Happy Saturday, everyone. I hope you all are staying warm while it feels colder than Green Bay here in Storrs. There are a lot of games to cover as we have a loaded first Saturday of February. Rivalries and top 25 matchups, this is the best month of the regular season, and we’re just getting started.
Michigan State (14-8) vs. Rutgers (15-7) (-4.5)
The Spartans have a more impressive offense, led by the clutch efforts of Tyson Walker. However, Rutgers has the second-ranked defense in the country on KenPom. Michigan State plays more small ball, while the Scarlet Knights have Cliff Omoruyi, an elite shot-blocker. The game is at Madison Square Garden, which isn’t good for the Spartans. They are 4-15 all-time at the World’s Most Famous Arena, and 4-11 under head coach Tom Izzo. I expect a close one, but Steve Pikiell’s team comes out on top.
Tune in to Michigan State vs. Rutgers at 12 p.m. ET on FOX.
Illinois (16-6) at Iowa (14-8) (-2.5)
I’m going bold and taking Illinois in this Big Ten matchup. Terrence Shannon Jr. has been terrific for the Fighting Illini and they have been very successful against the Hawkeyes in the past. Iowa’s defense is one of the worst in the Big Ten, while Illinois has one of the best in the country. The battle between Shannon and Kris Murray will be fun to watch. I can’t wait for this game.
Tune in to Illinois at Iowa at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
No. 25 Auburn (17-5) at No. 2 Tennessee (18-4) (-9.5)
After losing on Wednesday to Florida, the Volunteers look to bounce back with a win against Auburn, who has struggled recently. Tennessee has the top defense on KenPom and has a bigger team outside of five-foot-nine Zakai Zeigler. I’m excited to see the matchup of Wendell Green and Zeigler, as they’re both major contributors that are undersized at point guard. Tennessee wins at home.
Tune in to Auburn at Tennessee at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.
No. 23 Miami (FL) (17-5) at No. 20 Clemson (18-5) (-2)
Inside Littlejohn Coliseum features the top offense and defense in the ACC. The top offense belongs to Miami, led by potential all-ACC guard Isaiah Wong. The top defense belongs to Clemson, where they defend effective field goal attempts better than anyone in the conference. After a dismal performance in a road loss to Boston College, the Tigers look to get back in the win column. Ever since 2023 began, Miami has lost every other game. I expect that trend to continue today, with PJ Hall and Hunter Tyson leading the Tigers to another home victory this season.
Tune in to Miami (FL) at Clemson at 3 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
North Carolina (15-7) at Duke (16-6) (-3)
Both of these teams made the Final Four last year and were highly ranked before the season began, but the first Duke-UNC game of the Jon Scheyer era begins with both schools unranked. The game is played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is a huge advantage for the Blue Devils. I don’t think there’s a better player in the ACC than Duke center Kyle Filipowski, and that helps them beat North Carolina in the Final Four rematch.
Tune in to North Carolina at Duke at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
No. 8 Kansas (18-4) (-1.5) at No. 13 Iowa State (15-6)
Iowa State needs to be able to defend Jalen Wilson and the Jayhawks if they want a chance at upsetting them. I think this game will end up being close, but Kansas’ offense is the difference in this Big 12 showdown.
Tune in to Kansas at Iowa State at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
No. 12 Gonzaga (19-4) at No. 18 Saint Mary’s (20-4) (-3.5)
Saint Mary’s has a great team coming into the late-night matchup, mainly focused on their strong defense. However, Gonzaga has one of the most prolific scorers in Drew Timme, leading one of the nation’s best offenses. I think we see a great game, but Zags are on top.
Tune in to Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
No. 1 Purdue (22-1) at No. 21 Indiana (15-7) (-1)
The Boilermakers have lost once all season, against Rutgers in early January. Matt Painter has built his team to finish close games strong, and it helps to have a tall man named Zach Edey on your roster. Purdue isn’t just Edey, they have key players such as Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Caleb Furst. Indiana is back in the top-25, led by Trayce Jackson-Davis, one of the best players in the Big Ten. Even though this game is played in Bloomington, I think Purdue solidifies itself as the undisputed number-one team in the nation.
Tune in to Purdue at Indiana at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
No. 10 Texas (18-4) (-1) at No. 7 Kansas State (18-4)
There’s not a better guard in the Big 12 than K-State’s Markquis Nowell, who is one of the best players in the country this season. Texas guard Marcus Carr matches up with him as it’s a battle of the two best guards in the conference in Manhattan. With Keyontae Johnson and Desi Sills providing backup, I think the Wildcats win at Bramlage Coliseum, one of the best atmospheres this season.
Tune in to Texas at Kansas State at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Calhoun's Corner 