Now that college football season is over, it’s time to focus on college basketball. Since we are just getting into conference play, the next three months will be a lot of fun in the college basketball world. This is the first preview of the season, and in it I will preview some of the best matchups from tonight through Friday, January 11. I will write another preview for Saturday and Sunday’s matchups.

Tuesday Jan. 8

#23 Oklahoma @ #8 Texas Tech

Texas Tech will have its second biggest test of the season thus far, squaring off against #23 Oklahoma. The Red Raiders’ only loss on the season has come to Duke. They are looking to prove they are for real within the Big 12 with a win in this one. Oklahoma is a little more tested so far, but they’ve only lost two games. The blowout loss at Wisconsin wasn’t too good though.

Predicted Winner: Texas Tech

#12 North Carolina @ #15 NC State

Here in North Carolina, this is a big time rivalry. State is off to one of their better starts in years at 13-1 and are always a tough game in Raleigh…especially against the Tar Heels. UNC has shown flashes of excellence this season, along with flashes of below average play. As a Tar Heel fan, it hurts to do this, but I know Carolina basketball too well and I think they will fail to put this game away and someone for the Wolfpack will go off leading to a NC State win.

Predicted Winner: NC State

Wednesday Jan. 9

#25 TCU @ #7 Kansas

After stumbling recently with two losses in the last four games, the Jayhawks will be looking to get back on track. I think they will come out with a chip on their shoulder and will put this game away pretty quick. They just have too much athleticism for most teams. TCU is 12-1, but has had a very weak schedule so far, and had a bad loss to Lipscomb. TCU may have a solid team, but are nowhere near the Jayhawks’ level.

Predicted Winner: Kansas

Thursday Jan. 10

UCLA @ Oregon

Two teams with a lot to prove, this should be an interesting matchup. Both teams have gotten off to slow starts, at least to their expectations, and will look to get an advantage over the other with a win in this one. These kind of games between similar teams sometimes set the tone for the rest of the season. With a lot of talent on both sides, this will be one to keep an eye on for college basketball fans. One kid I really like to watch is Oregon’s Bol Bol. He’s got so much potential, but is still pretty raw.

Predicted Winner: Oregon

Garett

College Basketball Preview (Jan. 8-Jan. 11)