Category: College Basketball

Things will look slightly different in this college basketball preview post. No different from usual, I will show the AP top ten entering the week. Then, I will preview each of the power 6 conference tournaments (ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, note also that mid major conference tournaments happened this past week). The preview will include a link to each of the conference tournament brackets, a link to my video preview of each that includes my predictions on my YouTube channel, and a few thoughts I have for each conference tournament.

Note: I will update the AP top ten in this post when a new one comes out tomorrow.

Note: I will add the hyperlink of every video preview when they come out in the next few days.

AP Top 10 entering week:

1.Gonzaga 24-0 Next: vs.Saint Mary’s (3/8-WCC Semifinal)

2.Baylor 21-1 Next: vs.TBD (3/11-Big 12 Quarterfinal)

3.Illinois 20-6 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-Big Ten Quarterfinal)

4.Michigan 19-3 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-Big Ten Quarterfinal)

5.Iowa 20-7 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-Big Ten Quarterfinal)

6.Alabama 21-6 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-SEC Quarterfinal)

7.Houston 21-3 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-AAC Quarterfinal)

8.Arkansas 21-5 Next: vs.TBD (3/12-SEC Quarterfinal)

9.Ohio State 18-8 Next: vs.TBD (3/11-Big Ten Second Round)

10.West Virginia 18-8 Next: vs.TBD (3/11-Big 12 Quarterfinal)

ACC

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts: The ACC is in uncommon ground. This will be the first year in awhile without a team from the conference as a one seed in the NCAA Tournament. Florida State, despite multiple losses the last few weeks, should be the favorite.

Big 12

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts: Behind the Big Ten, the Big 12 is the second best conference in the country. Regular season champion Baylor, West Virginia, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma are all teams that can make it to the second and third weekends of the NCAA Tournament and beyond. The key to winning in Kansas City this week is using defense to create opportunities offensively. Most of the Big 12 offenses are fantastic but its going to be up to terrific defensive backcourts like Baylor’s Jared Butler and MaCio Teague to win games. Baylor should be the favorite but watch out for any of the other teams I listed above.

Big East

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts: Both Villanova (losing veteran PG Collin Gillespie for the season) and Creighton (suspending head coach Greg McDermott) have their issues at the moment. But three seed Connecticut has been playing great lately, winning four of their last five games. They should be the favorite this week at Madison Square Garden without a doubt.

Big Ten

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts: The Big Ten is the best conference in the country without a doubt. Regular season champion Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio State are all in the AP top ten and have chances to lock up number one seeds. Purdue is ahead of Ohio State in the Big Ten standings and are at number 23 in the polls. Michigan State, like many blue bloods this season, need a few wins to clinch an NCAA Tournament berth. But, Michigan should be seen as the favorite in Indianapolis this week.

Pac-12

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts:

Oregon has been terrific as of late with wins over second place USC and third place UCLA. USC swept the season series with UCLA yesterday with a buzzer-beater. Arizona State, a team that was in many pre-season polls has fallen to ninth in the conference. They will need to win in Las Vegas to reach the big dance. USC, though, should be considered the favorites with projected lottery pick Evan Mobley and his brother Isaiah Mobley as focal points for the Trojans.

SEC

Bracket

Video Preview

Thoughts: Arkansas comes in winners of their last 11 SEC games. Top seed Alabama lost to Arkansas on February 24 but have won every game since. Three seed LSU should not be counted out because of lethal shooting freshman Cam Thomas. Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri are other NCAA tournament locks that have a chance to win the SEC Tournament Championship next Sunday. Auburn will not participate in the SEC Tournament due to self imposed violations. For me, there is no clear favorite after Arkansas, clearly the hottest team in the league, struggled against Texas A&M, who was playing just their second game since they came off of their COVID-19 pause.

AP Top 10 entering weekend:

1.Gonzaga 24-0 Next: WCC Tournament

2.Michigan 18-2 Next: at.Michigan State (3/7)

3.Baylor 20-1 Next: 18.Texas Tech (3/7)

4. Illinois 17-5 Next: at.7.Ohio State (3/6)

5.Iowa 18-7 Next: 25.Wisconsin (3/7)

6.West Virginia 17-7 Next: 17.Oklahoma State (3/6)

7.Ohio State 18-7 Next: 4.Illinois (3/6)

8.Alabama 20-6 Next: at.Georgia (3/6)

9.Houston 20-3 Next: at.Memphis (3/7)

10.Villanova 16-4 Next: at.Providence (3/6)

Key games this weekend:

17.Oklahoma State at. 6.West Virginia (Saturday, 2 PM ET, TBD)

