The highly anticipated Big East-Big 12 Battle is set to kick off, bringing together two of the most formidable conferences in college basketball. With a history of producing thrilling moments and showcasing heavyweight matchups, this annual challenge promises to be an exciting test for participating teams.

The Big East and Big 12 conferences have been dominant forces in the college basketball landscape, together capturing five out of the last seven national championships. This year's battle features a marquee showdown between the last two national title winners, as UConn takes on Kansas on Friday night at the renowned Allen Fieldhouse. Undoubtedly, this clash between the Huskies and Jayhawks will capture major national attention.

The competition between these conferences has been fierce in recent years, with each league splitting the games in the past three seasons. Such parity adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the matchups.

One of the highlighted storylines is the historic non-conference winning streak of the UConn Huskies. Boasting an impressive 24 consecutive double-digit victories in non-conference games, the Huskies are riding high after their fifth national championship win last season. Their challenge will be to extend the streak to 25 as they face the Jayhawks in their intimidating home court, Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas, however, has yet to exhibit a consistent performance from the perimeter, which could give UConn the edge.

Another captivating matchup to watch is the clash between two rising stars in the college basketball scene – Hunter Dickinson of Texas and Donovan Clingan of Marquette. Dickinson, with an average of 21.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, will face off against Clingan, who has been making a name for himself with 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. This battle between dominant big men promises to be a spectacle for basketball fans.

Former Texas head coach Shaka Smart will face his previous team as his new squad, Marquette, takes on the Longhorns. The game brings added drama and intrigue, coinciding with Smart's move to a program where he can be himself and excel. Both teams are aiming to establish themselves as formidable contenders, making this matchup a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.

Houston, ranked sixth nationally, will face its first road test of the season as they take on Xavier. The Cougars, with their impressive 7-0 record, will be looking to prove their national title contender status. However, the sold-out Cintas Center will serve as a stern test, as Xavier aims to bounce back after a disappointing loss.

In addition, various other intriguing matchups are set to take place during the Big East-Big 12 Battle, delivering captivating storylines to watch. From impactful transfers making their mark to teams seeking redemption and asserting their dominance, each game has its own unique narrative.

As football continues to dominate the sports landscape during this time of year, the Big East-Big 12 Battle offers basketball fans a thrilling alternative. The conference challenge not only adds quality opponents to the schedule but also provides an opportunity for teams to enhance their resumes and measure their strengths against formidable adversaries. With the national spotlight shining on these matchups, the battle between the Big East and Big 12 conferences is sure to captivate basketball fans across the country.