Who: (4)Villanova @ (5) West Virgina
When: February 8th @ 7pm on ESPN
Why:Villanova just got done getting manhandled by Georgetown. Villanova made a run at the beginning of the second half with Scottie Reynolds scoring the first 7 points of the half. But Georgetown had an answer for each and every run that Villanova could muster. West Viriginia has become a hot bed of controversy lately. The fans seem to be taking things a little too far and that could be a direct reflection of the leadership (head coach). Even though he’s asked fans to tone it down a bit, they have taken on a mob mentality and could care less. West Virginia is coming off a tough road win against St. Johns. They were down 16 at one point but ended up blowing them out in the end. It will be a tough Big East battle to say the least. Should be a good game
TK’s Pick: I give the nod to WVU. They have a tall/fast lineup that will be able to hold keep up with a guard heavy Nova team.
Alan’s Pick: I’ll go with Villanova just to be different. I think Nova will bounce back after their humiliating loss to Georgetown and be ready to play. Just watch out for flying batteries.
Who:(1)Kansas @ (14)Texas
When:February 8th @ 9pm on ESPN
Why: Kansas struggled against a mediocre Colorado team and needed OT to put them away. Nebraska gave Kansas a game for a little while but Kansas put them away late in the 2nd half. Texas on the other hand, they’ve been struggling mightily. The Longhorns have lost 4 out of the last 6 and are coming off a lost on the road to an unranked Oklahoma team. They definitely aren’t looking like the team they were early on and I’m sure a lot of people are wondering what’s going on in Austin. Nonetheless, this is a huge rivarly game and I think Texas will still give Kansas a game.
TK’s Pick:Texas will bounce back and bounce Kansas from #1 once more. The merry go round of who is the best will continue to go around and around.
Alan’s Pick: Going with Texas here. As the above says, Kansas struggles with mediocre teams, even on their home court. Texas has something to prove after getting exposed.
Who: Alabama @ (3)Kentucky
When: February 9th @ 9pm on ESPNU
Why:Cats will move up after a Nova loss this past weekend. Cats must remain focused and not look ahead to the matchup this weekend against UT. Alabama is still a formidable opponent and shouldn’t be overlooked.
TK’s Pick:Cats by a lot. Hopefully, by playing bad teams, they can develop a killer instinct and keep teams out of the game. It will come in handy come March
Alan’s Pick: Kentucky, of course.
Who: (8)Duke vs UNC
When:February 10th @ 9pm on ESPN
Why:Despite the fact that UNC has lost 6 out of the last 7 games, this is still a rivalry that is a whole nother beast. Even though UNC may be having a down year, this one is always a barn burner and is worth watching. It’s given us a lot of memorable images (Psycho T’s bloody nose) to seeing puke fans crying. If you have nothing better to do, it’s worth watching
TK’s Pick:UNC is a terrible team, so nothing would give me more pleasure than to see a team that won’t make the tourney beat Puke.
Alan’s Pick: As much as it pains me, I’m going with Duke. Although like TK says, nothing would give me more pleasure to see a pathetic UNC beat Duke at Cameron.
Who:(12)Tennessee @ (3)Kentucky
When:February 13th @ 9pm on ESPN
Why:Why not? Are you kidding me? College Gameday is schedule to be in Lexington that day. Bobby Knight won’t be able to make it, sad face. (Not really) Tennessee comes in with high hopes and Kentucky will look to bring them back down to earth. Kentucky native Scotty Hopson has been coming along nicely this season. It will be interesting to see Miller and Hopson go at it once again.
TK’s Pick:Kentucky wins this game and will once again be ranked #1 after Texas beats Kansas.
Alan’s Pick: Agreed.