Oklahoma State has gone 2-1 its last three games with a sweep of rival Oklahoma and a tough loss to Big 12 champion Baylor. Point Guard Cade Cunningham is proving to be everything a number one pick needs to be, highlighted by a 40 point performance in a Saturday win over Oklahoma. West Virginia lost to Baylor on Monday night but got a win later in the week over bottom dweller TCU. With a win, the Mountaineers can lock up the two seed next week in Kansas City at the Big 12 Tournament but can too, even with a loss. But it will be no easy task with Cade Cunningham, Kalib Boone and the Cowboys coming to town. Projected Score: West Virginia 76, Oklahoma State 71

USC at. UCLA (Saturday, 4 PM ET, CBS)

USC and UCLA are both on cold streaks. The Trojans have fallen into second place in the Pac-12 (despite a win over top place Oregon a few weeks ago), going 2-2 in their last four games. The Bruins fell to third place in the conference, with back to back losses to Colorado and Oregon. UCLA needs a win at home in Westwood to earn a split in the regular season with their LA rivals on Saturday afternoon. Projected Score: USC 70, UCLA 62

4.Illinois at. 7.Ohio State (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)

Despite losing star point guard Ayo Dosunmo to a facial injury, Illinois has gone 3-1 in his absence, including its most recent win over Big Ten champion Michigan in Ann Arbor (to prevent them from winning it at the time). Ayo is “day to day” according to thespun.com, but has gone through some light team workouts today. So, Illinois fans should be optimistic. Ohio State was riding high even after a tough 92-87 loss to Michigan two weeks ago. Ohio State followed that loss with dropping games to Michigan State and top five ranked Iowa, now residing in fifth place in the Big Ten. Despite its placing in the conference (18-7, 12-7 Big Ten), most mock brackets still have the Buckeyes at a projected two seed. It’s incredible just how good both the Big Ten and Big 12 are this season. We will get to see a fun game on Saturday afternoon, the winner getting big momentum heading to Indianapolis at the Big Ten tournament next week. Projected Score: Ohio State 86, Illinois 83

Duke at. North Carolina (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN)

The first time these two teams met, North Carolina got the better of Duke in Durham. According to Joe Lundari’s latest Bracketology, North Carolina is slated as a ten seed and Duke is a member of the first four out. A win for North Carolina would likely keep them where they are barring multiple teams losing this weekend ahead of them. A loss would move them closer to needing to win a few next week in Greensboro at the ACC Tournament. Even with a win for Duke, they would still need to make it a few rounds in the ACC Tournament, likely to the semifinals in Greensboro with a win in Chapel Hill on Saturday. Both would love a win in their last regular season game I am sure to build momentum headed into postseason play next week. Projected Score: North Carolina 79, Duke 71

25.Wisconsin at. 5.Iowa (Sunday, 12:30 PM ET, FOX)

Iowa has been dominant in their last few games with a win over then number four ranked Ohio State. Iowa lost to Big Ten champion Michigan a week ago which was just their second loss in eight games. Wisconsin is on the other end of the spectrum. The Badgers have losses to ranked Purdue, Illinois (twice), Iowa, and Michigan over their last eight games. National player of the year frontrunner (big man) Luka Garza (over 24 points per game) and awesome Iowa offense will be the difference in this game. Projected Score: Iowa 73, Wisconsin 61

18.Texas Tech at. 3.Baylor (Sunday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)

Texas Tech is riding high with wins over rival Texas and Big 12 bottom dweller Iowa State. Baylor had its first setback of the season last Saturday, losing to Kansas in 71-58 loss. But since, they have wins over West Virginia (who is second place in the Big 12), and wrapped up a Big 12 regular season championship. Surging Oklahoma State (fifth place in the Big 12) is led by star freshman guard Cade Cunningham. Baylor star junior guard Jared Butler has been phenomenal the last few games, averaging over 17 points. ESPN will broadcast an unusual Sunday men’s college basketball game for the network, but it will be a treat without a doubt. Projected Score: Baylor 77, Texas Tech 76

2.Michigan at. Michigan State (Sunday, 4:30 PM ET, CBS)

The two met on Thursday with Michigan clinching the Big Ten regular season championship. Michigan State needs a win here to strengthen their NCAA Tournament case despite having many chances next week in the Big Ten tournament, which is perceived to be the toughest conference in America. I see it going the same way it went on Thursday. Projected Score: Michigan 85, Michigan State 76

The National Invitational Tournament (NIT), is cutting its annual postseason tournament in half it announced Monday. The NIT is moving from its usual 32 team event down to 16 teams. It will all be played in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with games at Comerica Center in Frisco and at UNT Coliseum on North Texas’ campus in Denton.

According to ESPN, Florida State men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton agreed to a five-year extension on Monday. The contract is through the 2024-2025 season that will pay him $2.25 million annually plus bonuses, the school announced on March 1. Hamilton, 72, is the winningest coach in school history and has the Seminoles on the verge of winning back-to-back ACC regular-season titles. Florida State is currently 14-4 and in first place in the ACC, and is the highest-ranked team in the league at No. 11 in the latest AP poll.

