Just like yesterday, Sunday Selections comes to an end as today marks the last day of the college basketball regular season. I will still be making predictions (check out my Champ Week thread), but since there’s no college football or regular-season college basketball, I won’t do a Saturday or Sunday Selections post. Here are my picks to wrap up the season, as well as my NBA All-Star picks:
NCAA Basketball:
Memphis (15-6) at #9 Houston (20-3) (-9.5)
Houston has not lost a game at home this season, which I don’t expect to change. Memphis has won the past two road games, but I predict that streak will end tonight. However, Memphis is on a six-game winning streak, something the Cougars need to take seriously. Houston may have lost the American Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship to Wichita State, but I see them finishing the regular season on the right foot.
Tune into Memphis at Houston at 12 PM ET on CBS.
Florida (13-7) at Tennessee (16-7) (-4.5)
Florida will find out why it will be hard to sweep Tennessee, especially when the Gators haven’t had much success against the Volunteers recently. Tennessee will have to watch out for Tre Mann, one of the best players in the SEC.
Tune into Florida at Tennessee at 12 PM ET on ESPNU.
Campbell (17-9) at Winthrop (22-1) (-11.5)
Winthrop has won six straight against the Camels, and they’ve only lost one game at home this season (only loss to UNC Asheville). Winthrop’s key focus is defending Cedric Henderson, who is Campbell’s best player. If they contain him, I don’t see much else the Eagles need to do to win. The winner of this game wins the Big South Conference Championship and will be an auto bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Tune into Campbell at Winthrop at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
#25 Wisconsin (16-10) at #5 Iowa (19-7) (-6)
Wisconsin has the better defense, but Iowa has the best offense in the Big Ten, while Wisconsin is in the middle of the pack for offense. Wisconsin will have so many players to worry about (most importantly, Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp) that I think they play sloppy and lose the last regular-season game.
Tune into Wisconsin at Iowa at 12:30 PM ET on FOX.
Drake (25-3) at #20 Loyola Chicago (23-4) (-7.5)
Both teams in the Missouri Valley are deserving of NCAA Tournament bids, but Loyola is ranked first in defense on KenPom. Cameron Krutwig is the top player for the Ramblers, so if Drake can contain him, this can go down to the final shot. The winner of this game gets the auto-bid, so it’s pretty important.
Tune into Drake vs. Loyola Chicago at 2:10 PM ET on CBS.
#18 Texas Tech (17-8) at #3 Baylor (20-1) (-8)
It can be hard to sweep Chris Beard’s Red Raiders, but the only team that Baylor hasn’t swept was Kansas (their only loss). Baylor is putting their undefeated home record on the line today, but I think Texas Tech could keep themselves in the game. Baylor by 5 points.
Tune into Texas Tech at Baylor at 4 PM ET on ESPN.
#2 Michigan (19-2) (-8.5) at Michigan State (14-11)
Michigan-Michigan State is one of my favorite rivalries in college basketball. Michigan lost to Illinois on Tuesday, but they look to sweep the Spartans. Tom Izzo can really coach, especially in March, but I’ll pick Hunter Dickinson and the Wolverines. I love watching them play.
Tune into Michigan at Michigan State at 4:30 PM ET on CBS.
Penn State (9-13) at Maryland (15-11) (-5.5)
Maryland has never lost to Penn State at home (at least since 2010), and the Terrapins look to split the series against the Nittany Lions. Penn State has only won two games on the road this season, and Maryland looks to keep their tournament hopes alive. The Terps have won five of their last six games.
Tune into Penn State at Maryland at 7 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
Oregon (18-5) (-5.5) at Oregon State (14-11)
Oregon has won nine of their last ten games and looks to avenge their home loss against the Beavers. They’re one of the hottest teams in the Pac-12, and I have faith in Eugene Omoruyi to get the job done. A win here would help their tournament resume.
Tune into Oregon at Oregon State at 8 PM ET on Fox Sports 1.
NBA:
Skills Challenge Winner: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul is having himself a great season in the desert, and I don’t see one of the best point guards (career-wise) losing this challenge. Anyone can win it, but with CP3’s passing ability, give me the Wake Forest grad.
Tune into the Skills Challenge at 6:30 PM ET on TNT.
Three-Point Contest Winner: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
I would pick Stephen Curry, but that’s such a basic answer and he’s the favorite to win it. I’ll take Zach LaVine, who has no trouble scoring in the Windy City.
Tune into the Three-Point Contest at 6:30 PM ET on TNT.
Dunk Contest: Cassius Stanley, Indiana Pacers
When Cassius Stanley was at Duke, he broke Zion Williamson’s vertical record, hitting at least 45 inches. I was bummed not to see Zion in the contest, but I’ll take the underdog pick. Obi Toppin is the favorite, according to Odds Shark.
Tune into the Dunk Contest at halftime of the NBA All-Star Game on TNT.
All-Star Game: Team LeBron
I didn’t watch the All-Star Draft, I was busy watching college hoops, but looking at the rosters, LeBron killed it, especially in the starter’s round. I think both benches are even, but with how good Team LeBron’s starting lineup is, I’ll take the favorites. You can view the rosters below:
| Team LeBron | Team Durant |
| G – Stephen Curry, Warriors | G – Kyrie Irving, Nets |
| G – Luka Doncic, Mavericks | G – Bradley Beal, Wizards |
| F – LeBron James, Lakers (captain) | F – Kawhi Leonard, Clippers |
| F – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks | F – Jayson Tatum, Celtics |
| C – Nikola Jokic, Nuggets | C – Joel Embiid, 76ers |
| G – Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers | G – James Harden, Nets |
| G – Ben Simmons, 76ers | G – Mike Conley, Jazz (replacing Devin Booker) |
| G – Chris Paul, Suns | F – Zion Williamson, Pelicans |
| F – Jaylen Brown, Celtics | G – Zach LaVine, Bulls |
| F – Paul George, Clippers | F – Julius Randle, Knicks |
| F – Domantas Sabonis, Pacers | C – Nikola Vucevic, Magic |
| C – Rudy Gobert, Jazz | G – Donovan Mitchell, Jazz |
Tune into the NBA All Star Game at 8 PM ET on TNT.
Calhoun's Corner 