By Sam Federman
Wait, isn't that the same title as yesterday?
Technically, it is. But we don't mean the same thing.
Thank God It's Friday.
Because Friday is college basketball heaven. So many games between high-major opponents, headlined by a huge one at Mackey Arena between Purdue and Alabama, both projected to win their conference.
Here are the keys to the game.
Purdue: The Boilers need big games from their freshman guards, CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris on Friday. This will likely be a faster-paced game than anything that Purdue has played so far, so they'll have to go to their bench a fair amount. The two will likely play upwards of 40 combined minutes, and if the Boilers don't survive the 3 or so minutes without Braden Smith, they can lose the game by 15-20 in just that spurt.
Alabama: Be the experienced team that you are. Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Latrell Wrightsell, and Cliff Omoruyi are all fifth-year seniors, and they need to play like it. They've been in big games before, and so have the Purdue vets, but this is a challenging road test early in the season. Alabama has to dictate the tempo of the game, like they always try to do. Run and gun, and hit your shots, and the Tide will be able to win.
Other fun games
Arizona at Wisconsin: Last year, the Cats completely eviscerated Wisconsin in Tuscon in early December. This season, John Tonje has looked incredible for the Badgers, and has to have a huge game if they're going to pull off the home upset.
Ohio State at Texas A&M: Watch out for Buckeye freshman John Mobley. If he shoots the ball anywhere near the way he has been so far, watch out, because A&M might not be able to score with him.
Marquette at Maryland: While the Golden Eagles have the positional size on the perimeter, their interior defense will be giving up points at will to Derik Queen and Julian Reese. It's all about how many Marquette can score themselves.
Villanova vs Virginia: Please shield your eyes
Florida Atlantic at Charleston: The Owls have played three games at 83, 78, and 80 possessions. Charleston has played two games at 78 and 81 possessions. Expect a huge number of points on the board in this one.
Loyola Chicago at Princeton: Really fun one in Jadwin, as both of these teams have escaped some early games that were a little more challenging than they should, but have everything it takes to win their leagues. Princeton's "I'm better than you" offense against Loyola's "I'm better than you" defense is going to be electric.
Other games to watch
Florida at Florida State, 6:00 p.m., ACCN
TCU at Michigan, 6:00 p.m., FS1
UAB at High Point, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
Washington State vs Iowa, 8:30 p.m., BTN