Rick Barnes didn't have long on Monday to enjoy 17th-ranked Tennessee's lopsided win against Rutgers.

Not with No. 3 Houston awaiting Tuesday as part of a loaded field at this week's Players Era, the headlining event in a national schedule filled with college basketball tournaments and marquee matchups as part of a beloved Thanksgiving-week tradition in the sport.

“We’ve got a month or so before we get into conference play,” Barnes said after Monday's 85-60 win in Las Vegas. “And get a chance to really leave here and know which direction you need to move with your team.”

Indeed, this is a measuring-stick week for AP Top 25 teams.

The Players Era has grabbed center stage with eight ranked teams in its 18-team field, an event that quickly rose to prominence since last year's launch by gu

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