Bubble Wrap: Last night's winners and losers

It was a busy (and exciting, for all the haters out there) night of college basketball, with much at stake as far as NCAA Tournament hopes and placement are concerned. I'll focus on the hopes for now.

Bubble Up:

Florida - Yes, the Gators are having a very tough season and it seems like they can't get out of their own way, but thank God for that 68 teams have to get in thing. They beat Vandy last night to stay within a couple arms' length.

Davidson - they squeaked out a victory at George Washington last night to stay in the mix. They were last seen in my "next four out," so they still have some work to do.

Miami - it sounds weird to say that a home win over Virginia Tech is big or encouraging, but the Hurricanes have been unimpressive versus subpar competition this season. Last seen in my "first four out," they kept hope alive by blowing out the Hokies last night.

Tulsa - they are a bit off my tournament grid at the moment, despite a nice looking record. They at least didn't hurt themselves (which is equal to helping, this time of year) last night, by beating lowly ECU.

Colorado State - CSU took care of their business at Fresno State to stay uncomfortably comfortable in the 11 seed range.

Boise State - my most recent last team in the field picked up a much-needed solid road win at UNLV, on a night when the Rebels and Vegas paid tribute to Tark the Shark.

Oregon - though the Ducks have plenty of work to do in order to get in the field, they held serve with a home win over Colorado.

Bubble Trouble:

George Washington - essentially off the grid going into last night, they solidified that notion by losing at home to Davidson.

UMass -the Minutemen's slim at-large tournament hopes are almost nonexistent now, after last night's loss to Rhode Island.

Minnesota - see above for the Gophers, thanks to a home loss to Northwestern.

UCLA - previously a member of my last four in club, losing at Arizona State was not a good look for the Bruins.

Twitter: @Blacketologist 

Eye on the Tourney: Tonight's Games That Matter

We are at that point in the season where a whole bunch of games matter each night, as far as the NCAA Tournament is concerned. However, their levels of significance vary greatly. There are bubble teams, fringe bubble teams and teams lucky or good enough to be playing strictly for seeding purposes.

Here are tonight's games that matter and why:


BUBBLE

Florida (12-13, 5-7) vs. Vanderbilt (13-11, 4-7) 7PM, Gainesville, FL, SECN
Believe it or not, the Gators still have a shot at dancing, thanks mostly to their 8th ranked SOS. They can't afford to lose this one.

Davidson (16-6, 8-4) at George Washington (17-8, 7-5) 7PM, Washington, DC
Davidson is hanging on by a thread, as well, while GW seems to have fallen off the cliff. Still, a must-win game for Davidson's hopes.

Miami (16-9, 6-6) vs. Virginia Tech (10-15, 2-10) 7PM, Coral Gables, FL, ESPN3
Miami can't afford anymore bad losses and a home loss to the Hokies would more than fit that description.

UCLA (16-10, 8-5) at Arizona State (13-12, 5-7) 9PM, Tempe, AZ, ESPN2
UCLA is still in my last four in so they need to continue winning, especially against subpar competition.

Colorado State (20-5, 8-5) at Fresno State (10-13, 7-5) 10PM, Fresno, CA, ESPN3
The Rams are in that 11 seed range, so a loss at Fresno would not be ideal.

Boise State (16-7, 8-4) at UNLV (13-11, 5-7) 11PM, Las Vegas, NV, CBSS
The Broncos are coming off a bad loss at Fresno, themselves, so a loss to the Rebels tonight could easily bump them out of the NCAA field, for now.

FRINGE BUBBLE

UMass (15-9, 9-3) at Rhode Island (16-6, 9-3) 7PM, Kingston, RI
Both these teams are fringe, RI more so, but the Minutemen can keep their slim hopes alive with a win.

Tulsa (17-6, 10-2) vs. ECU (9-14, 4-8) 7PM, Tulsa, OK, ESPNU
Tulsa's record looks way, way better than their resume and a loss to ECU might just kill off the last of their supporters.

Minnesota (15-10, 5-8) vs. Northwestern (11-14, 2-10) 9PM, Minneapolis, MN, BTN
The Gophers jumped back on life support with three straight wins before losing at Indiana. They can't afford to become Northwestern's second straight upset victim.

