UPDATE: The highly anticipated Feast Week in men’s college basketball kicks off today, featuring an array of elite nonconference matchups that can significantly impact NCAA tournament resumes. The action is centered in Las Vegas, where the Players Era Festival will showcase 18 top teams, including nine from the AP Top 25, all competing for a lucrative $1 million guaranteed payout.
The marquee matchups begin at 4:30 p.m. ET with St. John’s facing Iowa State, followed by a thrilling lineup including Alabama vs. Gonzaga at 9:30 p.m. ET. These games promise to deliver high-stakes drama and showcase some of the nation’s best talent.
The Feast Week schedule is packed with action:
Monday, November 20
– **St. John’s vs. Iowa State** at 4:30 p.m. ET: This clash features two of the best defenses in college basketball. Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey, one of the top point guards, will lead against St. John’s as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season.
– **Auburn vs. Oregon** at 8 p.m. ET: Auburn seeks its first significant win despite the absence of leading scorer Keyshawn Hall, while Oregon aims to capitalize on a soft start to their schedule.
– **Gonzaga vs. Alabama** at 9:30 p.m. ET: Prepare for an offensive showdown! Gonzaga leads the nation with 94.0 points per game, while Alabama averages 91.0 PPG. Expect a fierce battle as both teams vie for supremacy.
Tuesday, November 21
– **St. John’s vs. Baylor** at 5 p.m. ET: With Baylor’s Cameron Carr emerging as a scoring leader, this game is poised to feature some of the most talented offensive players in college basketball.
– **Tennessee vs. Houston** at 6 p.m. ET: The Volunteers, aiming to avenge last season’s Elite Eight loss, face Houston, the nation’s top defensive team. This matchup could be a defensive showcase.
– **Michigan vs. Auburn** at 8:30 p.m. ET: Both teams look to gain momentum after dominant wins last week, but Auburn needs to find solutions without Hall.
Thursday, November 23
– **North Carolina vs. Michigan State** at 4:30 p.m. ET: If both teams win earlier in the week, this clash of blue bloods will feature two undefeated records. Michigan State is riding high after a stunning victory over Kentucky.
– **Duke vs. Arkansas** at 8 p.m. ET: Duke’s ability to draw fouls has skyrocketed, while Arkansas seeks to rebound from a shaky performance last week.
Friday, November 24
– **UConn vs. Illinois** at 12:30 p.m. ET: Two offensive powerhouses will clash at Madison Square Garden post-Thanksgiving. Both teams aim to bounce back after recent losses.
As the Feast Week unfolds, fans can expect thrilling moments and potential upsets. This week not only presents an opportunity for teams to improve their standings but also to captivate audiences with high-stakes basketball.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights as these matchups could reshape the landscape of college basketball heading into the NCAA tournament. Share this article to keep fellow fans in the loop about the incredible action occurring this week!
