The 'Ball-Knowers' Weekly Watch Guide: Week of November 26 - November 29
Unfortunately, it's the season of paywalled providers like FloHoops but that doesn't mean there isn't good basketball to watch for free. The Watch Guide is here to help you find hoops wherever you can
At No Cap Space WBB, we want you to know ball. We want you to be able to look at other folks who may not know ball and not look down on them but instead educate them because you do, in fact, know ball. But during the college basketball season that can be hard. There’s, at any point, 10+ games happening on the same day in a variety of time windows.
So on Mondays and Fridays, we will be releasing what we call the ‘Ball-Knowers’ NCAA Watch Guide. Essentially, it’s a handful of games that our staff picks for each day based on a couple different metrics: how competitive the game might be, if there’s a player we like or find interesting involved, if there’s a team to watch or if the game has implications for NCAA selection in March. It’s basically a guide to help you see the forest through the trees so that by the spring you’ll have a good idea of who is a threat to make a run in the Dance.
Folks, it is officially FloHoops season. Adjust accordingly. While we have a bunch of great matchups on paper, many will be behind a paywall at the litany of holiday tournaments that will play out over the course of the weeks. If you have a friend that’s wanting to put some money down on a brief subscription, offer to go halfsies with them. Tis the season of giving, right? In the meantime, let’s show you everything we got on tap. And while you’re here, be sure to tap in, subscribe and take a listen to the Ball Up Top podcast, a new weekly pod here on No Cap Space!
Tuesday, November 26
California (ACC) vs. Michigan State (Big Ten): 2:00 PM ET, TruTV
Why it’s worth a watch: Probably one of my favorite hipster matchups of the week. I’ve been impressed with Charmin Smith’s crew early in the season, handling Gonzaga on the road and then beating Auburn in Haas Pavilion. Lulu Twidale and Ioanna Krimil have become quite a one-two punch for the Golden Bears and have both proven to be elite three point shooters. On the opposite side, it is Michigan State’s first big test of the year after dismantling most of their mid-major competition. Julia Ayrault is the returning star for the Spartans but this is your first chance to watch Oregon transfer Grace VanSlooten, who plays with shades of Satou Sabally. If you’re something of a WNBA Draftnik, this is the player to watch closely.
Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10
Clemson (ACC) vs. No. 23 Alabama (SEC): 2:30 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: Taking on South Carolina was always going to be a hard task for Shawn Poppie’s new look Clemson Tigers but, in spite of a 22 point loss, I thought they comported themselves well. This game against Alabama is a little more within the realm of possibility for an upset and I expect to see this one be a lot more pacey and high scoring than that matchup against SC. Loyal McQueen, Clemson’s leading scorer and passer, gets her first crack at her old team while Alabama has been playing lights out behind the trio of Sarah Ashlee Barker, Aaliyah Nye and Zaay Green. The Tide are a legit unit this year so it wouldn’t surprise me if they ran away from this one late but there’s a chance it stays pretty exciting for awhile
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
Vanderbilt (SEC) vs. Arizona (Big 12): 4:30 PM ET, TruTV
Why it’s worth a watch: This one is a matchup of hipster talent; top players in their recruiting class that don’t carry the motion we think they should. Arizona’s Breya Cunningham and Jada Williams were among the top prep players in America and are just starting to flash their talents with this Wildcat team. By now you’ve probably gotten sick of me talking about Vandy freshman Mikayla Blakes but I won’t stop. She’s a bonafide scorer and one of the players in contention for National Freshman of the Year. It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing game but the talent on the floor is undeniable. If you haven’t seen Blakes yet, she’s on cable TV Tuesday night. No excuses!