The SEC announced on Tuesday their plans for limited attendance for their conference tournament, set for March 10-13. ESPN confirmed that “Health officials are allowing a seating capacity of 20% at Bridgestone Arena for approximately 3,400 fans because of COVID-19 restrictions at the tournament starting March 10. The SEC said Tuesday that fans over the age of 2 will have to wear masks or face coverings, with gaiters, bandanas and masks with valves or vents prohibited. A face shield also won’t be enough. Anyone seeking a medical exemption to the mask requirement must reach out to the arena at least 24 hours in advance or won’t be allowed inside the arena.”

On Saturday, North Carolina men’s basketball coach Roy Williams became the fifth head coach in Division I college basketball history to reach 900 wins. Williams was able to do it in front of a limited attendance at the Dean E. Smith Center, the first time the Tar Heel athletic program allowed fans to attend games this season. After being down by as many as sixteen points to ACC leading 11.Florida State in the first half, the Tar Heels used freshman big man Walker Kessler’s 20 points to get Coach Williams to the big milestone. Williams joins Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim and retired Jim Calhoun (most famously known for his time at Connecticut), and Bob Knight (most famously known for his time at Indiana) in the 900 win club. Williams is the fastest to reach 900 wins, doing it in just his 1,161st game as a head coach. The former Tar Heel assistant began his head coaching career at Kansas in 2003 before returning to Chapel Hill in 2007.

Sierra Canyon Sophomore Guard Bronny James tore his meniscus in a practice earlier this month in preparation for California high school basketball’s spring season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The son of Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James underwent surgery this past week. James averaged just 4.1 points in 15 minutes a game for the high school power during his freshman season. Bronny is ranked number 25 in the 2023 247Sports Composite.

It was announced on Thursday that the 2021 ACC men’s and women’s conference tournaments will allow fans. Then, “The league announced its decision Thursday, a day after Gov. Roy Cooper eased restrictions to allow attendance of up to 15% at indoor arenas seating more than 5,000 and 30% at outdoor venues” according to ESPN. The women’s tournament will occur March 3-7 and the men’s tournament will go from March 9-13.

It was announced on Friday that Indianapolis would “relax coronavirus restrictions on the city’s bars and restaurants starting next week ahead of the upcoming Big Ten and NCAA men’s basketball tournaments” per ESPN. The Big Ten tournament like other major conference tournaments will occur from March 10-14.

As I said in my college basketball weekend preview, potential All-American point guard Ayo Dosunmo is out indefinitely with a broken nose. The Illinois talent was injured in Tuesday’s loss to Michigan State. Illinois got back in the win column in their first game without him on Thursday in a game versus Nebraska. They beat Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon to make it a two game winning streak.

The NCAA announced its  policies for how it will handle potential coronavirus-related withdrawals from the Division I men’s basketball tournament. ESPN confirmed that “There will be no reseedings or bracket changes once the bracket is released on Selection Sunday, and replacement teams will only be introduced within 48 hours of the field’s release. Potential at-large teams unable to meet the medical protocols by the first game of the NCAA tournament must notify the selection committee on the Saturday night before the field is announced”.

The NCAA announced also last Wednesday that it would extend its recruiting dead period again. According to multiple sources including oregonlive.com, the NCAA released a statement, saying “After careful consideration of all available information, the Council agreed that an extension of the dead period through May 31 (2021) was necessary,” Council chair M. Grace Calhoun said. “However, there is a strong commitment to use the next several weeks to outline the transition plan back to recruiting activities post June 1 and to provide those plans to prospective student-athletes, their families and the NCAA membership no later than April 15”. Full details on the dead period can be found on the official NCAA website, but in short, “During a dead period a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches may write and telephone student-athletes or their parents during a dead period”.

AP Top 10 entering weekend:

1.Gonzaga 23-0 Next: Loyola Marymount (2/27)

2.Baylor 18-0 Next: at.17.Kansas (2/27)

3.Michigan 17-1 Next: Indiana (2/27)

4.Ohio State 18-6 Next: 9.Iowa (2/28)

5. Illinois 17-6 Next: at.23.Wisconsin (2/27)

6.Alabama 18-6 Next: at.Mississippi State (2/27)

7.Oklahoma 14-6 Next: Oklahoma State (2/27)

8.Villanova 15-3 Next: at.Butler (2/28)

9.Iowa 17-7 Next: at.4.Ohio State (2/28)

10.West Virginia 16-6 Next: Kansas State (2/27)

Key games this weekend:

Southern Illinois at. 21.Loyola Chicago (Friday, 9 PM ET, CBSSN)

