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Image Courtesy: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Arkansas officially announced John Calipari as its new head basketball coach on Tuesday. After Eric Musselman left Fayetteville for USC, the Razorbacks’ first basketball coaching search in five years took longer than expected after Ole Miss’ Chris Beard said no to Razorback athletic director Hunter Yurachek. Many people close the program expected Musselman, a San Diego native, to leave if a job opened up in California at some point during his tenure, they just did not know when. Musselman led the Razorbacks to three second weekend appearances in the NCAA Tournament which included back to back Elite 8 appearances in 2021 and 2022 before a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023 during. Three straight second weekend appearances in the NCAA Tournament made Razorback fans very happy and when Musselman took the USC job last week, Razorback fans were disappointed. 2021 was the first year the Razorbacks were back in the second weekend since Nolan Richardson took them to the Sweet 16 in 1996.

Kansas State’s Jerome Tang, Mississippi State’s Chris Jans, and Little Rock’s (and Razorback basketball legend) Darrell Walker were involved in the search. Razorback fans all around the state were so mad. They said things like “Yurachek can’t close a deal and he needs to be fired” and “Our NIL stinks”, but then the AD delivered. Sunday night, FOX16’s Wess Moore was the first to announce that Arkansas had “zeroed in” on polarizing figure in college basketball, John Calipari. Calipari’s success dates back many years, first with UMass, then with Memphis, and most recently in the last fifteen seasons at Kentucky. Calipari led the minutemen to a Final Four in 1996, the tigers to one in 2008 before taking Kentucky four times in 2011, 2012 (won his only national championship), 2014, and 2015. After his last Final Four appearance with the wildcats, his team only appeared in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament twice, when they made the Elite 8 in both 2017 and 2019. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the “One and Done” era that Calipari first created when he arrived in Lexington has not worked with the transfer portal and NIL making college basketball rosters better overall throughout the country. During that time, Kentucky has only made it to the Round of 32 once, in 2023, when they lost to Kansas State and lost opening round games to fifteen seed Saint Peter’s (2022) and Oakland (2024).

Now that his hiring is finally official, will the new opportunity in Fayetteville allow Coach Calipari to reinvent himself with the big NIL package he is getting from his old friend John Tyson? Will he begin to make transfers in his program like Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves become more of a mainstay in his program, this time at a different program in the SEC at Arkansas? We will sure find out the answer to all of these questions as he fills out his roster this off-season and when basketball gets going again in November.

Image Courtesy: Chattanooga Times Free Press

April 6
1.Purdue (33-4) vs. 11.North Carolina State (26-14)
State Farm Stadium (Glendale)
6:09 PM ET, TBS
After becoming the second one seed upset to be upset by a sixteen seed (Fairleigh Dickinson), Purdue is now on the road repeat the run Virginia made in 2019 after suffering the first loss to a sixteen seed in the 2018 Round of 64 to 16.UMBC. Two more wins are required for the Boilermakers to match what the Cavaliers did just five short years ago. The Boilermakers were able to rely on their reigning national player of the year, Zach Edey (40 points, 16 rebounds, and 1 block) to defeat 2.Tennessee in the Midwest Regional final in Detroit. Purdue guards Fletcher Loyer (14 points and 4 assists), Braden Smith (9 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds) and Lance Jones (7 points and 4 rebounds) helped their head coach Matt Painter appear in his first Final Four in his career. Their opponent will be NC State, the eleven seed that has won nine elimination games since finishing the regular season at a mediocre 17-14 record. The Wolfpack will appear in their first Final Four since 1983, when they ended up cutting down the nets with the late, great Jim Valvano as head coach. The Wolfpack won the ACC tournament in Washington DC after beating Louisville in the first round, Syracuse in the second round, Duke in the quarterfinals, Virginia in the semifinals, and North Carolina in the finals to lock up the automatic bid out of the ACC into the NCAA Tournament, a bid they would not have received without winning five consecutive games. NC State head coach Kevin Keatts was on the hot seat before his team’s run but because of winning the ACC tournament title, he received a two year extension. Following this high for Keatts’ and his team, the Wolfpack then defeated six seed Texas Tech to open the NCAA Tournament before advancing to the Sweet 16 by defeating tournament Cinderella 14.Oakland who had just upset Kentucky. NC State’s defense helped them upset 2.Marquette in the South Regional Semifinals. The win over the Golden Eagles helped set up a rubber match with instate rival, 4.Duke, in the Elite Eight. Wolfpack star DJ Burns continued his terrific run in the NCAA Tournament, dropping 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the win over the Blue Devils. Burns gets some help from Wolfpack guard DJ Horne, who scored 20 points in their second win over the Blue Devils this season. The match up between Zach Edey and DJ Burns will be must see TV in the first Final Four match up of 2024 in Glendale. Tennessee allowed Zach Edey to play one on one and that did not work. Will Kevin Keatts’ team use a different strategy? Will they throw forward Mohamed Diarra in addition to Burns at Edey or help with guards like Horne, Michael O’Connell, and Casey Morsell? How NC State defends Edey will determine this game. If they cannot limit him, the Boilermakers will definitely come out victorious. The Wolfpack cannot have any offensive lapses if Edey gets going offensively. I think Purdue wins but NC State will keep it close. Projected Score: Purdue 84, NC State 76

