College basketball: This week's marquee conference matchups
New Orleans, Louisiana - Following a wild week of college hoops, what shocking shakeups are basketball fans in for this week?
Last weekend, men's college basketball gave us a slew of solid matchups with many surprises.
From No. 1 Houston almost getting knocked off by USF and Indiana’s stunning upset over Wisconsin, to a nail-biting win from reigning national champions Kansas, things are bound to heat up once more on the hardwood floor.
Houston and Tulane will headline the week of action in a battle for the top spot in the AAC, while Kansas State will host Kansas for a huge in-state rivalry showdown.
With March Madness just two months away, here are the top games to watch this week that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Kansas vs. Kansas State rivalry showdown
The Kansas vs. the Kansas State rivalry will be one for the books this season as both teams are nearly identical on paper.
The Jayhawks and Wildcats both score over 77 points a game, allow less than 66 points per game, and have both won nine-straight games this season.
Even more exciting is that this year, their rivalry matchup will grant more than just in-state bragging rights as the winner will take the lead in the Big 12 conference.
Currently, Kansas has a narrow edge on Kansas State for the top spot. However, a loss to their in-state rival would bump the Jayhawks to a No. 3 standing at best.
Wildcats Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell will be a tough match for Kansas' defense.
Jayhawks star Jalen Wilson will need some help from guards like Gradey Dick to rack up points on the board to overtake a strong Kansas State team.
The Kansas in-state rivalry showdown is set for Tuesday at 7 PM EST on ESPN.
Big East showdown: Providence vs Marquette
Providence and Marquette meet once again this season after the Friars beat the Golden Eagles 103-98 in late December at home.
However, Providence will be facing a much different Marquette team this time around as the Eagles have improved in their scoring abilities and will have the home-court advantage.
Marquette's offense has averaged a whopping 83 points and has assists on 18.4 buckets per game this year.
Both Providence and Marquette are coming off of huge wins against a tough UConn basketball squad.
The Golden Eagles enter the Big East showdown with a five-game winning streak while the Friars enter on a nine-game wining streak.
The Big East showdown will take place on Wednesday at 9 PM EST on CBS Sports.
Cover photo: Collage: ED ZURGA / Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP