College basketball is here and Phenom Hoops is increasing their coverage this season. This is why we bring you our daily schedule of games to watch for and break down a few key games that should have your attention. Check out today’s lineup.
#1 Duke at Ohio State
The Big Ten/ACC Challenge continues Tuesday night and the new No. 1 team hits the road once again. Coming off a huge win against then No. 1 Gonzaga, the Blue Devils don’t get a break as they travel to Columbus, Ohio. Duke’s young group is talented and they have found success offensively, led by their star freshman Paolo Banchero. He and Duke will go up against Ohio State who is coming off a loss to Florida and will have to put together their best overall performance on both ends of the court. Forward EJ Liddell has been off the charts for Ohio State, averaging 22.5 points and shooting 56 percent from the court. This will also be Duke’s first true road test in a hostile crowd, as the Buckeyes are 3-0 early on the season.
Florida State at #2 Purdue
This is a very intriguing matchup that should have more national attention. FSU hits the road to take on a Purdue team that has been extremely impressive to start the season. Purdue has been terrific offensively, using a balanced attack with four players averaging double-figures. Zach Edey has been manning the paint while Jaden Ivey has been terrific at the guard position. But they also have nine total players that are averaging double-figure minutes and have played in all six games. FSU is coming off a narrow win but they still have a ton of talent and Coach Hamilton on the sideline. They also bring size like always but it will be interesting to watch guards Matthew Cleveland and Caleb Mills and what they can do on the big stage. This is a big opportunity for FSU on the road to showcase what they can be and a big platform for a few players on national television.
Northwestern at Wake Forest
Kind of a toss-up game for both teams, this is a very evenly matched game statistically. Both teams have been strong offensively for the most part and have been strong defensively, especially when it comes to creating steals (both average over 8.0 per game). But this is more of a momentum-building type game for both and one to learn a little more about each program and what they have. Will Wake Forest be able to slow down the size of Pete Nance and company for Northwestern or will the guard play continue to lead the charge at Wake Forest' A game to shed some light on both teams, with both coming in with just one loss on the season.
Other Games to Watch:
Davidson at Charlotte
Old Dominion at East Carolina
Indiana at Syracuse
Minnesota at Pittsburgh
Saint Louis vs. Boise State
New Mexico vs. New Mexico State
Clemson at Rutgers
North Dakota St vs. Creighton