on established players like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster to bolster their lineup.
Duke breezed through three of its first four contests before suffering a setback with a 77-72 defeat against No. 9 Kentucky. However, they quickly rebounded with a dominant victory, overwhelming Wofford 85-35. Duke’s coach, Jon Scheyer, expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome adversity, highlighting their ball-sharing skills and character as key elements of their success.
Similarly, Arizona is hoping to bounce back from a challenging loss. After winning their initial two games, the Wildcats faced a tough defeat against No. 19 Wisconsin. Arizona struggled to establish a lead during that game, allowing 12 three-pointers and witnessing John Tonje score 41 points in a 103-88 rout.
Despite this setback, Coach Tommy Lloyd remains optimistic about his team’s potential, emphasizing that this was merely a chance to challenge themselves on the road. The Wildcats anticipate another significant home game against Duke next season at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
In other action, No. 22 St. John’s recently achieved its first ranking in six years, with Coach Rick Pitino’s squad successfully defeating New Mexico, 85-71, at Madison Square Garden. The Red Storm, now sitting at 4-0, will face a much tougher challenge against No. 13 Baylor in the Bahamas.
The Bears, who started the season ranked eighth in the AP Top 25, suffered a significant drop after a heavy loss to No. 3 Gonzaga. However, they rebounded with narrow and dominant victories over No. 20 Arkansas, Sam Houston State, and Tarleton. With one of the best offensive metrics, Baylor features a roster that includes three noteworthy transfers: Jeremy Roach (Duke), Norchad Omier (Miami), and Jalen Celestine (California). St. John’s is also ranked among the top 25 for both offensive and defensive performance, with RJ Luis Jr. leading the way with impressive averages.
Meanwhile, No. 8 Alabama, with a record of 3-1, fell six spots in this week’s AP Top 25 following a defeat to No. 6 Purdue. The Crimson Tide faces another tough challenge when they host No. 25 Illinois this Wednesday in Birmingham.
Although the Illini lost all five starters from last season’s lineup, Coach Brad Underwood effectively replenished the team with talented transfers and a strong freshman class. Illinois has responded well, securing wins against Eastern Illinois, SIU Edwardsville, and Oakland, which earned them a spot in the poll for the first time this season. Croatian center Tomislav Ivisic has dominated the paint, averaging 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game alongside standout freshman Will Riley, who contributes 17.7 points nightly.
Alabama remains one of the most prolific scoring teams nationally, following last season’s successful campaign that led them to their first Final Four, with Mark Sears leading the team once again as a preseason All-American.