Week of: Jan 14-20

#9 Virginia Tech @ #4 Virginia

Tuesday, January 15, 8:00 p.m.

This is a matchup that usually doesn’t mean much outside the state of Virginia, but for the first time in years the entire country should be watching this one. Virginia Tech is two points away from being undefeated and is rolling into conference play with more confidence than they’ve had in a long time. This team is loaded with talent and coach Buzz Williams is one of the best in getting as much as possible out of his players. Virginia has been one of the top teams for several years now and is undefeated this season. Their slow, defensive style is a sharp contrast to Virginia Tech’s fast, athletic style, making this a very interesting matchup.

Predicted Winner: Virginia Tech

#20 Iowa State @ #8 Texas Tech

Wednesday, January 16, 9:00 p.m.

This is a big game for Iowa State, as they have lost two in a row. Both losses were by a combined four points, so the Cyclones need to get back on track before they dig themselves too much of a hole in the Big 12. It won’t be easy though, as the Red Raiders only have one loss on the season. They passed a test winning on the road at Texas, which is a tough place to play. Now they must defend their home court and continue to prove they are the real deal.

Predicted Winner: Iowa State

Maryland @ #16 Ohio State

Friday, January 18, 6:30 p.m.

I’m a believer in this Maryland team so far this season and I don’t think they are getting the recognition they deserve. They only have three losses on the season, one of them being a tough loss to Virginia. They have been on a roll lately, winning five straight and coming off a win against a ranked Indiana squad. Ohio State is a team I feel is overrated at this point. They’ve lost four games, including a terrible loss to Rutgers, and have lost three straight. They may lose their national ranking by Monday. The Buckeyes are desperately looking to bounce back, but I believe Maryland escapes with a narrow victory.

Predicted Winner: Maryland

#18 Kentucky @ #11 Auburn

Saturday, January 19, 4:00 p.m.

Kentucky is not quite living up to expectations this season as they were preseason #1. But make no mistake about it, they are loaded with talent once again. Tennessee looks to be the best SEC team so far, and Kentucky and Auburn will probably battle all season to be the second best. This is a big game for both teams for that reason. Auburn has one of their best teams in years, but has been prone to slip up this year, as evidenced by their thrashing from Ole Miss. Home court may play a factor in this one and I expect it to be really close.

Predicted Winner: Kentucky

#4 Virginia @ #1 Duke

Saturday, January 19, 6:00 p.m.

This is the game of the week. I think this is where Duke loses their #1 ranking again, even though it’s at Cameron Indoor. I have already predicted Virginia Tech to beat Virginia earlier in the week, so I don’t see Virginia losing two in a row. I also think experience will play a factor in Virginia winning this game. Duke has the most talent in the world, but I tend to lean on experience when it comes to two good teams. This is also a game between the two best coaches in the ACC, in my opinion. Duke will look to run and Virginia will look to slow the game down. Whoever’s style is featured more in this game will be the winner.

Predicted Winner: Virginia

Garett

College Basketball: Weekly Games to Keep an Eye On