Our last memories of the Ramblers was their run to the Final Four in 2018. Now, the Ramblers are well into the projected field according to Joe Lunardi, as a nine seed. Loyola needs to keep winning to stay with Drake at the top of the Missouri Valley standings and an at-large NCAA Tournament bid if they are not able to win the MVC Tournament. So, a win here is important. Projected Score: Loyola-Chicago 77, Southern Illinois 60

14.Texas at. 18.Texas Tech (Saturday, 12 PM ET, CBS)

A big matchup on CBS for both of the Lone Star state rivals. Texas, since coming off of pause is 3-4. Texas Tech has lost three consecutive games against ranked opponents. Something will give here. Which star guard will step up for his team? Mac McClung for Tech, Andrew Jones for Texas. Projected Score: Texas 81, Texas Tech 77

25.Tennessee at. Auburn (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)

Since a Saturday loss to Kentucky a week ago, Tennessee crushed their instate Vanderbilt rivals on Wednesday. This could be a trap game for the Vols, however, I believe projected lottery pick Sharife Cooper will not be able to get Auburn a win in this one. Projected Score: Tennessee 84, Auburn 70

3.Michigan at. Indiana (Saturday, 1 PM ET, FOX)

Michigan is red-hot off of their pause with wins over ranked Wisconsin and top ten ranked Ohio State and Iowa. Indiana big man Trayce Jackson-Davis is a big part of why Indiana is in the NCAA Tournament hunt. But, Michigan is playing too well right now, led by freshman big man Hunter Dickinson. Projected Score: Michigan 87, Indiana 80

LSU at. 20.Arkansas (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN2)

Arkansas is the hottest team in the country. As simple as that. Arkansas lost by 16 to the Tigers in Baton Rouge on January 13. It will be different in Fayetteville tomorrow. The play of gritty point guard Davonte Davis, consistency of potential SEC player of the year Moses Moody, and the awesome play of Indiana grad transfer Justin Smith, has led to Arkansas’ eight wins in their last nine. Arkansas is 17-2 at full strength. If I am LSU, the play of potential SEC player of the year Cam Thomas and guard Javonte Smart will be big in if LSU can end Arkansas’ hot streak. Projected Score: Arkansas 86, LSU 83

5.Illinois at. 23.Wisconsin (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN)

Illinois will be without potential All-American point guard Ayo Dosunmo for a second consecutive game. Dosunmo broke his nose in Tuesday’s loss to Michigan State, but the Illini rebounded with a win over Big Ten bottom feeder Nebraska on Thursday. An even tougher challenge awaits the Illini when they face Wisconsin in Madison on Saturday afternoon. Senior guard D’Mtrick Trice (13.5 PPG) leads the Badgers in scoring. The Badgers (16-8, 10-7 Big Ten) are apart of a loaded Big Ten with losses to 3.Michigan and 9.Iowa in their last two games. Projected Score: Illinois 87, Wisconsin 75

Oklahoma State at. 7.Oklahoma (Saturday, 3 PM ET, ABC)

This will be the first of a two game series for the two this season after their first match up, set for January 16 in Stillwater, was postponed. The next will be played just two days after this one, on Monday in Stillwater (9 PM ET, ESPN). Oklahoma has been on and off during Big 12 play this season. Wins over 17.Kansas, 14.Texas, 10.West Virginia, and more. Losses to 17.Kansas (Split), 18.Texas Tech (sweep), and Kansas State on Tuesday loom large. Just a single game remains for the Sooners after that, a make-up date at home versus Texas on March 4. For Oklahoma State, a win in the SEC-Big 12 challenge over Arkansas might have become one of if not the most important wins on the team’s resume. Since the win at home over the Razorbacks, the team, despite dropping the next game in Fort Worth against TCU, has beaten 14.Texas, 17.Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and 18.Texas Tech to clearly assert itself as a team that should be in the NCAA Tournament. Led by the projected number one pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, 6’8 point guard Cade Cunningham (18.7 PPG, 3.6 APG), Oklahoma State should not be taken lightly by the Sooners. It is fully expected that these two will split their season series in the upcoming three days, but what you read next is who I will pick tomorrow. Projected Score: Oklahoma 82, Oklahoma State 77

Kansas State at. 10.West Virginia (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN2)

West Virginia is as hot as any team in the country right now with wins over top fifteen 7.Oklahoma (Feb. 13) and 14.Texas (Feb. 20). Derek Culver (15.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG) leads the Mountaineers at home against Big 12 bottom dweller Kansas State. Should be an easy win for the boys from Morgantown. Projected Score: West Virginia 89, Kansas State 71

2.Baylor at. 17.Kansas (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)