Oregon (17-8, 8-5) vs Colorado (12-12, 5-7) 11PM, Eugene, OR, ESPNU
While some believe the Ducks are in the field, I still think they have a decent amount of work to do. They can start by taking care of business tonight versus the struggling Buffs.

SEEDING

Xavier (16-10, 7-7) at Cincinnati (17-8, 8-5) 7PM, Cincinnati, OH, ESPN2
Currently, I have Xavier as an 8 seed and Cincinnati a 9, so obviously these two can improve their prospects slightly with a win.

Northern Iowa (24-2, 13-1) at Loyola Chicago (14-10, 6-8) 8PM, Chicago, IL, ESPN3
The Panthers are currently 6 seed-ish, they could go up if they keep winning, but could fall with a bad loss.

Arkansas (20-5, 9-3) vs. Missouri (6-18, 1-11) 9PM, Fayetteville, AR, SECN
The Razorbacks are currently in the 5/6 seed range, but could easily drop a seed line with a loss to the putrid Tigers.

Providence (18-8, 8-5) at DePaul (12-14, 6-7) 9PM, Rosemont, IL, CBSS
Providence, too, is in that 5/6 range, and though DePaul isn't all that bad, many would give the side-eye to the Friars if they lost this one.

PROTECTED SEEDS

Wisconsin (23-2, 11-1) at Penn State (15-11, 3-10) 7PM, University Park, PA, BTN
The way the Badgers have handled the rest of the Big Ten, we might not need to worry about this one, but a shocking loss would definitely jeopardize their 1 seed hopes.

Louisville (20-5, 8-4) at Syracuse (16-9, 7-5) 7PM, Syracuse, NY, ESPN
The Cardinals are a not-so-stable 3 seed at the moment. A loss at the Cuse could continue their mini downward trend, despite the team-imposed absence of Chris Jones.

North Carolina (18-7, 8-4) at Duke (22-3, 9-3) 9PM, Durham, NC, ESPN
As usual, this classic has top seed implications. The two can likely only help themselves, barring a blowout.

Iowa State (18-6, 8-4) at Oklahoma State (16-8, 7-6) 9PM, Stillwater, OK, ESPNU
The Cyclones are in the 3/4 seed range and can likely solidify a 3 by continuing to win games such as these. Ok State is currently looking like a 5 seed and can move slightly up with a win, but won't be hurt by a loss.


Twitter: @Blacketologist

Eye On The Tourney: Saturday's Games To Watch

There is a huge slate of games of various levels of importance today. As is always the case in February, there are high seeds, low seeds and any seeds at stake. Let's take a look...

HIGH STAKES/HIGH SEEDS

#20 Baylor (16-5, 5-4) at #16 West Virginia (18-4, 6-3) 12PM, Morgantown, WV, ESPNU

In a matter of weeks, Baylor went from unproven and overrated (at least in my mind), to a solid 4 seed at the moment. The Mountaineers are looking like a 6 seed and a home win over the Bears could inch them even higher. Prediction: West Virginia 69, Baylor 67.

#9 Notre Dame (21-3, 9-2) at #3 Duke (19-3, 6-3) 1PM, Durham, NC, CBS

I have Duke as a 1 seed, based in part on their three monster road wins at Wisconsin, Louisville and Virginia. It will not be easy for the Blue Devils to stay on that 1 line with tough games like today's commonplace in the ACC. Notre Dame is in the 3 seed range and today's game presents only upside for the Irish. Prediction: Duke 81, Notre Dame 75.

Providence (17-6, 7-3) at Xavier (14-9, 5-6) 1PM, Cincinnati, OH, FS1

Believe it or not, this game is more about high seeds than the bubble. Providence has surged to 5 seed territory after their road win at Georgetown; and despite Xavier's bad home loss to Creighton Wednesday, they remain pretty solidly in the field, for now. Prediction: Xavier 72, Providence 66.

#8 Kansas (19-3, 8-1) at Oklahoma State (14-7, 5-5) 2PM, Stillwater, OK, ESPN

While most of the country looks at the Jayhawks as merely a top 10 team as their ranking suggests, their resume looks much more like a 1 seed. In order to stay there, Kansas will have to go into Stillwater and beat a tough Cowboys team, who is extra tough at home. Oklahoma State could improve their already surprising 6 seed status. Prediction: Oklahoma State 68, Kansas 65.

