First of all, Chicago has been extremely cold as low as -50 wind chill. Insane. For all you in the South and West, live it up! Now, back to the post, College Basketball has really heated up. Let’s look at this week’s key match ups. I have been crushed at work, so Bracketology will have to wait until next week.
AAC
Temple at #17 Houston, Thursday, 1/31 at 7 PM Eastern/6 PM Central on ESPN2 – Houston is 20-1 this year, but their lone loss was at Temple earlier this season. What the Cougs get some revenge against the Owls here.
Big Ten
#21 Maryland at #24 Wisconsin, Friday, 2/1 at 9 PM Eastern/8 PM Central on FS1 – Both teams are playing very well just below the top teams in the Big Ten. This one should be a fun one to watch inside with Badgers’ F Ethan Happ squaring off against Terps’ Soph F Bruno Fernando.
ACC
#12 VA Tech at #23 NC State, Saturday, 2/2 at 12 Noon Eastern/11 AM Central – NC State almost beat UVA Tuesday, so it may be a letdown spot, but State will take on a quick and aggressive Hokies team here.
#9 UNC at #15 Louisville, Saturday, 2/2 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central on ESPN – The Cardinals are a real surprise with new Coach Chris Mack, and here is the big test against the true blue blood in the Heels. Not sure Louisville can keep up with the Heels’ pace, but should be great.
Big 12
#16 Texas Tech at #11 Kansas, Saturday, 2/2 at 4 PM Eastern/3 PM Central – The Jayhawks are reeling with the loss of Azubuike, and Texas Tech is primed to take the Big 12 crown. The Red Raiders need this one to do it, and their 1st ranked defense can make that happen.
Mid-Major Focus
MAC
#18 Buffalo at Bowling Green, Friday, 2/1 at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central on CBSSN – The Bulls are a legit contender in March, but Bowling Green only has one loss in conference, too. Buffalo needs to play their A Game to make things happen here.
Bracketology
Ken Pom Review
Top 5 Teams per KP
- UVA (AP 3)
- Duke (AP 2)
- Michigan State (AP 6)
- Zags (AP 4)
- Michigan (AP 5)
Over-Rated Squads per KP: Marquette 35 (AP 10), NC State 29 (AP 23) and Mississippi State 27 (AP 22)
Under-Rated Squads per KP: Nebraska 22 (KP 36), Auburn 17 (AP 26) and Cincinnati 24 (AP 27)
Teams on the Rise:
Purdue – With a bullet up to 7th and they are rolling
Kentucky – Now 9th after they are playing serious D – 10th in Nation
Baylor – Now 31st and tied for 1st in Big 12 now
Lipscomb – You want an upset pick in March? Lipscomb is 36th in KP now (Loyola was 44th last year)
Enjoy the games!
Wegs