Happy Saturday, everyone! I made a post specifically for the college football conference championships. If you’re looking for that, click here.
Anyways, since we got the college football fans out of here, now it’s time for college basketball to shine. We have a great selection of games over the next six days, and I highlighted a few that I wanted to make predictions for. So, here are my Saturday Selections:
Marquette (7-1) at #23 Wisconsin (6-1) (-6.5)
Wisconsin has lost the last two games against Big East opponents, including a buzzer-beating win by Marquette last year. I think Wisconsin, with the home-court advantage, will get their revenge. I’m looking forward to the matchup between Johnny Davis and Darryl Morsell. That will be the game there. Wisconsin wins a close one in Madison.
Tune into Marquette at Wisconsin at 12:30 PM ET on FOX.
San Diego State (5-2) at #24 Michigan (4-3) (-8.5)
Michigan has struggled to start the season, suffering losses to Seton Hall, Arizona, and blown out by North Carolina. Michigan was ranked in the top 5 to start the season! However, the game is at home, and these teams are not familiar with each other. Expect Hunter Dickinson and the Wolverines to be angry coming into this game. Michigan wins a close one in Ann Arbor.
Tune into San Diego State at Michigan at 1 PM ET on CBS.
#16 Alabama (6-1) vs. #3 Gonzaga (7-1) (-10)
Gonzaga suffered an early-season loss against Duke in November. Now, they have one of their final big non-conference games this season. It’s at a semi-home venue: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. I love watching the Battle in Seattle, especially the thriller in 2008 against UConn. Gonzaga has won eight of the last ten meetings against an SEC opponent, and I think Alabama will be reluctant to go up against Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren. Watch out for Andrew Nembhard, who could also make a huge impact in this game.
Tune into Alabama vs. Gonzaga at 8 PM ET on ESPN2.
Xavier (6-1) at Oklahoma State (6-2)
Oklahoma State may be banned from the NCAA Tournament this season, but they can still play really good basketball. Their defense is ranked in the top 10 according to KenPom, which will be backed up by a home-court advantage. If Xavier can score, they should have no problem against Oklahoma State. They’re poor offensively. However, the defense will win the Cowboys a game over the Musketeers.
Tune into Xavier at Oklahoma State on Sunday at 5 PM ET on ESPN2.
Illinois (6-2) at Iowa (7-1)
Iowa lost a close game against Purdue in West Lafayette. Keeping it close on the road against the #1 team in the country is an extremely difficult task. However, they managed to keep themselves in the game. Iowa should come into this home game against Illinois with the same intensity. Iowa can score, they’re the #5 offense according to KenPom. With that and the home-court advantage, the Hawkeye prevail.
Tune into Illinois at Iowa on Monday at 7 PM ET on FS1.
Texas Tech (6-1) vs. #13 Tennessee (5-1)
Texas Tech suffered a painful loss against Providence, a game they were in for the entire game. They’re one of the top offensive rebounding teams, despite the departure of Chris Beard in the offseason. Tennessee must crash the boards and avoid giving the Red Raiders any second-chance opportunities. With Kennedy Chandler leading the Volunteers, it’s the offense that earns Tennessee a big win in NYC.
Tune into Texas Tech vs. Tennessee on Tuesday at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
#6 Villanova (5-2) vs. Syracuse (4-3)
I feel bad for Jim Boeheim and the Orange. Even as a UConn fan. Syracuse has lost three games but found a way to pull off a thrilling 2OT win over Indiana. I want that same energy for Syracuse coming into a huge game against rival Villanova. However, Syracuse has no answers it seems for Villanova’s offense, which is one of the best in the country. With Collin Gillespie leading the way, expect Villanova to win, but closer than you think.
Tune into Villanova vs. Syracuse on Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.
#17 UConn (7-1) at West Virginia (6-1)
UConn losing Adama Sanogo and Tyrese Martin for a while will test the depth of the Huskies. They still have R.J. Cole, who is their top guard. West Virginia can make UConn’s younger players panic with them having one of the top teams for forcing turnovers on defense. If UConn can find efficient ways to score, they should beat the Mountaineers.
Tune into UConn at West Virginia on Wednesday at 7 PM ET on ESPN2.
Indiana (6-1) at #23 Wisconsin (6-1)
Indiana has Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is one of the country’s top college basketball players right now. I expect a defensive battle in Madison. If Indiana can effectively shoot the ball, they could pull off the road upset. However, with a tough defense and a home-court advantage, I think the Badgers pull away at the end.
Tune into Indiana at Wisconsin on Wednesday at 7 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
#7 Texas (6-1) at #25 Seton Hall (6-1)
Texas is my Big 12 Champion pick and a team that can grow into a Final Four team with time. It’ll be a big test for the Longhorns, as they face a tough Seton Hall team in Newark. Jared Rhoden leads the Pirates, but the defensive impact of Ike Obiagu should not go unnoticed. Texas wins with consistency, but Seton Hall stays in there.
Tune into Texas at Seton Hall on Thursday at 6:30 PM ET on FS1.
Iowa (7-1) at #19 Iowa State (7-0)
Iowa looks extremely resilient and can even win big games on the road. They almost proved that against Purdue last night. That was without Keegan Murray. If Murray can play, they should take down the Hawkeyes.
Tune into Iowa at Iowa State on Thursday at 9 PM ET on ESPN2.
Calhoun's Corner 