#22 Georgetown (15-7, 7-4) at #7 Villanova (20-2, 7-2) 2PM, Philadelphia, PA, FOX

The Hoyas have been a bit of a tease so far this season. They look like a top 4 seed one day, then an 8 seed the next. That's why they currently find themselves in the 6 seed vicinity. They head into hostile Philly territory with a mad Villanova team looking for payback for the 20-point beat down Georgetown handed them a few weeks back. Nova's a 2 seed for now and a home win today would help solidify that. Prediction: Villanova 77, Georgetown 70.

#10 Louisville (19-3, 7-2) at #4 Virginia (20-1, 8-1) 7PM, Charlottesville, VA, ESPN

It's back to big boy business with this one, as Virginia looks to maintain its 1 seed status and Louisville seeks to improve its current 3 seed resume. Prediction: Virginia 64, Louisville 60.

BUBBLE TROUBLE

Tennessee (13-8, 5-4) at Georgia (14-7, 5-4) 12PM, Athens, GA, ESPN2

The SEC is bubble friendly this year and Tennessee put itself on the wrong side of the bubble with their recent home loss to Mississippi State. A win at Georgia would put the Vols right back in the discussion and also hurt Georgia's current 8 seed standing. Prediction: Georgia 63, Tennessee 55.

Illinois (15-8, 5-5) at Michigan State (15-7, 6-3) 12PM, East Lansing, MI, ESPN

The Illini are on the outskirts of the bubble, but aren't out of it. They'll need a couple of big wins going forward to go along with their previous good wins over Baylor and Maryland. The Spartans will look to avoid being someone else's big win as well as improve their own plight by moving up from that 8/9 game. Prediction: Michigan State 71, Illinois 60.

Creighton (11-13, 2-9) at St. John's (13-8, 3-6) 12PM, New York, NY

This one is all about the Johnnies. They are squarely on the bubble, just hanging on in my latest bracketology. They can ill afford any more bad losses, so with all due respect to Creighton, who beat St. John's in Omaha and is coming off a win at Xavier, this is a must-win. Prediction: St. John's 74, Creighton 64.

Temple (16-7, 7-3) at Memphis (14-8, 6-3) 1PM, Memphis, TN, ESPNN

The Owls are a complicated case. They have a decent RPI, but only one real good win (Kansas by 25) and multiple bad losses, a couple to good teams. I have them on the outside looking in. They can't afford another bad loss and losing this one would be that. Memphis is off the radar. Prediction: Temple 68, Memphis 66.

Purdue (15-8, 7-3) at Minnesota (13-9, 3-7) 3PM, Minneapolis, MN, BTN

The Boilermakers have quietly put themselves seriously in the discussion, after four straight wins, including victories over Iowa, Indiana and Ohio State. Minnesota has been a disappointment this year, but is very capable of playing spoiler. Prediction: Minnesota 77, Purdue 72. 

#23 Texas (14-8, 3-6) at Kansas State (12-11, 5-5) 4PM, Manhattan, KS, ESPN

Texas is falling and falling fast and is in desperate need of a win to avoid falling to double-digit seed status. Kansas State had been making a strong push towards a tourney bid before losing three straight and four of five. Prediction: Texas 72, Kansas State 71.

Alabama (13-8, 4-5) at LSU (16-6, 5-4) 6PM, Baton Rouge, LA, ESPN2

LSU looked to be in good shape until they lost back-to-back games at Mississippi State and to Auburn. Now, they are hanging on by a thread. Bama would love to take their spot, which is conceivable if they can get a couple of solid road wins such as this one. Prediction: Alabama 63, LSU 61.

Harvard (12-5, 4-1) at Yale (14-6, 5-0) 7PM, New Haven, CT

Thanks to the Ivy League not having a postseason tournament, this is a huge game. Yale can take a two game lead on the Crimson with a win. Harvard is coming off an overtime victory over Brown last night, while Yale took care of Dartmouth pretty easily. Prediction: Yale 67, Harvard 66.

