We have a great day of college hoops and NBA basketball. Upsets will happen, but I think this is my week. The Selection Committee ranks the top 4 seeds (16 teams revealed) so far on CBS at 12:30, so stay tuned for that. Anyways, here are my picks for today’s games:
NCAA Basketball:
UConn (8-5) at Xavier (11-2) (-3)
I’m a huge UConn fan, but as an analyst, I have to pick Xavier. They’re extremely tough and one of the best defensive teams in the Big East. With James Bouknight out again, I can’t see the Huskies producing enough to win. And that says a lot coming from a die-hard UConn fan. Tyrese Martin is a game-time decision and Akok Akok is finally back. I do hope I lose this pick though.
Tune into UConn at Xavier at 12 PM ET on FOX.
Indiana (11-8) at #4 Ohio State (16-4) (-6.5)
I like Indiana, but Ohio State is among some of the best teams in the nation. It doesn’t help the Hoosiers that the Buckeyes have won five of the last six matchups against Indiana.
Tune into Indiana at Ohio State at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
#22 Loyola Chicago (17-3) (-4.5) at Drake (19-1)
Loyola Chicago looks like one of the best mid-major teams in the nation. The Ramblers face their toughest conference challenge in Drake, a team that was the third remaining undefeated team and was ranked earlier this season. However, Loyola Chicago has won six of their last seven against the Bulldogs. Make it 7 of their last 8 today.
Tune into Loyola Chicago at Drake at 12 PM ET on ESPN2.
#12 Oklahoma (12-5) at #14 West Virginia (14-5) (-3)
I want West Virginia to lose so I can get them a lower seed during the tournament. Why? To bust brackets because I think the Mountaineers have a high ceiling. Enough about the future, I think Oklahoma wins because Austin Reaves is one of the best players in the Big 12 and the Sooners have won four of their last 5 matchups against West Virginia. Sorry, Mountaineers, I don’t see “Take Me Home, Country Roads” playing today. Also, it is a crime that this game is on ESPN+.
Tune into Oklahoma at West Virginia at 1 PM ET on ESPN+.
Auburn (11-10) at Kentucky (5-13) (-1.5)
I don’t know why Kentucky is the favorite. They’ve been awful. They lost to the Tigers earlier this season and with the lack of talent and coaching on the team, expect the same outcome.
Tune into Auburn at Kentucky at 1 PM ET on CBS.
#16 Tennessee (14-4) (-2.5) at LSU (12-6)
The series is tied in games played in Baton Rouge and Tennessee leads overall. When it comes to defense, Tennessee has one of the best in the SEC and LSU is towards the bottom. If the Volunteers can contain Cam Thomas, they shouldn’t have to worry as much.
Tune into Tennessee at LSU at 2 PM ET on ESPN.
Oregon (11-4) at Arizona (14-6) (-2)
Oregon has dominated in the series against Arizona lately, winning the last five matchups. Oregon has a better team and is a projected NCAA Tournament team, while Arizona is not due to the self-imposed ban. The Wildcats should look out for Eugene Omoruyi in this game, as he is one of Oregon’s best players.
Tune into Oregon at Arizona at 2 PM ET on ESPN2.
#15 Iowa (14-6) (-5) at Michigan State (10-7)
The Spartans are nowhere near the NCAA Tournament, while Iowa is projected a 3 seed in my bracketology. Iowa has one of the best offenses in America, led by Wooden Award favorite Luka Garza. Michigan State usually beats Iowa, leading in the series 74-54, but this is an off-year for the Spartans. However, I can see this game becoming close. After all, Illinois was taken to overtime against Nebraska.
Tune into Iowa at Michigan State at 2:30 PM ET on FOX.
Arkansas (15-5) at #10 Missouri (13-4) (-3)
I did not hesitate to pick Missouri in this game. Xavier Tillman is the SEC Player of the Year. I have no doubt about it. The Razorbacks tend to struggle when visiting Columbia, having a 4-8 record in Mizzou Arena.
Tune into Arkansas at Missouri at 4 PM ET on ESPN2.
#5 Villanova (13-2) (-2.5) at #19 Creighton (15-5)
This is the biggest test for either team. Creighton can shoot the ball well on any given day, but the Bluejays lack a tough team. The Wildcats are better-coached and are more talented. Villanova has only lost four times against Creighton all-time.
Tune into Villanova at Creighton at 5 PM ET on FOX.
North Carolina (12-6) at #9 Virginia (14-3) (-6.5)
The Cavaliers are a projected two seed in my bracketology as the ACC Champion. North Carolina is very well on the bubble, while Virginia is a lock. Virginia has dominated lately against the Tar Heels, winning the last six games against them. This could be a good game for big guys like Jay Huff.
Tune into North Carolina at Virginia at 6 PM ET on ESPN.
76ers (18-8) (-1) at Suns (15-9)
The Suns are a really tough opponent for Philly to face, but there’s a guy who is averaging 50-50-100. That’s Seth Curry. Embiid, Harris, and Simmons should all be ready to go today too.
Tune into 76ers at Suns at 3 PM ET on NBA TV (Local TV: Fox Sports Arizona, NBC Sports Philadelphia (also on NBCSP+)).
Pacers (13-13) (-1.5) at Hawks (11-14)
The Pacers have a clean injury report as I’m writing this. De’Andre Hunter, who has been solid for the Hawks, has been dealing with injuries and is out tonight. Someone to look out for, that hasn’t really been talked about, is Jeremy Lamb. He’s shooting over 50% from the field and three-point range. He also has a 96.8% free throw percentage.
Tune into Pacers at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: Fox Sports Southeast-Atlanta, Fox Sports Indiana).
Rockets (11-14) (-1.5) at Knicks (12-15)
I think the Knicks win this game due to the number of key players injured for the Rockets. However, I would not be surprised if the Knicks find a way to choke. Julius Randle vs. Christian Wood is must-see TV.
Tune into Rockets at Knicks at 8 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: MSG, AT&T Sportsnet-Southwest).
Nets (15-12) (-4) at Warriors (14-12)
The Nets are talented, but I’m worried about their defense. I say the Nets win in a shootout, but I can see Stephen Curry dropping 40 and giving the Dubs a hard-earned win.
Tune into Nets at Warriors at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
Heat (11-14) at Jazz (21-5) (-4)
The Jazz are the best team in the league going up against the Heat, a team who has not met the expectations this season. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are DOMINANT. They both deserve to be All-Stars.
Tune into Heat at Jazz at 9 PM ET on NBA League Pass (Local TV: AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountain, Fox Sports Sun).
Calhoun's Corner 