The last Saturday of February has arrived, and excitement is building in the world of college basketball as teams compete for their chances in the NCAA Tournament. They are pushing for conference titles and striving to improve their positions on the projected seeding charts for March Madness. The schedule for Saturday features thrilling matchups, including two contests between top-10 teams and an exciting out-of-conference showdown.

No. 3 Duke faces off against Illinois at Madison Square Garden, marking a key battle as Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer aims to challenge his squad against a formidable Big Ten contender. This matchup not only serves as a chance for Duke to break free from a tough ACC season, but it also provides valuable experience in a neutral setting as they prepare for the postseason.

Saturday’s lineup includes 15 games featuring ranked teams, with three of those being matchups between ranked opponents. As the regular season nears its end, the competition will grow fiercer, ushering in the anticipation of March and the conclusion of a grueling season.

Check out the CBS Sports experts’ picks for five of the most significant games on this exciting day:

Odds via SportsLine consensus | All times Eastern

4 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, and Paramount+ with Showtime (try it free) — If Kansas wants to regain its momentum, this game is crucial. Oklahoma State has yet to secure a Big 12 road victory and typically plays at a fast pace. The Jayhawks are expected to thrive on the Cowboys’ tempo and capitalize on scoring runs to establish a commanding lead. KU requires not just a win but also a much-needed release of frustration, which may come at the expense of Oklahoma State. Prediction: Kansas -16.5

6 p.m. | ESPN, fuboTV (Try for free) — Last month, Alabama defeated a fully healthy Kentucky team 102-97 on its home turf. This time, the Crimson Tide will take on a weakened UK squad. After two consecutive losses, Alabama is feeling pressured, and head coach Nate Oats will ensure his team is focused after a disappointing 110-98 defeat against Missouri. Expect a more diligent defensive effort from Alabama against the Wildcats. Prediction: Alabama -8.5

No. 3 Duke vs. Illinois in New York

8 p.m. | Fox, fuboTV (Try for free) — Duke has been dominating weaker opponents in the ACC. However, their performance against tougher competition has been less certain, suffering all three of their losses on the road against teams ranked from 17 to 24 according to KenPom. Facing off against No. 21-ranked Illinois at Madison Square Garden, Duke is favored to win, but expectations of covering the spread could be challenging. Prediction: Illinois +10.5

10 p.m. | ESPN, fuboTV (Try for free) — After BYU’s impressive 91-57 victory over Kansas, it may seem tempting to back the Cougars. Yet, Arizona’s only loss on its home court this season was to No. 4 Houston, and they’ve won all their home games by a margin of at least eight points. Arizona triumphed in the first contest against BYU by 11 points earlier this month, and another strong performance is anticipated in the rematch. Prediction: Arizona -7.5

Curious about the outcomes of every college basketball game today and which favorites may be vulnerable to an upset? Head to SportsLine for expert picks and predictions for all college basketball games, utilizing a model that simulates every match 10,000 times.