#19 SMU (17-5, 9-2) at Tulsa (17-4, 10-0) 8PM, Tulsa, OK, ESPNU

This game is big for both teams, but probably bigger for Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane have yet to record a truly good win, despite their 10-0 league record. SMU is coming off a disappointing home loss to Cincinnati. A win for Tulsa likely gives them some breathing room from the "last four in." Prediction: SMU 64, Tulsa 59.

#1 Kentucky (22-0, 9-0) at Florida (12-10, 5-4) 9PM, Gainesville, FL, ESPN

This one is all about Florida, since Kentucky almost certainly remains a 1 seed even with a loss. A Florida win, on the other hand, likely equals a get in the tournament free card. Currently, the Gators are right on the doorstep. Prediction: Kentucky 70, Florida 60. 

Other games of note...

Marquette (10-12, 2-8) at Seton Hall (15-7, 5-5) 12PM, Newark, NJ, CBSS
#18 VCU (19-4, 9-1) at St. Bonaventure (12-8, 4-4) 2PM, St. Bonaventure, NY, NBCS
DePaul (12-12, 6-5) at #24 Butler (17-6, 7-3) 3:30PM, Indianapolis, IN, FS1

Other Top 25 games:

Texas Tech (12-11, 2-8) at #12 Iowa State (16-5, 6-3) 2PM, Ames, IA, ESPNU
#11 North Carolina (17-6, 7-3) at Boston College (9-12, 1-8) 3PM, Chestnut Hill, MA, ESPN3
#15 Oklahoma (15-7, 6-4) at TCU (14-8, 1-8) 3PM, Fort Worth, TX, ESPNN
#6 Arizona (20-2, 8-1) at Arizona State (11-11, 3-6) 4:30PM, Tempe, AZ, FOX
Northwestern (10-12, 1-8) at #5 Wisconsin (20-2, 8-1) 5:30PM, Madison, WI, BTN
Drake (6-16, 4-7) at #14 Northern Iowa (21-2, 10-1) 8PM, Cedar Falls, IA, ESPN3
Missouri State (7-14, 3-8) at #17 Wichita State (19-3, 10-1) 8PM, Wichita, KS, ESPN2
#13 Utah (16-4, 7-2) at Colorado (11-10, 4-5) 10PM, Boulder, CO, Pac12N
#2 Gonzaga (22-1, 11-0) at San Francisco (7-15, 3-9) 11:30PM, San Francisco, CA, ESPN2

Vegas Pick (7-6): 

Arizona -8.5 at Arizona State

Eye on the Tourney: Today's Games to Watch

A busy Saturday brings us a few marquee match-ups with high NCAA Tournament seed ramifications, as a number of crucial contests will go a long way towards determining whether some teams are lucky enough to be seeded at all. 

Let's take a look.

Xavier (14-7, 5-4) at Seton Hall (14-6, 4-4) 12PM, Newark, NJ, FS1

The cluttered and underrated Big East (2nd rated RPI conference) gets us started with a match-up of two teams currently in the NCAA field, but eager to secure a spot at the expense of the other. Both are coming off of big wins. Xavier finally got a big road win (at Georgetown), while the Hall snapped a three-game losing streak at Marquette. The Pirates have some good news in the form of freshman Isaiah Whitehead's return. Prediction: Seton Hall 66, Xavier 63.

Providence (16-5, 6-2) at St. John's (12-7, 2-5) 12PM, New York, NY, FOX

More Big East action here, as underrated Providence goes into The World's Most Famous Arena and attempts to avenge the sound defeat they suffered at the hands of the Red Storm a couple weeks ago. The Johnnies will need to get this game as well, since they have lost six of their last eight and are seeing their tournament hopes dim with each disappointing loss. The Friars are looking like solid tourney participants and will want to keep up their current momentum. Point guard Kris Dunn has been spectacular of late and is coming off a triple-double performance versus DePaul. Prediction: St. John's 73, Providence 71.

Arkansas (16-4, 5-2) at Florida (11-9, 4-3) 1PM, Gainesville, FL, CBS

On to the SEC where Florida is very down, but not completely out. Something tells me the Gators are primed to make a run at the dance, after their tough 2-point victory at fellow bubble resident Alabama, this week. The Razorbacks are currently looking like the second best in the league and about a 6 seed in the NCAAs, but that's a tenuous position at best. Prediction: Florida 74, Arkansas 69.