Baylor (18-0, 10-0 Big 12) needed a lot of help to beat Iowa State, a team in the bottom of the Big 12 coming off of a long COVID-19 pause. Starting with the 17.Kansas game on Saturday, the Bears begin a tough four game stretch with the aforementioned Jayhawks, on Tuesday at 10.West Virginia, on Thursday versus Oklahoma State, and on Sunday in Waco versus 18.Texas Tech. Kansas fell out of the top 25 for the first time since 2008 two weeks ago. The Jayhawks went on a five game winning streak after falling out of the rankings with wins over Oklahoma State, two wins over Iowa State, and back home versus 18.Texas Tech. Bill Self’s team lost for the first time since February 6 in a Tuesday affair in Austin against 14.Texas. So, in Lawrence, Kansas could have the edge in a huge Saturday night game in Lawrence. Projected Score: Baylor 75, Kansas 74

Loyola Marymount at. 1.Gonzaga (Saturday, 10 PM ET, ESPN)

Gonzaga should pick up another easy West Coast conference win and stay hot headed into the West Coast Conference Tournament. Projected Score: Gonzaga 86, Loyola Marymount 65

8.Villanova at. Butler (Sunday, 12 PM ET, CBS)

Villanova crushed Butler on December 16 in Philadelphia. It should be no different in Indianapolis on February 28. Projected Score: Villanova 85, Butler 67

South Florida at. 12.Houston (Sunday, 4 PM ET, TBD)

After the loss to Wichita State, Houston beat Western Kentucky, in a non conference game that was scheduled at the beginning of the week. Houston should get a win using the awesome offensive ability of Kansas transfer Quentin Grimes. Projected Score: Houston 87, South Florida 72

9.Iowa at. 4.Ohio State (Sunday, 4 PM ET, TBD)

Iowa had a four game winning streak before a loss on Thursday to Michigan. Even so, Iowa big man Luka Garza is en route to a national player of the year and a scoring title. Ohio State is on a two game losing streak, losing to Michigan on Sunday and Michigan State on Thursday. The winner of this game should be on a good road to securing a number one seed. Projected Score: Ohio State 87, Iowa 84

For the first time in awhile, I am going to be doing an Arkansas sports news post. So here we go.

First, Arkansas swept the 2021 State Farm College Baseball showdown with wins over Texas Tech, Texas, and TCU. The Razorbacks beat the Red Raiders 13-9 on Saturday, the Longhorns 4-0 Sunday, and the Horned Frogs 4-1 on Monday. They will return home to Baum-Walker Stadium for a four game series beginning Thursday and end on Sunday.

After Texas A&M postponed one of the two Arkansas games for the second time this season due to COVID-19 protocols, Arkansas was reportedly in contact with Arkansas State about a game between the two schools this previous Saturday. Arkansas State had two games, set for Friday February 19 and Saturday February 20 against Texas State, which were postponed due to inclement weather at both schools. It led to the opening the Red Wolves had on Saturday for a game. Arkansas State then scheduled the make up game versus Texas State on Monday. Arkansas State head coach Mike Balado said last week that “It’s not very smart for our team when we’re in the hunt of playing for a No. 1 seed,”. “I’m not quite sure if they’re (Arkansas) in the hunt for the No. 1 seed. I don’t really pay attention to their record, but we’re in the hunt, so we have to worry about our players and our health and safety about the conference season, so it’s about us, not about them.” Arkansas also tried to get another non conference game when Tulsa had to postpone. They contacted Arkansas State then, as well. When asked about Arkansas State’s decline to play Arkansas back in December Balado said, “When you play games, they have to benefit both teams,” Balado said. “We’re not going to get bullied into playing a game just because it benefits one team. We don’t do that. We’re not nobody’s little brother. We’re going to play basketball when it’s a benefit to us and the other team.” Looking to the future, Balado said he has reached out to Arkansas about scheduling a non-conference game on Nov. 13 next season. Both teams have the date open, so it is likely the two will meet next season.

6.Alabama at. 20.Arkansas
Bud Walton Arena (Fayetteville,AR)
Wednesday February 24, 9 PM ET
ESPN2

On Saturday January 16, Arkansas lost to Alabama 90-59 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school known for dominating football had put an exclamation point on their then 13-2 and an unbeaten record in conference play. Arkansas fell to 12-4, their fourth loss in conference play.

Things seem a little different now. For Arkansas especially, who have won its last seven SEC games and in most mock brackets are being seeded as a six or seven seed. Alabama is still en route to their first SEC regular season title in awhile, being seen mostly as a two or three seed.

Alabama is led by senior wing John Petty Jr., who is putting up 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Joining him on the perimeter in Tuscaloosa, is talented Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly. The Hackensack, New Jersey native averages almost 12 points and 3 assists per game. But it is sophomore guard Jaden Shackelford (14.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game) that leads the Tide in scoring. On the other side is a group of talented newcomers. Most notably freshman Moses Moody and Indiana grad transfer Justin Smith stand out. Wing Moses Moody is averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds and is a favorite for the SEC freshman of the year. On the interior for the hogs is Justin Smith, who is averaging almost 12 points and six and a half rebounds a game. The problems for Arkansas have come when they have been without Smith, where they lost games that they could’ve won with him such as a close loss to big man heavy Tennessee back in January.

