College basketball’s unbeaten list is shrinking by the night, but Wednesday’s slate puts three of the remaining perfect teams squarely in the spotlight. Iowa State Cyclones, Arizona Wildcats, and Vanderbilt Commodores all take the floor tonight, each facing a different kind of test as the calendar turns deeper into January.
There are six unbeatens left nationally. Michigan and Miami (OH) protected their records last night. Nebraska joined the group earlier this week with a gritty 72–69 win at Ohio State and will be back in action Saturday at Indiana. That leaves tonight as a defining checkpoint for three teams that have handled everything so far, but now see the pressure ramp up.
Iowa State Cyclones at Baylor Bears
Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET
Record: Iowa State 14–0
No unbeaten faces a tougher environment tonight than Iowa State. A road trip to Waco is rarely comfortable, and Baylor is built to challenge anyone with pace, depth, and scoring balance. The Cyclones have been dominant early, blowing teams out with defense, ball movement, and efficient shooting, but this is the type of Big 12 game that tends to come down to execution late.
Iowa State has already shown it can handle league pressure, opening conference play with authority. Surviving this spot would further legitimize the Cyclones as not just unbeaten, but battle-tested.
Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Wildcats
Tip-off: 9:00 p.m. ET
Record: Arizona 14–0
Arizona returns home to Tucson carrying one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Wildcats have been overwhelming offensively, spreading the floor and overwhelming opponents with depth and athleticism. Kansas State brings physicality and experience, but this is a steep ask inside McKale Center.
What has stood out for Arizona during this unbeaten run is how rarely games feel uncomfortable. Even when challenged, the Wildcats respond quickly with runs that tilt the game back in their favor. Another convincing home win keeps Arizona firmly in the national title conversation.
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Alabama Crimson Tide at Vanderbilt Commodores
Tip-off: 9:00 p.m. ET
Record: Vanderbilt 14–0
Vanderbilt’s perfect start gets its biggest spotlight yet with Alabama coming to Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores have leaned on tempo, shooting, and confidence during their unbeaten run, and the home crowd has been a real factor. Alabama brings elite scoring and perimeter firepower, making this one of the most entertaining games on the board.
If Vanderbilt can navigate this matchup, it sends a clear message that this isn’t just a hot start, it’s a team capable of staying in the unbeaten conversation deep into conference play.
The others
With Michigan and Miami (OH) already through their latest tests and Nebraska waiting in the wings this weekend, tonight matters. Losses now mean even more. Wins bring national attention, poll movement, and belief inside locker rooms.
By the end of the night, the unbeaten list could look very different, or remain stubbornly intact. Either way, Iowa State, Arizona, and Vanderbilt are defining their seasons one possession at a time.
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