1.Connecticut (35-3) vs. 4.Alabama (25-11)
State Farm Stadium (Glendale)
8:49 PM ET, TBS
Alabama was not expected to get to Glendale. Nate Oats’ lost all three of his assistants to head coaching jobs following last season, which included being the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament and a Sweet 16 appearance, the farthest he had led the Crimson Tide up to that point. Oats retooled his team with returnees, including All-SEC First Team point guard Mark Sears (23 points against 6.Clemson in the Elite Eight) and Nick Pringle (16 points), transfers like Grant Nelson (24 points, 12 points, and 5 blocks in Sweet 16 win over 1.North Carolina) and Aaron Estrada (10 points against Clemson), and freshmen Rylan Griffen (19 points against North Carolina) and Jarin Stevenson (19 points against Clemson) among others. Not much was expected from Alabama during the 2023-2024 season but they were in position to win the SEC regular season title in early March before falling to the eventual champions, Tennessee who joined the Crimson Tide as SEC teams in the Elite Eight. The Crimson Tide avoided upsets against 13.Charleston in the Round of 64 and 12.James Madison in the Round of 32 before upsetting 1.North Carolina in the first West Regional Semifinal. Then, Alabama avenged a loss to Clemson they took in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge back in the first half of the season. The Crimson Tide started out 1/13 shooting the three before exploding like they did against North Carolina in the previous round, finishing 16-36 from range. 1.Connecticut has been one of the three best teams in the country all season long as they look to become the first back to back national champions since Florida in 2006 and 2007. The Huskies have only lost two games since December 20 (Seton Hall in their Big East opener on 12/20 and Creighton three months later on 2/20 on the road in Omaha). Point guard Tristen Newton (17 points and 4 assists against 5.San Diego State in the Sweet 16), wing Cam Spencer (18 points), and guard Stephon Castle (16 points), wing Alex Karaban (8 points and 7 rebounds), and big man Donovan Clingan (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks against 3.Illinois in the Elite Eight) make up a balanced roster in Storrs. They have been the most dominant team in this tournament for the second consecutive postseason, leading against all four opponents they have faced in the NCAA Tournament so far by at least thirty points. The Huskies dominated every opponent they have faced in the tournament including 16.Stetson (Round of 64), 9.Northwestern (Round of 32), 5.San Diego State (Sweet 16, National Championship rematch), and 3.Illinois (Elite Eight). The Huskies went on a 30-0 run against the Fighting Illini, who have one of the best offenses in the country. The respect I have for head coach Dan Hurley to put together a defense that can stop an offensive like Illinois to sustain a 30-0 run is as impressive as anything this UConn team has done during their impressive two year run. The Huskies have won every tournament game they have played in the last two years by double digits. That will not change on Saturday night. Alabama’s defense has been better in the tournament but this UConn team is a buzzsaw. The Huskies will move a step closer to back to back national championships. Projected Score: Connecticut 85, Alabama 71

Image Courtesy: North Carolina Tar Heel Athletics

Round of 64

Charlotte (March 21)
1.North Carolina 27-7 (17-3) ACC
16.Howard 18-16 (9-5) MEAC/16.Wagner 16-15 (7-9) NEC
Tar Heels will roll into the Round of 32. They bounce back after losing in the ACC tournament title.

8.Mississippi State 21-13 (8-10) SEC
9.Michigan State 19-14 (10-10) Big Ten
In one of the toughest Round of 64 match ups to pick, NCAA tournament mainstay Michigan State should not have been a nine seed. The Spartans have fourteen losses compared to only nineteen wins and their offense is so up and down. Mississippi State wins a close one in Charlotte.

