Though March Madness is a couple of months away, men’s basketball teams are already eager to secure significant victories to improve their chances for the NCAA tournament. This push actually kicked off in November and will continue through this weekend.

This week’s Starting Five highlights two exciting top-25 matchups in the SEC, including a critical top-10 battle where the No. 1 ranking is at stake. We’ll also check in on the ACC and Big 12, while Friday night’s Big Ten game starts the weekend action. Let’s jump right in!

No. 7 Tennessee at No. 1 Auburn

Time/TV: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

This weekend’s main attraction features the current top-ranked team, Auburn, going up against former No. 1 Tennessee, as both teams vie for high seeds in their regions. The rivalry is intensified by the fact that the Tigers are coached by a former Tennessee head coach. Auburn hasn’t played midweek, giving Johni Broome some extra time to recover from a sprained ankle. His availability remains uncertain, but the performances of substitutes like Chaney Johnson and Tahaad Pettiford have been promising. Tennessee’s strong defense helps keep them competitive, despite a rough 30-point defeat to Florida. Veteran guard Zakai Zeigler’s leadership is crucial, although their shooting consistency can sometimes be lacking.

No. 5 Houston at No. 11 Kansas

Time/TV: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

This significant road game is a key test for the Cougars, who are the last unbeaten team in their conference. Meanwhile, Kansas will feel relieved to be at home after losing their league opener there against West Virginia. Houston, known for its tough defense, now leans heavily on three-point shooting, with over a third of their attempts coming from beyond the arc. New point guard Milos Uzan, who transferred from Oklahoma, is doing well with 4.8 assists and only 1.2 turnovers per game. Kansas is still missing senior forward K.J. Adams (shoulder injury), but freshman Flory Bidunga has stepped up effectively in his absence.

No. 20 Michigan at No. 12 Purdue

Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Fox

Purdue is relieved they don’t have to worry about keeping their home winning streak intact, as it was broken on Tuesday with a disappointing loss to Ohio State. Their focus now shifts to avoiding a losing streak at Mackey Arena. On the other hand, Michigan has experienced its own struggles lately, narrowly beating Northwestern after suffering their first league loss to Minnesota. The Wolverines’ tall lineup, featuring Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf, has helped them maintain a 6.3 rebounding margin this season, which could provide a crucial edge in the challenging atmosphere at Purdue. The Boilermakers’ success often hinges on Braden Smith’s three-point shooting on any given day.

No. 2 Duke at Wake Forest

Time/TV: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Although beloved ESPN commentator Dick Vitale’s return to the courtside won’t happen as anticipated, this matchup should still attract attention. Wake Forest is on the brink of NCAA tournament contention and will seek to capitalize on this chance for a significant victory at home. Duke has been dominant in the ACC, winning both home and away. Freshman star Cooper Flagg, a potential lottery pick, has been meeting expectations, while Wake Forest counters with Hunter Sallis, who is also an all-conference candidate averaging 19.2 points per game.

No. 16 Mississippi at No. 24 Missouri

Time/TV: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, SECN

Missouri’s debut as a ranked team had a rocky start following a loss to Texas on Tuesday. The Tigers aim to bounce back at home and avoid falling out of the top-25. Meanwhile, Ole Miss is looking to end their own two-game losing streak. For the Rebels to succeed, they’ll need strong three-point performances from Sean Pedulla and Jaylen Murray to reduce the home crowd’s influence and balance their performance on the boards, an area where they often struggle. The Tigers typically prefer more selective three-point efforts, focusing on opportunities closer to the basket for guards Mark Mitchell and Tamar Bates.