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
No. 21 Oregon (Big Ten) vs. South Dakota State (Summit): 7:00 PM ET, Jackrabbit Sports Network
Why it’s worth a watch: Both teams in this one got tripped up by Georgia Tech in very similar fashion. While the Yellowjackets might be one of the most underrated teams in America right now, this game feels important for both. For South Dakota State, there’s only a couple of high level non-con matchups left before Summit League play starts. There’s not much of a doubt that they will win (depending on how spry Oral Roberts is this year) the conference but games like this matter for seeding. Oregon, on the other hand, has played really well to open the year. But the loss to Georgia Tech was the first piece of adversity for this group. How do they respond?
Must-Watch Score: 8/10
Wednesday, November 27
No. 20 NC State (ACC) vs. No. 7 LSU (SEC): 1:30 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: At last, a worthy opponent in the non-conference for LSU. The Tigers nearly got clipped by Washington if not for a Kailyn Gilbert bucket with two seconds left. I’d expect to see a much better performance from Mikaylah Williams (0-9 vs. UW) and Aneesah Morrow, who I will note managed to get to the line to compensate for a below average shooting night. I want to see a little more out of this LSU team and a game against NC State is a good barometer. The guard play will be fun with Williams, Flau’Jae Johnson and Shayeann Day-Wilson facing off against Saniya Rivers, Zoe Brooks and Aziaha James. But my concern with the Wolfpack still is in their front court. Who can matchup on Sa’myah Smith or even a Jersey Wolfenbarger (who I really would love to see more of)? It’s a clash of styles and one of the few times you get to see LSU play someone of note before SEC play starts.
Must-Watch Score: 9/10
Fairfield (MAAC) vs. Wake Forest (ACC): 2:00 PM ET, ACC Extra
Why it’s worth a watch: On paper, it’s not the sexiest matchup but this is a big one for the Stags, who have lost two early season matchups but have another chance for a high-major scalp. I think the Stags will probably win this, given that their two losses have aged pretty well to start the year. Oklahoma State is 6-0 and Richmond might be one of the best mid-majors in NCAA women’s basketball. But with only a couple games — vs. Wake Forest, Villanova and St. John’s left — you have to stack these wins where you can. Otherwise, that seeding might be a little lower than anticipated.
Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10
UCF (AAC) vs. UNLV (Mountain West): 3:00 PM ET, Mtn West Network
Why it’s worth a watch: Sytia Messer has quietly been working to get UCF up to speed after a long career next to Kim Mulkey at Baylor and then LSU. It appears that through six games she’s starting to get things moving in the right direction. Kaitlin Peterson has scored in bunches to open the year and Hannah Gusters — yes, that Hannah Gusters — is having a nice season so far (14.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG). UNLV doesn’t look like the same team they were last year as they look for an answer for Desi-Rae Young’s lost production. The Rebels lost to Arizona and were blown out by Oklahoma but this game feels a bit more of a final barometer as to what they’ll be this season. With a couple veteran heavy rosters in the Mountain West, it might be a signal that this is a bit of a rebuild in Vegas and maybe the step forward UCF has been looking for.
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
No. 13 Duke (ACC) vs. No. 8 Oklahoma (SEC): 4:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: This is gonna be a fun little battle of pace and I cannot wait to see who comes out on top. Oklahoma has smoked everyone on the schedule so far and finally get their first look at a high-level defense. Raegan Beers is back to playing at an All-American First Team level and, quite mystifyingly, isn’t getting that type of buzz. She’s averaging 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on 73 percent shooting from the field. Those are Alissa Pili numbers. But she’ll get a nice battle against Jordan Wood and Toby Fournier. I’m curious to see Oklahoma handles Duke’s guard trio of Ashlon Jackson, Reigan Richardson and Jadyn Donovan.
Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10
No. 18 Ole Miss (SEC) vs. No. 2 UConn (Big East): 7:30 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: This is an awesome defensive test because if there’s one thing Ole Miss can do is slow it down and make it gritty. You know UConn can win that way but just how good can they look doing it? It appears that the Rebels are finally figuring out who their lead dogs will be. Right now, the whole has been greater than the individual. Ole Miss has, for all intents and purposes, five players averaging double figures. Madison Scott averages 9.8 but that’s close enough for my accounting. I’m most interested in how Starr Jacobs performs against this level of competition. We haven’t yet seen the player that lit up the scoreboard for UT Arlington but the talent is evident when she’s out there. I expect a big game from Paige Bueckers and this will be a nice first taste of NCAA Tournament level competition for freshman Sarah Strong, who has played well out of the gate (15.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG). The Huskies got jumped by UCLA for No. 1 in the AP Poll, and understandably so, yet this game feels like a good one to make a statement as to who UConn is.
Must-Watch Score: 9/10
No. 19 Illinois (Big Ten) vs. No. 14 Kentucky (SEC): 8:00 PM ET, BallerTV
Why it’s worth a watch: Shauna Green’s Fighting Illini have been one of the great stories of the early season. If you haven’t tuned in yet, this would be a good time to find out whatever the hell BallerTV is and tap in. Kendall Bostic is an early Big Ten Player of the Year watch lister, averaging 18.0 points and 10.2 points per game. But I’m a huge fan of Illinois guard Makira Cook who is an elite passer and defender and one of the returning stars of this group that won a WBIT title last year. She’ll likely match up against Georgia Amoore and that’ll be a fun little battle. Bostic will have her hands full with 6’5 Clara Strack and Kenny Brooks’ Wildcats have a chance to net another Top 25 win less than 10 games into his first season in Lexington. A dub here would be another proof of concept that he can build at Kentucky what he did at Virginia Tech.
Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10
Thursday, November 28
No. 11 Ohio State (Big Ten) vs. Old Dominion (Sun Belt): 11:00 AM ET, BallerTV
Why it’s worth a watch: I don’t think this one will stay close for too long but I’m intrigued by the long build DeLisha Milton-Jones has been doing at ODU. While they lost their opener to Ball State (who I still think will win the MAC, to be clear), the Monarchs went out and beat VCU and will likely have handled William & Mary by the time this game tips on Thursday. ODU isn’t a unit that scores in bunches, instead relying on a team effort and playing good defense to stay what’s been a below average shooting start as a team. For Ohio State, kick your feet up and watch the Jaloni Cambridge show. We’ve theorized a bit about the lack of motion these freshman have had this year and I’m not sure why when it comes to her. The 5’7 Nashville native has been electric to open the year and anchors a back court with Oregon transfer Chance Gray, who looks rejuvenated in Columbus. The Buckeyes have a really good core here and even with so many graduating losses, I think this Ohio State team might have a higher ceiling than last year’s, if you can believe it.
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
Harvard (Ivy) vs. St. John’s (Big East): 12:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: Harmoni Turner. If you don’t know the name, now is the time to learn it. The Crimson guard powered Harvard to a massive road upset over Indiana earlier in the year and might be an All-American when all is said and done. She’s opened the year averaging 22 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.3 steals per game. The 5’10 senior has always been this kind of player but is finally generating some buzz now which is awesome. On the other side, St. John’s hasn’t faced much in the way of tough opponents but is likely to be a top four finisher in the Big East this year. It has all the feels of those Princeton games with Kaitlyn Chen where you knew an upset wasn’t really an upset to the real ball-knowers. But Turner is the draw and worth the bump from 7.0 to 7.5/10 on the watchability scale. Now you get to decide if she’s worth the price of FloHoops!
Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10
No. 4 South Carolina (SEC) vs. No. 15 Iowa State (Big 12): 1:30 PM ET, FOX
Why it’s worth a watch: This could be a get right game for the Gamecocks or another nightmare especially with the challenge of guarding Audi Crooks down low. The takeaway from the UCLA matchup was that Lauren Betts generated so much attention in the paint that it opened up opportunities for other players to shine (and shine they did). Iowa State will likely watch that tape and come away with the same idea: let Audi cook but hope that Addy Brown, Kenzie Hare, Sydney Harris and Emily Ryan can put the ball in the hoop. Crooks is absolutely going to get hers. She’s averaging 21.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game even if the shooting percentage is a little down. That loss to Northern Iowa was a surprise but it really came down to an unconscious shooting night by Kayla Laube and Maya McDermott. The Gamecocks, for their part, matchup well here. I have a feeling this could be a big game for Chloe Kitts. All eyes, however, will be on the back court rotations and if Milaysia Fulwiley and Dawn Staley have talked through their differences and if the benching in the UCLA game does for Lay what the UNC benching last year did.
Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10
Purdue (Big Ten) vs. Mid Tenn St (Conference USA): 4:30 PM ET, Women’s Sports Network
Why it’s worth a watch: Much like Fairfield, this is another chance for Mid Tenn State to prove that it can compete at a second round or better NCAA Tournament level. I was surprised to see how much Tennessee ran away from Mid Tenn earlier in the regular season but that’s kind of what can be expected from the Lady Vols this year. They shot 42 three pointers against a Blue Raider team that primarily operates inside and doesn’t place much of a premium on the long ball. Purdue is kind of the same, shooting 29.6% from three as a team to open the year. The matchup between Raegan Bass and Anastasiia Boldyreva is going to be a good one but I’m really interested in Destini Lombard, an elite defender from the WAC who transferred to Purdue, and what she does against Courtney Blakely or Ta’Mia Scott. I expect Mid Tenn to win but it’s worth tuning into for a few possessions just to get an idea of MTSU to remember for March.
Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10
Norfolk State (MEAC) vs. Washington State (Pac-12): 5:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: HBCU’s typically run the gauntlet of high-majors and take their licks. But these Spartans have already gotten one high-major win and Washington State looks very ripe to be plucked. They’ve lost three games: a close one to Texas Tech and then two blowouts to Stanford and Iowa. The Cougs are still looking for their identity post Charlisse Leger-Walker/Bella Murekatete. But perception is everything, especially since Wazzu’s record will likely age a bit better once WCC play starts. If Norfolk can have wins over Missouri and Wazzu along with a ten point loss on the road to a Top 25 Alabama team, then that’s a mid-major resume worthy of something more than the 14 or 15 seed that HBCU teams usually get. For the last couple of years, Jackson State has been the standard bearer and has been underseeded in March. If Norfolk can keep plucking these high-majors, then the argument for the Committee doing that again becomes a lot harder.
Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10
Utah (Big 12) vs. Mississippi State (SEC): 7:30 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: The Utes stepped out after the departure of their head coach and didn’t look like they missed a step. Utah stepped out against Montana State fresh off the loss of Lynne Roberts to the L.A. Sparks and played one of their better games of the season. Time will tell how good Montana State is in the Big Sky but it was an impressive all around performance for the Utes, starting with a 19 point performance for Gianna Kneepkens. The Utes lost a head scratcher to Northwestern on the road earlier in the year but this will be their first significant test among equals. Mississippi State hasn’t had a major test yet but has managed to integrate their transfers rather well (although I’m waiting to see if Terren Ward can step into a bigger role at this level). Madina Okot and Maya Toure should be a fun battle inside while Kneepkens is someone you want to keep an eye on for next years WNBA Draft. Her old coach is in L.A. and while she might not be a No. 2 overall type pick, she’d be an underrated steal in the second round if reunited with Lynne Roberts.
Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10
Texas Tech (Big 12) vs. Florida State (ACC): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+
Why it’s worth a watch: Texas Tech is undefeated but this is one of their early resume tests against a Florida State team flush with talent but a ceiling they can’t seem to break through. Ta’Niya Latson is a favorite of No Cap Space and is averaging 26.8 points per game out of the gate alongside Makayla Timpson, whose statistics are downright gaudy. 20.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. But the question is where else the production comes from. The Seminoles lost on the road to Illinois which is aging better than expected, it should be noted. They handled Florida and now get a Red Raider team that has, for the most part, played well through six games. It’s a tough back to back here for Tech as they get FSU and then Gonzaga on Thursday and Friday. If they split or get both, that will be huge for a Tourney resume. If they lose both, then we know we’re probably looking at a WBIT type roster again.
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
Friday, November 29
Washington State (Pac-12) vs. Virginia (ACC): 4:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: This game is more for a player or two than it is the matchup. If you haven’t seen Kymora Johnson hoop, then tune into this one for an hour or so before heading over to Notre Dame - TCU. Coach Mox’s Cavaliers might not be a top end unit in the ACC yet but there is a lot to like. Johnson is averaging 17.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, leading UVA in both categories. Latasha Lattimore has a near double-double trough six games but that blowout loss on the road to Oklahoma is a data point towards their ceiling. This game against Washington State, who I put firmly in that WBIT tier right now, will help us understand what Virginia will be this season. For Wazzu, it’s a chance for more high-major wins and this is a big week to get them. As I mentioned earlier, they’ll be able to stack W’s in the WCC but if they have aspirations of a 68 team field, they can’t afford to lose many more games in the non-con.
Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10
No. 3 Notre Dame (ACC) vs. No. 17 TCU (Big 12): 5:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: So the question here is twofold: who plays defense on Hailey Van Lith and who hunts her on the other side of the ball? A newly rejuvenated HVL gets her first major test of elite backcourt stoppers from Sonia Citron to Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. Sedona Prince has been sensational to open the year, averaging 20.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, but Kate Koval will be the first big bodied and skilled forward she’s seen this year. The energy level from Prince has been much better than it was at Oregon but how will she respond with the adversity she is likely to see in this game and against South Carolina in a couple weeks? Notre Dame has another chance here to cement themselves as a team with a No. 1 AP poll case but HVL is the one I’m watching most closely. Our own Rashard Hall has her mocked in the first round of the WNBA Draft and I’ve been high on how she can make that case in Mark Campbell’s system. This is test number one to see if there’s a legitimate case for her as a high end next level guard.
Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10
Gonzaga (WCC) vs. Texas Tech (Big 12): 8:00 PM ET, ESPN+
Why it’s worth a watch: Gonzaga has dropped a pair of early matchups against high-majors as they try and figure out their backcourt situation. It’s clear that Yvonne Ejim is the Bulldogs star but the loss of the Truong sisters and Brynna Maxwell has been a deeper hole to fill than expected. Depending on what the results are for both teams earlier in the week, it feels like a rather consequential resume matchup. The Zags play Missouri State and will be in good shape if they win that, But they’ve also lost their only two high-major matchups so far this year and get Texas Tech and Florida State back to back. The Red Raiders will be on the second of three straight nights of games and will be fresh off a late game against the Seminoles. It feels like a game Gonzaga could be primed to win based off energy expended the previous night. But this is a great data point for Gonzaga, especially.
Must-Watch Score: 7/10
No. 22 Iowa (Big Ten) vs. BYU (Big 12): 9:00 PM ET, FloHoops
Why it’s worth a watch: BYU does have a really ugly loss to Northern Colorado on the resume but appears to be trending in the right direction under coach Amber Whiting. It feels like the Cougs are between years right now as star forward Lauren Gustin with *this* backcourt would’ve made something shake. Delaney Gibb and Amari Whiting have another year under their belts and are averaging a combined 32.3 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists per game. 6’4 forward Emma Calvert will be a good test for Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke and Addison O’Grady and probably the first truly skilled big the Hawkeyes have seen this year. Lucy Olsen has proven herself to be a fun lead guard for Jan Jensen’s crew so if you have a light night craving to watch some Friday night hoops, see who has a free stream for Flo.
Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10