This coaching match up is elite. Recently, due to the success of the program, second year Alabama head coach Nate Oats got a new extension last Thursday. According to HawgBeat.com, fellow second year head coach Eric Musselman should be next in line for an extension. Both coaches have teams who are hot and in great positions to play in March. The coach that has his team better conditioned will win this game. Basketball is a game of runs and whichever team is more conditioned to make that run will win this game.

Projected Score: Alabama 72, Arkansas 67

It was announced on Friday morning that the NCAA “will allow a limited number of fans at every round of this year’s men’s NCAA tournament,” according to ESPN and multiple other sources. The article also confirmed that the tournament will have up 25% attendance and required social distancing and mask wearing. NCAA president Mark Emmert reassured worried fans on the NCAA’s announcement, saying “We continue to use the knowledge we have gained over the season on how to conducts games in a safe environment.”

The University of Alabama announced on Thursday that men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats agreed to an extension through the 2026-2027 season in the midst of Alabama’s awesome season, in which they’ve gone 17-5 (12-1) in the SEC. The extension also increases his salary to $3.225 million annually.

The McDonald’s All American Game has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to the coronavirus pandemic. McDonald’s announced over 700 girls and boys nominees for the 2021 games on Thursday. It will announce a full 48-player roster, 24 girls and 24 boys, in a few weeks and will honor the class with a virtual celebration.

The number three overall recruit in the 2022 class according to 247sports, Amari Bailey, has committed to UCLA for the second time during his recruitment. Bailey committed to DePaul before the start of his high school career, but quickly decommitted after transferring to southern California power Sierra Canyon. Then, he made his original commitment to Steve Alford’s bruins. When Alford was fired, Bailey backed off to reconsider things. Then, this week he announced he had committed to UCLA, this time with Mick Cronin as their head coach, likely ending his recruitment.

Annually, the NCAA Selection Committee announces their top sixteen overall seeds (the top four seeds) four weeks ahead of “Selection Sunday” (set for March 14) in the NCAA March Madness Bracket Preview. It will be televised just an hour after this post is published, at 12:30 PM ET time on CBS. Anyway, here’s what I think the committee will announce in an hour.

Top questions:

Will Gonzaga or Baylor be the number one seed? Everyone knows that the only two unbeatens left in Division 1 college basketball are the best in the sport. But where does the committee stand on the matter? Does Gonzaga play a strong enough schedule to be considered a top overall seed? In my opinion, Gonzaga went out and scheduled a great non conference schedule for November and December, beating the likes of Kansas, Virginia, and more. Likewise, Baylor has competed in a tough Big 12 and its record remains unblemished.

Who is the final team on the top line? Ohio State is the favorite with 5 quadrant 1 wins. But Alabama, despite losses to Oklahoma and Missouri in the last two weeks, remains a strong contender with just a single SEC loss. Ohio State should get the spot not only because of their quad 1 wins but because of its standing in the Big Ten, with just four losses in a conference many consider the best in the country.

How many can the Big Ten get in the top 16? Like I mentioned in the paragraph above, the Big Ten has been the premiere college basketball conference this season with seven teams in top thirty of the NCAA Evaluation tool. The tool, more commonly known as the “NET”, replaced the Basketball Power Index (more commonly known as the “BPI”) as the main metric used for the bracket reveal come “Selection Sunday”.

Reminder: Due to the COVID-19, the entire 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is being played in Indiana, which is why the NCAA is dropping the regional brackets and instead naming them in the numbers.

My projected top 16 seeds:

()= Overall seed

Region 1:

1.Gonzaga (1)

2.Houston (8)

3.West Virginia (9)

4.Tennessee (16)

Region 4:

1.Ohio State (4)

2.Villanova (5)

3.Oklahoma (12)

4.Iowa (13)

Region 2:

1.Baylor (2)

2.Alabama (7)

3.Texas Tech (10)

4.Missouri (15)

Region 3:

1.Michigan (3)

2.Illinois (6)

3.Virginia (11)

4.Texas (14)

AP Top 10 entering weekend

1.Gonzaga 18-0 Next: PPD

2.Baylor 17-0 Next: PPD

3.Villanova 11-2 Next: PPD

4.Michigan 13-1 Next: PPD

5. Houston 15-2 Next: at.South Florida (2/10)

6. Texas 11-4 Next: at.Oklahoma State (2/6)

7. Ohio State 15-4 Next: at.Maryland (2/8)

8.Iowa 13-4 Next: at.Indiana (2/7)

9.Oklahoma 12-4 Next: Iowa State (2/6)