#11 North Carolina (17-4, 7-1) at #10 Louisville (17-3, 5-2) 4PM, Louisville, KY, ESPN

Enter the marquee match-ups and the top-heavy ACC. Despite the rankings and even the records, UNC has the far better resume between the two teams. Louisville has yet to beat an elite opponent, including their one-point loss in Chapel Hill earlier this month. If the Cardinals are going to live up to their projections, it will likely have to start today against the talented, but injury plagued Tar Heels. Prediction: Louisville 75, North Carolina 70.

#14 Wichita State (18-2, 9-0) at #16 Northern Iowa (19-2, 8-1) 4PM, Cedar Falls, IA, ESPN2

It's not often that the Missouri Valley presents a must-see match-up in late January, but that's the case today. Many wondered whether anyone in the MVC would step up and challenge Wichita State's supremacy and the Panthers have come out of nowhere to do just that this season. UNI, like the Shockers, look like NCAA Tournaments locks. Wichita State will look to make a statement versus the league up-start, while Northern Iowa will be eager to protect their home court. Prediction: Wichita State 68, Northern Iowa 65.

#18 Texas (14-6, 3-4) at #23 Baylor (14-5, 3-4) 6PM, Waco, TX, ESPN2

You can't have a Saturday Games to Watch this year without an appearance from the Big 12. Texas, though very much on the radar and tournament bound, has been a bit disappointing despite their abundance of talent. Good leagues can do that to teams and Baylor knows all about disappointment. The Bears, too, look like a sure fire tourney team, but their eventual seed is very much uncertain. Both teams want this game badly. Prediction: Texas 72, Baylor 69.

#4 Duke (17-3, 4-3) at #2 Virginia (19-0, 7-0) 7PM, Charlottesville, VA, ESPN

Back to the ACC for the unquestioned game of the day. This is big boy stuff here, with #1 seeds in the mix. Virginia has been as impressive as any team in the country this year, and yes, that includes that team in Lexington. It's offense versus defense, but also a lot of youth versus a lot of experience. Charlottesville will be rocking. Prediction: Virginia 67, Duke 61.

#20 Oklahoma (13-7, 4-4) at Oklahoma State (13-6, 4-4) 8PM, Stillwater, OK, ESPN2

We finish with another Big 12 match-up of virtual tourney locks. Add to that the in-state component and identical league records and you have what should be a knock-down, drag-out affair. Oklahoma has the higher ceiling of the two, but the Cowboys are home where they rarely lose. The Sooners, like Texas, have been slightly disappointing of late, but they are coming off a 45-point victory at Texas Tech. Prediction: Oklahoma 70, Oklahoma State 66.

Other games of note...

#5 Wisconsin (18-2, 6-1) at Iowa (13-7, 4-3) 12PM, Iowa City, IA, ESPN

Kansas State (12-9, 5-3) at #9 Kansas (17-3, 6-1) 2PM, Lawrence, KS, ESPN

George Washington (16-5, 6-2) at Rhode Island (13-5, 6-2) 4PM, Kingston, RI

Georgia (14-5, 5-2) at South Carolina (9-9, 1-6) 4PM, Columbia, SC, ESPNU

Other Top 25 games:

#8 Notre Dame (20-2, 8-1) at Pittsburgh (12-8, 3-5) 12PM, Pittsburgh, PA, ESPN3

Texas Tech (11-10, 1-7) at #21 West Virginia (17-3, 5-2) 12PM, Morgantown, WV, ESPNU

#19 Georgetown (14-6, 6-3) at Creighton (10-12, 1-8) 2PM, Omaha, NE, CBSS

#7 Villanova (18-2, 5-2) at DePaul (11-11, 5-4) 2PM, Rosemont, IL, FS1

TCU (14-6, 1-6) at #15 Iowa State (15-4, 5-2) 2PM, Ames, IA, ESPNU

#24 Butler (15-6, 5-3) at Marquette (10-10, 2-6) 2PM, Milwaukee, WI

Richmond (11-9, 4-3) at #13 VCU (18-3, 8-0) 2PM, Richmond, VA, ESPN2

Fresno State (8-11, 5-3) at #25 Colorado State (17-3, 5-3) 6PM, Fort Collins, CO, CBSS

