On The Menu: December 23, 2015

Game information courtesy Matt College Sports on TV Website, which has even more games listed.

All times listed are Eastern, adjust accordingly.

Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Semifinals

Consolation

BYU Cougars vs. New Mexico Lobos, 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Washington State Cougars vs. Northern Iowa Panthers, approx. 11:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

Championship

Harvard Crimson vs. Auburn Tigers, approx. 5 p.m. (ESPNU)
No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners at Hawai `i Rainbow Warriors, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

Well, the Sooners' path to the trophy cleared last night, when the host Rainbow Warriors blew out a Panther squad that would have been eager to pick up a third win over a Top 5 foe (and a full strength one at that!). Instead, both UNI and BYU, overtime losers to a Harvard time that might just be a factor in the Ivy race after all, saw their at-large chances take a serious hit. Both will have to hope they can meet in the fifth place game on Christmas Day.

Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic Finals

Consolation: Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions, 8 p.m. (FS1)
Championship: No. 18 SMU Mustangs vs. Colorado Buffaloes, approx. 10:30 p.m. (FS1)

This event's semifinals played out sans TV coverage last night, with the Mustangs blowing out the Golden Flashes and the Buffaloes escaping a challenge from the Nittany Lions by the minimum margin. This evening's championship game sees Colorado looking to extend its winning streak to 12, while SMU will attempt to stay perfect. Even though the Ponies are ineligible for the postseason, they still count as a quality win, something Tad Boyle's team needs heading into Pac-12 play.

Other Viewing Options

Iona Gaels vs. Akron Zips at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. (Holiday Hoops on Streamup)

The Zips can claim the South Point Holiday Hoops title with a win over the Gaels. If Iona wins, they'll be tied with Akron and UCSB with a win and a loss each. Plus, they can get back to .500.

Missouri Tigers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini at St. Louis, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

The "Braggin' Rights" series lives up to its name, as both the Tigers and Illini look to be a long way from NCAA contention.

Utah Valley Wolverines at No. 16 Louisville Cardinals (Billy Minardi Classic), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

The Cardinals will attempt to pick up their second win over a WAC opponent in as many nights, so don't expect them to get caught looking ahead to Saturday's showdown with Kentucky.

Bryant Bulldogs at Michigan Wolverines, 7 p.m. (BTN)

The Wolverines will attempt to head into the holidays by handing Tim O'Shea's Bulldogs their 10th straight defeat.

New Mexico State Aggies at No. 23 Baylor Bears, 8 p.m. (select FSN outlets)

On Saturday, the Bears were blown out by former Big 12 rival Texas A&M in College Station, look for them to take some frustration out on the WAC favorites, who have defeated UTEP and Oral Roberts in their last two outings, back in Waco.

Pepperdine Waves at Portland Pilots, 9 p.m. (ESPNU)
Loyola Marymount Lions at Gonzaga Bulldogs, 9 p.m. (KHQ/ESPN3)
Pacific Tigers at San Francisco Dons, 10 p.m. (TheW.tv)
Saint Mary's Gaels at Santa Clara Broncos, 11 p.m. (CSN California/ROOT Sports)

While BYU is wrapping up its non-conference slate in Honolulu, most of the rest of the WCC (with San Diego the other exception) is moving into conference game two. The Bulldogs and Pilots can both move to 2-0 in the 9 p.m. Eastern tips, while the Tigers and Gaels will look to do the same in the later tips.

North Dakota State Bison at Utah State Aggies, 10 p.m. (MWN)

Both the Bison and Aggies have already defeated UT Rio Grande Valley and Idaho State in the Global Sports Hoops Showcase, so tonight's winner will claim the round-robin event's championship.

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