Kansas faces road test vs. Iowa State; big day in Big East
Sure, January has its drawbacks, particularly if you don’t like the cold. But it’s a great month for college basketball fans, as its arrival means conference competition is ramping up. This in turn means there are meaningful and hopefully entertaining games on a nightly basis. Here are a few things to keep an eye on over the next few days.
GAME TO WATCH No. 2 Kansas at Iowa State, Monday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
By the time the Jayhawks (16-1, 5-0 Big 12) take the court, they are likely to be ranked No. 1. But their claim to the top spot gets an immediate test in one of the Big 12’s toughest venues for visitors, Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum.
The Cyclones (11-5, 3-2) lost Saturday at TCU, but they have won their first two conference games in Ames and have steady senior Monte Morris manning the point.
Kansas remains unscathed in Big 12 play despite a few close calls, thanks in large measure to veteran floor leader Frank Mason III.
PLAYER TO WATCH: MALIK MONK, KENTUCKY
The Wildcats (15-2, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) bring in a new crop of talent every year, but Monk’s long-range accuracy and knack for delivering in the clutch have distinguished him among this season’s rookie class.
He’s connecting at a 41.5% clip from beyond the arc, and his three-point prowess was on full display Saturday at home against Auburn with a 4-for-8 effort, but he and his teammates have been a bit cooler from distance in recent road outings.
They’ll try to change that Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Mississippi State (12-4, 3-1).
CONFERENCE TO WATCH: BIG EAST
The league takes the Monday holiday spotlight with a full slate of games on Fox Sports 1.
Butler (15-3, 4-2) tips it off at home (noon ET) against Marquette (12-5, 3-2), and Xaiver (13-4, 3-2) hosts Creighton (17-1, 4-1) at 2 p.m. ET in an important game for the home team.
Xavier endured a grueling week, resulting in consecutive road setbacks against Villanova (17-1, 5-1) and Butler. The Musketeers will be happy to be back in Cincinnati, but they face a redhot Creighton team that features the nation’s assists leader in Maurice Watson Jr.