Alabama (12-7, 3-4) at #1 Kentucky (20-0, 7-0) 7PM, Lexington, KY, SECN

UCF (8-11, 2-7) at #22 SMU (16-4, 8-1) 8PM, Dallas, TX, ESPNU

Memphis (13-7, 6-3) at #3 Gonzaga (20-1, 10-0) 10PM, Spokane, WA, ESPN2

Vegas pick (6-6): 

Georgetown -2.5 at Creighton

Eye On The Tourney - Games To Watch/Pick of the Night - Tuesday

Last night, North Carolina and Iowa State took care of business, beating Syracuse and Texas respectively. The Tar Heels and Cyclones remained on pace for possible 2 or 3 seeds, while Syracuse is struggling to remain on the bubble and Texas is trending a bit downward from a coveted top 4 seed spot.

Tonight, there are a bunch of games with tournament and seeding implications. Let's take a look...


Xavier (13-7, 4-4) at #19 Georgetown (14-5, 6-2) 7PM, Washington, DC, FS1

The Hoyas come into this one on fire, having thrashed Villanova last week and survived a thriller at Marquette over the weekend. They have moved into the 5 seed range and the arrow's pointing upward. Xavier too would be in the current field, but their resume has been built almost exclusively at home. In order to secure a spot in the dance, the Musketeers will likely have to show they can win on the road. Prediction: Georgetown 72, Xavier 63.

#21 West Virginia (16-3, 4-2) at Kansas State (12-8, 5-2) 7PM, Manhattan, KS, ESPN2

The Mountaineers pulled off a Houdini act by somehow beating an improved TCU squad over the weekend. They are looking a lot like a 5 or 6 seed right now. Kansas State has rebounded from a shaky non conference showing to near the top of the Big 12 and more importantly, back into the NCAA Tournament discussion. Prediction: Kansas State 69, West Virginia 65.

George Washington (16-4, 6-1) at #13 VCU (16-3, 6-0) 7PM, Richmond, VA, CBSS

Big game tonight in the Atlantic 10, but an even bigger game tonight for GW, who are firmly on the bubble and can use a marquee win like this one would be. VCU, has been winning not so impressively lately, but winning nonetheless. The Rams are looking like a solid 4 seed at the moment. Prediction: VCU 73, GW 70.

Florida (10-9, 3-3) at Alabama (12-6, 3-3) 9PM, Tuscaloosa, AL, ESPN

In case you haven't heard, Billy Donovan and the Gators are squarely on the outside looking in when it comes to the tourney. They obviously could use this win and a few more. Bama's also likely on the wrong side of the bubble, but are a bit closer to their goal than Florida is. This should be an intense match-up between coaches who are also great friends. Prediction: Alabama 66, Florida 64.

Tennessee (12-6, 4-2) at Arkansas (15-4, 4-2) 9PM, Fayetteville, AR, ESPNU

The Vols are yet another SEC team with tenuous hopes of an NCAA Tournament berth. Don't count them out though, a couple of big wins like a win tonight would be, and they're right in the mix. Arkansas is looking good for an SEC team not named Kentucky. The Hogs are in the 7/8 seed range and are always tough at home, though Alabama took them to OT in Fayetteville last week. Prediction: Arkansas 71, Tennessee 68.

#23 Baylor (14-4, 3-3) at Oklahoma State (12-6, 3-4) 9PM, Stillwater, OK, ESPNN

This Big 12 match-up features two teams that you're very likely to see dancing in March. Baylor is the more secure of the two, having come up with big wins over Iowa State and Oklahoma in the last two weeks. Oklahoma State has been very tough at home and will need to keep that up in order to improve on their current 8/9 seed prospects. Prediction: Oklahoma State 74, Baylor 67.

#25 Colorado State (17-2, 5-2) at Boise State (12-6, 4-3) 11PM, Boise, ID, ESPNU

If you're going to be up late, you might want to check out this Mountain West match-up. Colorado State got a big win over San Diego State over the weekend that gave credence to their gaudy win-loss record. The Rams are likely in the current field, but barely, so a solid road win would help their cause greatly. Boise State isn't bad either, just a few good wins away from joining the discussion. Prediction: Boise State 66, Colorado State 63. 

Other games of note...

