When it comes to ranking college basketball matchups, Andy Katz stirred the pot this week with his choices. In his lineup of top games, Katz placed the clash between No.
8 Kansas and No. 2 Houston at Allen Fieldhouse in the fourth spot.
Yes, you read that right-fourth.
Ahead of this marquee matchup, Katz ranked Michigan at Illinois, St. John’s at UConn, and Purdue at Michigan State.
Now, Michigan at Illinois makes sense-it's a heated rivalry with postseason stakes. St.
John’s facing off against UConn also has its allure, especially with UConn's national prominence.
But Purdue at Michigan State over Kansas vs. Houston at the iconic Allen Fieldhouse? That’s a head-scratcher.
Kansas hosting the No. 2 team in the country is a major event in February. We're talking about a storied program with a legendary coach going up against a national title contender, all under the electric atmosphere of Allen Fieldhouse. It's Big Monday, with conference title implications on the line-this matchup ticks every box.
This isn't just another midweek game.
Houston's identity is built on tough defense and precise execution. Kansas, despite some uncertainty with Darryn Peterson, is formidable at home. The venue, the tradition, and the stakes make this a standout contest.
Sure, Purdue at Michigan State is a key Big Ten showdown. Important?
Absolutely. But bigger than Kansas vs.
Houston? That’s a tough sell.
Ranking games is inherently subjective, and that's part of the excitement. But placing a top-ten showdown in one of the sport's legendary arenas outside the top three is bound to raise eyebrows.
Maybe Katz aimed for conference balance or perhaps he favored the Big Ten lineup this week. Regardless, putting Kansas vs. Houston at No. 4 seems like a bit of overthinking.