Spokane (March 22)
5.Saint Mary’s 26-7 (15-1) WCC
12.Grand Canyon 29-4 (17-3) WAC
Grand Canyon speeds this game up and they upset the Gaels, an overseeded team in Spokane.

4.Alabama 21-11 (13-5) SEC
13.College of Charleston 27-7 (15-3) CAA
Charleston gets the best of a struggling Alabama team that was once in the two seed conversation.

Memphis (March 22)
6.Clemson 21-11 (11-9) ACC
11.New Mexico 26-9 (10-8) Mountain West
In what should be another phenomenal game, PJ Hall leads Clemson to the Round of 32.

3.Baylor 23-10 (11-7) Big 12 
14.Colgate 25-9 (16-2) Patriot League
Baylor’s great offense helps them avoid the upset against Colgate.

Salt Lake City (March 21)
7.Dayton 24-7 (14-4) Atlantic-10
10.Nevada 26-7 (13-5) Mountain West
Another underseeded Mountain West team gets the best of their opponent in the Round of 64. Give me Nevada to advance.

2.Arizona 25-8 (15-5) Pac-12
15.Long Beach State 21-14 (10-10) Big West
Arizona wins easily against Long Beach State.

Round of 32

Charlotte (March 23)
1.North Carolina
8.Mississippi State
It is close for a half, but Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram lead the Tar Heels past Mississippi State to theSweet 16.

Spokane (March 24)
12.Grand Canyon
13.College of Charleston
Grand Canyon advances to the Sweet 16 with a win over Charleston.

Memphis (March 24)
3.Baylor
6.Clemson
Clemson upsets Baylor with a dominant defensive performance.

Salt Lake City (March 23)
2.Arizona
10.Nevada
Arizona moves closer to the Final Four with a win over Nevada.

Sweet 16

Los Angeles (March 28)
1.North Carolina
12.Grand Canyon
North Carolina is one step closer to avenging their loss in the title game in 2022. They beat Grand Canyon.

2.Arizona
6.Clemson
Clemson’s run is finally over. The Wildcats set up a match up between Caleb Love and his former team.

Elite 8

Los Angeles (March 30)
1.North Carolina
2.Arizona
In the Caleb Love game, Love plays well but the Tar Heels send him and Arizona home with a legendary performance from his former teammate, RJ Davis.

2024 West Regional Champion: 1.North Carolina

Image Courtesy: Journal & Courier

Round of 64

Indianapolis (March 22)
1.Purdue 29-4 (17-3) Big Ten
16.Grambling State 18-14 (14-4) SWAC/16.Montana State 17-17 (9-9) Big Sky
Purdue will not lose in the Round of 64 after last year’s debacle. No one is beating Zach Edey in Round 1 again.

8.Utah State 27-6 (14-4) Mountain West
9.TCU 21-12 (9-9) Big 12
The Mountain West was vastly underseeded in this bracket including Utah State. It should be a back and forth game but I believe the Aggies will advance.

Salt Lake City (March 21)
5.Gonzaga 25-7 (14-2) West Coast
12.McNeese State 30-3 (17-1) Southland
Will Wade led LSU to the NCAA Tournament multiple times. Now, he has McNeese in the tournament. Gonzaga has made eight consecutive Sweet 16s but are overseeded at a five. The Cowboys prevent the Bulldogs from going on another run.

4.Kansas 22-10 (10-8) Big 12
13.Samford 29-5 (15-3) Southern
Kansas only made the Round of 32 in 2023 and this season they rely on just four players with limited depth. They are without star wing Kevin McCullar and star center Hunter Dickinson. Samford wins after forcing many turnovers.

Pittsburgh (March 21)
6.South Carolina 26-7 (13-5) SEC 
11.Oregon 23-11 (12-8) Pac-12
Oregon is red hot following winning the final Pac-12 tournament. N’Faly Dante has been great since returning from injury. But, I believe South Carolina was underseeded as a six. They should’ve been a five and as such, the Gamecocks will advance to the Round of 32.

3.Creighton 23-9 (14-6) Big East
14.Akron 24-10 (13-5) MAC
Creighton was a shot away from the Final Four in 2023. The Blue Jays outshoot Akron to advance.

Charlotte (March 21)
7.Texas 20-12 (9-9) Big 12
10.Colorado State 24-10 (10-8) Mountain West/10.Virginia 23-10 (13-7) ACC
Colorado State will beat Virginia in the First Four. Then, they will upset the Longhorns.