Vanderbilt (10-8, 1-5) at Georgia (13-5, 4-2) 7PM, Athens, GA, SECN
Nebraska (12-7, 4-3) at Michigan (11-8, 5-3) 7PM, Ann Arbor, MI, ESPN
Tulsa (14-4, 7-0) at Tulane (12-7, 4-4) 7PM, New Orleans, LA, ESPNN
Texas A&M (13-5, 4-2) at Auburn (9-9, 2-4) 9PM, Auburn, AL, SECN

Vegas Pick (6-4): 

Kansas State -1.5 vs. West Virginia

Tonight's Games To Watch, Friday, Dec. 5th

We have moved from the ACC/Big Ten Challenge to the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Don't get dizzy yet, there are more challenges to come.

First, props to TCU for a big win at Ole Miss last night. Trent Johnson has things moving in the right direction down in Fort Worth. It looks like the Horned Frogs will at least be a tough out in the Big 12 this year.

Iowa State also made a statement last night for the Big 12, as they blew out a previously up-and-coming Arkansas squad.

On the SEC side, LSU got a very big win at previously undefeated West Virginia. The Tigers now look like possible contenders in the SEC, for second place, that is.

Tonight, the Big 12/SEC Challenge continues, headlined by a marquee match-up in Lexington.

#6 Texas (7-0) at #2 Kentucky (7-0) 7PM, Lexington, KY, ESPN

This is one of the most anticipated games so far this season. We all know about Kentucky. A roster full of McDonald's All-Americans, the "platoon" system, the 30-point win versus Kansas. But, guess what? There's more. They are playing selflessly on both ends of the floor, particularly on the defensive end where they've absolutely stifled opponents when they've wanted to. Texas is one of the few teams that doesn't look embarrassingly inadequate opposite the UK lay up line. The Longhorns have length and talent in their front court, led by freshman, Myles Turner, and have a very capable, athletic backcourt. They would have even more of a chance in this one if starting PG, Isaiah Taylor, were healthy. But, he's not. And even with him, winning in Lexington would be unlikely. Prediction: Kentucky 71, Texas 62.

#25 Providence (6-1) at Boston College (3-3) 7PM, Chestnut Hill, MA, ESPN3

Speaking of Kentucky, Providence just experienced their hospitality. Despite being hobbled by a couple of key nagging injuries, the Friars kept it close for 3/4s of the game. But eventually, Kentucky's superior length, depth and talent wore Ed Cooley's team down. It'll be a little different for them traveling the short distance to Chestnut Hill. Providence has shown in the early season that they are a solid, tough-minded squad. Boston College has been gritty and a little better than expected, so far, under 1st year head coach, Jim Cristian. But, this match-up of former Big East founding members should be a tough one for BC. Prediction: Providence 66, BC 60.

Wyoming (6-0) at SMU (4-3) 7PM, Dallas, TX, ESPNNews

Wyoming, from the Mountain West, has jumped out to an undefeated November and early December, including a 56-33 demolishment of Colorado. SMU and Larry Brown have been a disappointment so far this season. They have failed all of their non-conference tests to date, with losses at Gonzaga and Indiana and a home loss to Arkansas. So, you could say SMU needs this one. Prediction: SMU 59, Wyoming 53.

Florida (3-3) at #12 Kansas (5-1) 9PM, Lawrence, KS, ESPN

Florida was a little overrated to start the season, considering they lost four starters from last year's Final Four team. Billy Donovan will no doubt get them right, but it's a work in progress and they have lost to the three solid teams they've played thus far. Kansas is in a similar position, a young, inexperienced team, highly rated too soon and then taken to the woodshed by Kentucky. But, Bill Self seems to have put things together quickly, capped by a neutral court victory over Michigan State last weekend. Back home, in Lawrence, Kansas should continue its improved play. Prediction: Kansas 68, Florida 61.

Other games of note...

Yale (6-2) at Connecticut (3-2) 7PM, Storrs, CT, ESPNFC
Duquesne (2-1) vs. Pittsburgh (3-3) 7PM, Pittsburgh, PA, ESPN3
Long Beach State (4-4) at Stephen F. Austin (3-3) 8PM, Nacogdoches, TX

Other Top 25 games...

