February 3, 2026, promises to be a thrilling day for college basketball fans, as some of the sport’s top teams take the court in high-stakes matchups. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a strategic bettor, these games offer plenty to get excited about. Let's dive into the marquee matchups that could shake up the standings and offer some unexpected twists.

NCAA Men's Basketball Game Preview

Boston College at Duke

First up, the Boston College Eagles head to Cameron Indoor Stadium to face the Duke Blue Devils, currently ranked #2. The Blue Devils, led by the formidable Cameron Boozer, are predicted to win with a commanding 78% probability, according to our simulation model. Duke is expected to dominate with a projected score of 83.0 to Boston College’s 60.7.

Cameron Boozer is anticipated to be the star, with projections of 21.9 points and 11.5 rebounds. His ability to control the paint and dictate the pace will be crucial for Duke. On the other side, Fred Payne and Donald Hand Jr. will need to bring their A-game to keep Boston College competitive. Payne’s projected 13.7 points make him a player to watch, but overcoming Duke’s home court advantage is a tall order.

Xavier at Connecticut

Next, the Xavier Musketeers travel to face the #10 Connecticut Huskies. Our simulations give UConn a 66% chance of victory, with a predicted final score of 81.4 to Xavier’s 68.9. Tarris Reed Jr., with his expected 15.4 points and 8 rebounds, will be pivotal for UConn’s success.

For Xavier, Tre Carroll stands out with a projected 15.3 points and nearly 6 rebounds. His matchup against UConn’s defense will be a key storyline. The Huskies' balanced attack, featuring Alex Karaban and Braylon Mullins, should provide plenty of firepower to maintain their top-10 status.

Ole Miss at Tennessee

Finally, the Ole Miss Rebels face off against the #16 Tennessee Volunteers. Our model predicts a Tennessee victory with a score of 77.2 to Ole Miss’s 68.3, giving the Volunteers a 61% win probability.

Malik Dia from Ole Miss is expected to shine with 16.4 points and 6.9 rebounds, potentially challenging Tennessee’s defense. Meanwhile, Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie, with projected double-digit points and pivotal assists, will look to anchor his team’s efforts to keep their ranking intact.

For fans and bettors alike, these matchups provide a fascinating mix of talent and tactics. As the games unfold, keep an eye on how these key players perform and whether any underdogs can defy the odds.

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