10.Alabama 14-4 Next: at.12.Missouri

Key games this weekend

Iowa State at. 9.Oklahoma (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN2)

Red hot Oklahoma should pick up an easy win. Not much to say here. Projected Score: Oklahoma 70, Iowa State 51

10.Alabama at. 12.Missouri (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)

Alabama comes in at 10-0 in the SEC, and a projected number one seed in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology. Missouri, their best wins over Tennessee and Arkansas, looks to notch a win over a legitimate top ten team at home. Missouri Head Coach Cuonzo Martin has done a fantastic job but another loss in this game would give them four SEC losses. Alabama can take a loss here and be just fine, but I don’t see it happening after they defeated LSU for a second time this season. Projected Score: Alabama 67, Missouri 59

23.Kansas at. 17.West Virginia (Saturday, 2 PM ET, CBS)

The second of three Big 12 games with a ranked team on Saturday includes two ranked teams instead of just one. West Virginia and Kansas have not been nearly as good as I thought either would be. Marcus Garrett, last season’s Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, is the X-Factor in this game. If he can get a few quick buckets for the Jayhawks as the game goes on, Kansas should get a much needed win in Morgantown. Projected Score: Kansas 68, West Virginia 65

6.Texas at. Oklahoma State (Saturday, 3 PM ET, ABC/LHN)

Both Texas and Oklahoma State have struggled a little bit, dealing with COVID-19 issues and were without many of their players the last few weeks. Oklahoma State beat Arkansas last Saturday but lost in Fort Worth versus TCU this week. Texas comes into the game losers of two straight, both of their losses coming to top ten teams in Oklahoma and Baylor. So, even as someone who has watched college basketball religiously this season, it is hard to pick this game because of how each team has played of late. Projected Score: Texas 81, Oklahoma State 72

North Carolina at. Duke (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN)

I previewed the North Carolina-Duke game in a full post if you want to check it out. Projected Score: Duke 77, North Carolina 74

18.Tennessee at. Kentucky (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)

Tennessee has been on and off this season but got a key win in the SEC-Big 12 Challenge with a win over Kansas. Kentucky had its game a week ago versus Texas cancelled but had been playing better versus Alabama even in a loss a week ago. Projected Score: Tennessee 68, Kentucky 62

8.Iowa at. Indiana (Sunday, 12 PM ET, FOX)

Iowa comes into this game after losing a highly competitive game to Ohio State. If Iowa gets good defensive play in addition to their best offense in the country led by player of the year favorite Luka Garza (big man), they can not only win this game but should be a favorite to win the national championship. Indiana, led by Sophomore big man Trayce Jackson-Davis, is a team that could upset Iowa. This will be a fun game on a Sunday afternoon. Projected Score: Iowa 79, Indiana 74

Even though this blog is one that is focused on Arkansas sports and the SEC, I take the liberty as a lifelong North Carolina fan (my mom graduated from there) to preview a unique battle between North Carolina and the school less than ten miles down the road.

If you don’t know who I am talking about, look at the title of this post. The Duke-North Carolina rivalry has been one of if not the best rivalry in college sports since its inception in 1920. North Carolina leads the rivalry by just 25 wins, 139-114. Usually the two split the regular season series but in 2018-2019 North Carolina swept and a year later Duke did the same thing in 2019-2020. Alright, enough with the history, let’s get to the game set for February 6, 2021.

North Carolina at. Duke
Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham,NC)
Saturday February 6, 6 PM ET
ESPN

In Chapel Hill and Durham, we are used to seeing elite match ups at every position. This season, maybe not so much. Although, us fans do get North Carolina big man Garrison Brooks (10.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG), who was the Pre-Season Player of the Year in the ACC, matching up with Duke big Matthew Hurt (18.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG). Fellow North Carolina big man Armando Bacot (11.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) has played well the last few games scoring 21, 17, and 18 points three of the last four games. Another big man in Tar Heel blue is Day’Ron Sharpe (9.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG) who gives Roy Williams an excellent option to score in the paint, having not developed much of an outside shot yet. North Carolina does have veterans on the perimeter, but I agree with most of the media when they say that is North Carolina’s major weakness this season is guard play. That is one area in the game where the 7-6 Blue Devils have the advantage. Duke Freshman Forward Jalen Johnson, a projected lottery pick, is averaging 12.1 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. Many think he will be the difference in the game. If Duke plays through Matthew Hurt and gets good starting minutes from starting guards Jordan Goldwire (6.8 PPG, 3.7 APG) and Jeremy Roach (8.8 PPG, 2.6 APG), they should be in good hands. For North Carolina to come out of Durham with a win, they need guard Caleb Love (10.3 PPG, 3.1 APG) to play like he has been playing and continue to get good big man play from Bacot, Brooks, and Sharpe.

