I hope you all are having a very happy Sunday today. I want to thank all of you for the congratulations messages I received yesterday. It meant a lot to me. Even though I know where I’m going to college and I should be relaxing, the blog grind never stops. I know it’s mainly been predictions lately, I’ll think of more ideas so you guys can get more content on here. Anyways, enough chit-chat. Here are my picks for this week, including some conference tournament brackets:
#15 Illinois (19-8) (-1) at Michigan (15-11)
Michigan has been really disappointing this season, while the Fighting Illini have been phenomenal, led by Kofi Cockburn. Wisconsin is still in first place, but Illinois can keep up in the race if they win at Michigan today. It’s a tough task, but it’s not impossible. Illinois has won four straight against the Wolverines, including a two-game winning streak in Ann Arbor. They’re hungry for a win after losing at home to Ohio State.
Tune into Illinois at Michigan at 2 PM ET on CBS.
#10 Baylor (24-5) at #20 Texas (21-8)
Both Baylor and Texas are good teams in the Big 12. After yesterday’s outstanding first half comeback by Baylor, which resulted in the Bears beating Kansas, I think Baylor is building up momentum. Even with a huge road game against Texas, I’m picking Baylor. I love that kid James Akinjo, he’s a tremendous leader for the Bears.
Tune into Baylor at Texas on Monday at 9 PM ET on ESPN.
#11 Providence (24-3) at #8 Villanova (21-7)
Villanova showed their resilience by holding their own and beating the Friars in Providence. Now, with the Big East Regular Season Title in Providence’s hands, I don’t see the Friars winning on the road against the Wildcats. Despite the standings, Villanova is the most complete team top to bottom. They’ll give Providence a reality check before the Big East Tournament.
Tune into Providence at Villanova on Tuesday at 6:30 PM ET on FS1.
Michigan State (19-9) at Michigan (15-11)
Without Juwan Howard, I don’t trust Michigan at all. The Spartans look good right now, with Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker hitting a clutch shot against Purdue. The Spartans are trending in the right direction, while for Michigan, I can’t really tell. Michigan State wins in Ann Arbor.
Tune into Michigan State at Michigan on Tuesday at 8:30 PM ET on FS1.
#4 Purdue (24-5) at #13 Wisconsin (23-5)
Wisconsin is in first place in the Big Ten standings, and they want to keep it that way on Tuesday night against an extremely talented Purdue team. Purdue’s defense is sub-par, so I’d like to see the Badgers take advantage of that. With Johnny Davis, a candidate for National Player of the Year, Wisconsin knocks off the Boilermakers in Madison.
Tune into Purdue at Wisconsin on Tuesday at 9 PM ET on ESPN.
#2 Arizona (25-3) at #16 USC (25-4)
I think Arizona is the better team, and give credit to Tommy Lloyd for his unbelievable coaching this year. He should win Coach of the Year, no doubt about it. However, do any of you remember the first meeting between the two? The final score was mainly due to free throws. Arizona was hitting free throws down the stretch, and held off USC from winning. It was extremely close and exciting for the last five minutes, until the Wildcats secured the win. Well, the Trojans now have the home-court advantage. Recently, that has been more of a factor than it has been all season. If USC can get it going early, and the crowd is really involved, I see the Trojans winning.
Tune into Arizona at USC on Tuesday at 11 PM ET on ESPN.
LSU (20-9) at #18 Arkansas (23-6)
Both defenses are strong, with LSU nationally ranked higher despite Arkansas being #1 in the conference. Arkansas has a great home-court advantage, only losing one game this season at Bud Walton Arena (Vanderbilt). They’re also one of the country’s hottest teams and JD Notae put on a show against Kentucky yesterday. Expect the Razorbacks to stay hot as they face LSU.
Tune into LSU at Arkansas on Wednesday at 9 PM ET on ESPN2.
Calhoun's Corner 