The best games of the first weekend of the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season, including Arizona and Duke

The 2023-24 men’s college basketball season commenced with a series of dazzling performances. And we’re just in the first week.

Ja’Kobe Walter from Baylor seized control in the second half of his team’s 88-82 victory over Auburn in South Dakota on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson put up 21 points in his debut with Kansas during the Jayhawks’ 99-56 win against the North Carolina Central Eagles on Monday. Also, John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats displayed the young talent from its top-ranked recruiting class in their 86-46 triumph over New Mexico State on Monday.

However, Michigan State faced a surprising 79-76 defeat in overtime against James Madison in its season opener. Nonetheless, the week mainly showcased a series of appetizers for what’s ahead this weekend and next week with the Champions Classic in Chicago. Before the event, No. 2 Duke and No. 12 Arizona have a significant nonconference matchup. More on that later.

With this season’s matchups, I’ll be offering some picks (odds via ESPN BET). I may not be an oddsmaker or a gambling expert, but I am passionate about college basketball and analyze countless games.

Although college basketball started on Monday, the next five days will feature the league’s first full schedule of high-level games. Enjoy it.


No. 12 Arizona (1-0) at No. 2 Duke (1-0)

Friday, ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET

Throughout last season, Kyle Filipowski was struggling with two bad hips that had hindered him since high school. After undergoing a pair of surgical procedures this summer, the Wooden Award contender can finally see his potential. Our first glimpse of that could be clear in this matchup as Oumar Ballo and Arizona visit Cameron Indoor Arena.

Ballo, also a 7-footer with a high ceiling, could stamp his Wooden Award aspirations here, too. Arizona connected on 59% of its shots inside the arc and 39% of its 3-point attempts with Ballo on the floor, per Hoop Lens. Additionally, North Carolina transfer Caleb Love should demonstrate his poise on this court, given his familiarity. Love was part of the North Carolina squad that won at Duke in Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game — a 94-81 loss to the Tar Heels on March 5, 2022. That was the last time Duke lost a home game.

Medcalf’s pick: Duke 80-75. Against the spread: Arizona +5.5


Friday, Peacock, 7 p.m. ET

Following last year’s disastrous 16-19 finish, coach Chris Holtmann’s tenure at Ohio State was scrutinized. That’s fair. But the best way to end all speculation is to turn things around this season. Texas A&M’s trip to Columbus on Friday will offer Holtmann and the Buckeyes that opportunity to prove themselves.

Ohio State struggled at home in its 79-73 win over a shorthanded Oakland squad, which was a double-digit underdog, on Monday. However, four-star recruit Scotty Middleton gave Ohio State a push off the bench with 13 points (2-for-3 from the 3-point line). Wade Taylor IV (16.3 PPG last season) is a legitimate national player of the year candidate. On the other hand, Buzz Williams is coming off back-to-back top-45 seasons in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. The Aggies will be tough to beat, even in Columbus.

Medcalf’s pick: Texas A&M 75-70. Against the spread: Texas A&M -1.5


Friday, Peacock, 9 p.m. ET

Three years ago, the NCAA gave all winter athletes an extension on their eligibility. That decision has paid off for teams that have been able to hold onto their veterans for an extra season. This game will feature three players in their fifth seasons who took advantage of that option and subsequently enhanced their respective squads: Tennessee’s Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler and Wisconsin’s Tyler Wahl. Zeigler is coming off an ACL injury last season, and Vescovi has missed time because of a private family matter. Both hope to hit their strides in this matchup. Wahl is the leader of a Wisconsin team that ended up in the NIT last year and needs a strong start this season to avoid a similar decline.

Both teams ended last season on shaky runs. Tennessee lost its last five road games of the 2022-23 season, and Wisconsin finished 2-4 in its final six home matchups at the Kohl Center a year ago. Both teams will play in Madison with something to prove.

Medcalf’s pick: Tennessee 72-70. Against the spread: Wisconsin +2.5

Reference

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