Projected Score: Duke 77, North Carolina 74

AP Top 10 entering weekend

1.Gonzaga 16-0 Next: at.Pepperdine (1/30)

2.Baylor 16-0 Next: Auburn (1/30)

3.Villanova 11-1 Next: at.Seton Hall (1/30)

4.Michigan 13-1 Next: PPD

5.Texas 11-3 Next: 2.Baylor (2/2)

6.Houston 14-1 Next: SMU (1/30)

7.Iowa Next: Michigan State (2/2)

8.Virginia Next: at.20.Virginia Tech (1/30)

9.Alabama Next: at.24.Oklahoma (1/30)

10.Texas Tech Next: at.LSU (1/30)

Key games this weekend

9.Alabama at. 24.Oklahoma (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)

Red-hot Alabama’s winning streak was almost gone at the hands of Kentucky. But again, perimeter defense is what proved to be the difference. Oklahoma is coming off wins over top ten Kansas and top ten Texas in their past two games so this one is hard to pick. But with the way both teams have been playing it is bound to be a fantastic game. Projected Score: Alabama 75, Oklahoma 71

10.Texas Tech at. LSU (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN2)

Texas Tech picked up a win over top ten Texas two weeks ago and have a chance to get a top four seed in the NCAA Tournament come March. A loss to a struggling LSU team, who has lost two of its last three games, would not be good for their chances. Mac McClung, the Georgetown transfer is the difference for this Texas Tech team but watch out for Javonte Smart, Trendon Watford, and the co. Projected Score: LSU 91, Texas Tech 90

Florida at. 11.West Virginia (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN)
I do not know much about either team but both are at the top of their conferences, with Florida standing at (6-3) in the SEC and West Virginia at (4-3) in the Big 12). Projected Score: West Virginia 77, Florida 65

3.Villanova at. Seton Hall (Saturday, 3 PM ET, FOX)

Jay Wright’s team’s only loss came on November 28 to Virginia Tech. Villanova’s Collin Gillespie and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl lead the Wildcats, looking for a third national championship in six seasons (2016, 2018). The Pirates, in my opinion don’t have much of a shot in this one. Projected Score: Villanova 88, Seton Hall 71

Arkansas at. Oklahoma State (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN2)

Former high school teammates Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State guard) and Moses Moody (Arkansas guard/forward) will go head to head in Stillwater on Saturday. Cunningham and Moody played on one of the best and most dominant teams in high school basketball history at Montverde Academy near Orlando, Florida in 2019-2020. But, the two will be in different jerseys on Saturday. To me, this game is going to be won by the supporting cast of either team. If Moody is not playing well, will it be his team that steps up, or if Cunningham is being contained, will it be his team that steps up? Projected Score: Oklahoma State 85, Arkansas 80

Auburn at. 2.Baylor (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ESPN)

Auburn point guard Sharife Cooper is averaging 22 points and almost 9 assists and has led his team to a 4-2 record since returning to play. Baylor is a top two team in the country and are led by a star of their own, shooting guard Jared Butler. He is averaging almost 17 points and 5 and a half assists. Either way it goes, this should be fun. Projected Score: Baylor 87, Auburn 83

8.Virginia at. 20.Virginia Tech (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ACCN)

Since struggling to begin the season, Tony Bennett’s team has gotten back to winning games. Led by guard Kihei Clark and big man Jay Huff, this Virginia team should be considered one of if not the best team in the ACC. Virginia Tech, having a win over 3.Villanova should not be taken lightly by the Cavaliers. Forward Keven Alumna leads the Hokies in scoring and is an inside threat all game long. Projected score: Virginia 72, Virginia Tech 68

15.Kansas at. 18.Tennessee (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN)

Tennessee has been on and off this season but need a win here to bounce back from losses to Alabama, Florida, and Missouri in conference. Kansas lost to Oklahoma six days ago but rebounded with a low scoring win yesterday over TCU. The match up of emphasis is going to be (senior) Kansas Guard Marcus Garrett (reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year) and freshman guard Jaden Springer who came in as a prized recruit during the 2020 cycle. Projected Score: Tennessee 78, Kansas 76

1.Gonzaga at. Pepperdine (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)

This is the best Gonzaga team Mark Few has ever coached. Thus, I think Gonzaga should blow this Pepperdine team out. Projected Score: Gonzaga 95, Pepperdine 77

5.Texas at. Kentucky (Saturday, 8 PM ET, PPD)

For some reason, this BJ Boston led Kentucky team has not been nearly as good many thought it would be at the beginning of the season. Texas, however has exceeded expectations even after losses in the last two weeks to ranked Texas Tech and ranked Oklahoma. Standout guard Andrew Jones should have a phenomenal game and that is why the Longhorns should win it. Projected Score: Texas 79, Kentucky 72 (Game has since been PPD)