FIU (3-3) at #3 Louisville (6-0) 7PM, Louisville, KY, ESPNFC
Missouri (3-3) at #18 Oklahoma (4-2) 9:30PM, Norman, OK, ESPNU

MARATHON WRAP UP

Yes, the college basketball season started Friday, but the official start was Monday night and the outset of the 29-hour marathon.

Yes, 29 hours.

It may be early, as in the beginning, but all these games count and will have serious bubble and seeding implications.

Yes, seriously.

So, let’s take a look at some of the notable games and their serious implications.

Miami (2-0) 69, Florida (1-1) 67

The Hurricanes, who I projected would be one of the “first four out,” (2014-15 Preseason Bracketology) definitely helped their case with a road win over a Gator team that figures to be a tournament team. Miami can use the win as a confidence builder as well, as they head into the gauntlet that is the ACC.

Winthrop (2-0) 77, Clemson (1-1) 74

We figured Clemson would struggle to even gain sight of the bubble, but a home loss to a Big South team puts the Tigers even further behind the 8-ball.

Gonzaga (2-0) 72, SMU (1-1) 56

The Zags are stacked and expected to be one of the better teams in the country. They got off to a good start with an impressive win over an SMU squad many expect to be in the big dance.

Colorado (2-0) 90, Auburn (1-1) 59

Colorado is one of those teams we don’t know what to expect from, but we think they could and should be pretty good. That prognosis looked on point early this morning when the Buffaloes throttled Bruce Pearle’s Auburn team. Pearle will just try to establish some credibility for his new program this year.

UMass (3-0) 77, Manhattan (0-2) 68

Massachusetts continued its strong start, holding on to beat a pesky Manhattan team in overtime. While still without a marquee win, the Minutemen avoided what would have been looked at as a bad loss.

Baylor (2-0) 69, South Carolina (1-1) 65

I had Baylor on the outside looking in in my tourney projections, but their play today may force me to reevaluate. The Bears looked solid in their road win vs. Frank Martin’s Gamecocks. It looks as if it may be a struggle for Martin to get South Kak back into the dance.

Wichita State (2-0) 71, Memphis (0-1) 56

We knew Wichita State was good and we knew Memphis was not. But the Shockers did what a good team is supposed to do to a not-so-good team: handle them easily. Wichita State, for the moment, solidified their rightful spot as a top 15 squad.

San Diego State (2-0) 53, Utah (1-1) 49

Two preseason top 25 teams met in this one. The Aztecs won an ugly game at home, but that’s what they do. Utah actually impressed in the loss, by keeping it close on the road against a good team and doing so with their best player, Delon Wright, shooting 2-13 from the field and scoring 7 points. Expect both of these teams to stay right in the thick of things.

VCU (2-0) 87, Toledo (1-1) 78

This may have seemed like a nothing game for VCU, but it was another solid win for the Rams. Toledo is a good team, expected to win the MAC, and they gave VCU all they could handle for about 36 minutes. VCU looks like a legit top 15 team.

Northeastern (2-0) 76, Florida State (1-1) 73

Just when I was about to put FSU in the upper-echelon of the ACC, they go and lose at home to a CAA team. Or maybe that CAA team just beat them. Northeastern is a favorite in their league and it may have helped the Seminoles’ preparation if their coach had actually heard of the CAA, which he claimed he hadn’t after the game. This game serves as a caution light for Florida State.

Duke (3-0) 81, Michigan State (1-1) 71

Duke looks really good, better than that 3 seed I predicted for them. The Spartans actually looked better in the loss than they did in their season opening win versus Navy. MSU looked solid and gritty and will only improve as the season progresses, barring injury, of course.

Saint Louis (2-0) 69, Indiana State (1-1) 56

This game could have been easily overlooked, but the retooled Bilikens were actually underdogs at the MVC’s Indiana State. Saint Louis showed that they may be better than the bottom tier Atlantic 10 team many projected them to be.

Kentucky (3-0) 72, Kansas (1-1) 40

Um, yes, you read that score correctly, and yes, Kentucky is good. But let’s remember, this is the same team that trailed Buffalo at the half on Sunday, so the undefeated talk seems a bit hyperbolic to me. I will say, Big Blue Nation does seem to be a lock for a 1 seed. Bill Self and Kansas shouldn’t cry too much over this one. They’re very young, will improve greatly and be formidable in the next few weeks.