by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

Christmas comes early for college hoops fans on Saturday. Here’s our top five games on deck for Dec. 6-12.

Long Beach State at No. 7 Ohio State | Saturday, noon, Big Ten Network

About the 49ers (3-5): Based on its record, Long Beach State doesn’t come off as a dangerous team. However, when considering losses to Southern California, North Carolina, Arizona, and Syracuse, the Big West favorite shouldn’t be overlooked. Returners Mike Caffey (11.4 ppg, 4.1 apg) and James Ennis (16.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg) are still meshing with transfers and freshmen. Former Arizona State leading scorer Keala King’s midseason eligibility can’t come soon enough.

About the Buckeyes (5-1): The loss came in a game at Duke, but the Buckeyes don’t play on the road again until Jan. 5. Ohio State plays well at home, and teams have a tough time handling Deshaun Thomas (21 ppg, 6.5 rpg) in any building. Aaron Craft (12 ppg, 4.3 apg) has been productive, as he was last season directing Thad Matta’s offense, though he shot 3-for-15 vs. Duke and 2-for-9 in a win against Northern Kentucky.

The matchup: If Long Beach State can dictate the tempo, the 49ers will have a chance. But that will be difficult in Columbus. Still, Long Beach State is used to strong competition on the road with one of the more grueling non-conference schedules in the country. An upset would be huge.

Our pick: Ohio State

Colorado at No. 9 Kansas | Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN