The Cayman Islands Classic features an absolutely stacked field with four top-10 teams. Catch No. 2 UCLA, No. 6 UConn, No. 7 LSU and No. 9 Virginia Tech in action.
While there are a lot of basketball competitions happening this Thanksgiving weekend, good look finding one as stacked as the Cayman Islands Classic, held Friday, Nov. 24 through Saturday, Nov. 25.
We have four top-10 teams playing in the competition: the No. 2 UCLA Bruins, No. 6 UConn Huskies, No. 7 LSU Tigers and No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies. The Kansas Jayhawks, Virginia Cavaliers, Tulane Green Wave and Niagara Purple Eagles round out the eight-team field. All games will be streamed on FloHoops.
Here’s a breakdown of the top-10 participants and their most intriguing matchup this weekend:
No. 2 UCLA Bruins (4-0)
Thankful we get to play the game we love. Let’s go to work.#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/ETTMWHVRWM
— UCLA W. Basketball (@UCLAWBB) November 23, 2023
UCLA has been rolling to start the season, looking primed for a special year that will have them playing deep into March. Lauren Betts is a big reason why. She’s averaging a double-double, while four other Bruins also are averaging double figures in points.
Their first game of this competition will be must-see TV as UCLA plays No. 6 UConn. The winner of that game will stay near the top of the rankings, while the other likely will stake a slight dip.
No. 6 UConn Huskies (3-1)
Getting reps in before the Cayman Island Classic! pic.twitter.com/eymFgL0UVP
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 23, 2023
Paige Bueckers is back and so are the Huskies. They’ve been rolling and are 3-1 on the year, with their only loss coming at the hands of NC State. UConn will be put to the test by UCLA, but their matchup with Kansas should also be a fun one.
The Huskies have a couple of upcoming games versus top teams, so if they perform well this weekend and continue building momentum forward, it won’t be long before people make the case they are the country’s best team.
No. 7 LSU Lady Tigers (5-1)
Game prep in John Gray Gymnasium pic.twitter.com/XkTTfPD1j8
— LSU Women’s Basketball (@LSUwbkb) November 23, 2023
LSU has had a rocky start to the season. Yes, there was a disappointing loss at the beginning of the year, but most of the issues have been off the court, with speculation about tension between star player Angel Reese and head coach Kim Mulkey. The messaging from the university and the coach has been confusing and unclear.
Reese’s availability is unknown. Even if she will not play this weekend, the team is still a force to be reckoned with. Their game versus Virginia likely will give them their best test.
No. 9. Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1)
First look at the gym #Hokies pic.twitter.com/ZdUr1rcAKB
— Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball (@HokiesWBB) November 23, 2023
The Hokies have impressed during the early season, with their best display coming in a narrow defeat against No. 5 Iowa, 80-76.
Led by senior Elizabeth Kitley, who is putting up 24.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, Virginia Tech is quickly proving themselves to be the team to beat in the ACC. They won’t be playing any top-ranked teams while in the Cayman Islands, so their most intriguing challenge will come from Kansas on Friday.
Game schedule
Friday, Nov. 24
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Tulane Green Wave (11 a.m. ET)
No. 7 LSU Lady Tigers vs. Niagara Purple Eagles (1:30 p.m. ET)
No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Kansas Jayhawks (5 p.m. ET)
No. 6 UConn Huskies vs. No. 2 UCLA Bruins (7:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Nov. 25
No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tulane Green Wave (11 a.m. ET)
No, 2 UCLA Bruins vs. Niagara Purple Eagles (1:30 p.m. ET)
No. 7 LSU Lady Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers (5 p.m. ET)
No. 6 UConn Huskies vs. Kansas Jayhawks (7:30 p.m. ET)