College Basketball: Weekly Games to Keep an Eye On
Week of: Jan. 21-27
#19 Maryland @ #6 Michigan State
Monday, January 21, 6:30 p.m.
Photo: baltimoresun.com
Like I said last week, I’m a believer in this Maryland team, and they didn’t let me down, beating Ohio State by 14 and bursting into the top 25. They will have a tougher test this time though, with a trip to Michigan State. The Spartans are 16-2 this year, with their only losses coming to Kansas and Louisville, and are a real threat to go all the way in March. Tom Izzo’s crew are also winners of 11 straight. Maryland is on a roll too, though and with a win here, they would take over first place in the Big Ten. While it is very hard picking against Michigan State at home, I just have a feeling the Terrapins will continue their hot streak and knock off the Spartans atop the Big Ten.
Predicted Winner: Maryland
#9 Virginia Tech @ #13 North Carolina
Monday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.
I missed bad last week taking Virginia Tech over Virginia, with the Hokies losing 81-59. I didn’t get the chance to watch that game, but refuse to believe Virginia is that much better than Virginia Tech. The Hokies have a very good, athletic team, and will be looking to get a big win for their resume in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels are sort of a wildcard team. One game they look like they could win it all, and the next they look like Georgia Tech. I do like the fact Nassir Little is getting more playing time as of recent, and how he has been attacking more, rather than settling for jump shots. Little could be key in this game if he continues this trend. With guard Cam Johnson coming off a good game in Miami, I believe he and Little will both have big games in this one.
Predicted Winner: North Carolina
#8 Texas Tech @ Kansas State
Tuesday, January 22, 7:00 p.m.
Photo: Brad Tollefson/AP
Texas Tech will undoubtedly fall in the new rankings that come out on Monday after back-to-back losses to Iowa State and Baylor. Those were just their 2nd and 3rd losses on the season however, and they are still a very good team. But now they have a little more to prove to the country and the Big 12. They can’t afford to lose three in a row and still win the conference. Kansas State is right on their heels within the Big 12 at 4-2 in the conference. A win here will have them tied with Iowa State at second in the conference. This will also be the second matchup between these two teams this season; the Red Raiders came out victorious in the first one. It’s tough to beat the same team twice in the same season, but I believe Texas Tech will get it done and prevent a three-game losing streak.
Predicted Winner: Texas Tech
Washington @ Oregon
Thursday, January 24, 9:00 p.m.
This may not be the most highly anticipated game of the week, but I don’t want to totally ignore the Pac-12, even though they currently don’t have a team ranked in the top 25. The Washington Huskies are following up their strong football campaign with a nice basketball season and are currently leading the conference with a 5-0 Pac-12 record. I thought Oregon would’ve had a better season so far, but they’ve struggled in a very weak conference, with just a 2-3 record. They still have a lot of talent and are capable of winning a lot of games, though. This is a big game for the Ducks because they get a chance to prove they are better than their record shows by knocking off the conference’s top team.
Predicted Winner: Washington
#7 Kansas @ #12 Kentucky
Photo: Ben Queen/USA Today Sports
Saturday, January 26, 6:00 p.m.
This one is a big-time matchup between two of the biggest programs and most talented teams in the country. I like how these two teams break conference play and schedule this matchup every year for the fans. Kansas is coming off a very bad loss to West Virginia, who got their first conference win in six attempts so far. The Jayhawks will come into this one with a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove. Kentucky seems to finally be hitting their stride and learning to play together. Even though the game will be in front of a raucous crowd in Lexington, I believe Kansas will come away with the victory because of more experience on their side.
Predicted Winner: Kansas
Garett