2.Tennessee 24-8 (14-4) SEC
15.Saint Peter’s 19-13 (12-8) MAAC
Led by Dalton Knecht, Tennessee will advance past 2022 Cinderella Saint Peter’s.

Round of 32

Indianapolis (March 24)
1.Purdue
8.Utah State
Utah State will beat Purdue and prevent the Boilermakers of making their first second weekend in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.

Salt Lake City (March 23)
12.McNeese State
13.Samford
Will Wade’s Cowboys run will continue after beating Samford.

Pittsburgh (March 23)
3.Creighton
6.South Carolina
Creighton’s up tempo offense outlasts a South Carolina team full of tough finishers. It will be close but the Blue Jays win.

Charlotte (March 23)
2.Tennessee
10.Colorado State
Like Purdue, Tennessee’s March struggles continue when they lose to Colorado State. The Vols’ cannot find any scoring options outside of Knecht and are eliminated.

Sweet 16

Detroit (March 29)
8.Utah State
12.McNeese State
McNeese’s cinderella run continues after they beat Utah State.

3.Creighton
10.Colorado State
Creighton continues on the Elite 8 after ending Colorado State’s run. The Blue Jays are led by Ryan Kalkbrenner inside the paint.

Elite 8

Detroit (March 31)
3.Creighton
12.McNeese State
Greg McDermott finally gets his chance at a Final Four. The Blue Jays end McNeese’s great run and advance to Phoenix.

2024 Midwest Regional Champion: 3.Creighton

Image Courtesy: New York Post

Round of 64

Memphis (March 22)
1.Houston 30-4 (15-3) Big 12
16.Longwood 21-13 (6-10) Big South
Houston was crushed in the Big 12 tournament title by Iowa State. It was an off night for the Cougars. If Jamal Shead and LJ Cryer are on their game again, it should be no problem for Houston to advance.

8.Nebraska 23-10 (12-8) Big Ten
9.Texas A&M 20-14 (9-9) SEC
The Aggies have been so inconsistent this season. In addition, Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams has struggled in the NCAA Tournament. Nebraska wins but it will be close.

Brooklyn (March 22)
5.Wisconsin 22-13 (11-9) Big Ten
12.James Madison 31-3 (15-3) Sun Belt
James Madison beat Michigan State back in November and have since won 30 more basketball games. They have been dominant outside of their losses to Appalachian State. Give me the Dukes to advance.

4.Duke 24-8 (15-5) ACC
13.Vermont 28-6 (15-1) America East
Vermont, like Duke is a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament. But, I believe Duke won’t end their season on three consecutive losses. The Blue Devils move onto the Round of 32.

Pittsburgh (March 21)
6.Texas Tech 23-10 (11-7) Big 12
11.NC State 22-14 (9-11) ACC
NC State will upset Texas Tech and extend their win streak to six. DJ Burns has been a different player for the Wolfpack. The difficult thing for them to do will be stopping Pop Isaacs. If they do that, NC State should continue their win streak.

3.Kentucky 23-9 (13-5) SEC
14.Oakland 23-11 (15-5) Horizon
Kentucky will roll past Oakland with their terrific offense. Many thought the wildcats would be a four seed with Auburn winning the SEC tournament title, but John Calipari’s team was gifted a fairly easy bracket.

Indianapolis (March 22)
7.Florida 24-10 (11-7) SEC
10.Colorado 24-10 (13-7) Pac-12/10.Boise State 22-10 (13-5) Mountain West
Facing either Colorado or Boise State could mean trouble for a Florida team that struggles on defense. All three of these teams can get their’s on offense but I believe Florida

2.Marquette 25-9 (14-6) Big East
15.Western Kentucky 22-11 (8-8) Conference USA
Injury concerns for Marquette star guard Tyler Kolek are happening at the same time they did last year when the Golden Eagles fell to Michigan State in the two versus seven seed game. Marquette should beat Western Kentucky but they must watch out in the next round.

Round of 32

Memphis (March 24)
1.Houston
8.Nebraska
Houston will take Nebraska’s offense away and easily make it to the Round of 32.

Brooklyn (March 24)
4.Duke
12.James Madison
James Madison will take Kyle Filipowski out of the game with their defense and the Dukes will prevent Duke from appearing in the Sweet 16 again. Jon Scheyer will be looking for answers from his incoming 2024 recruiting class.

Pittsburgh (March 23)
3.Kentucky
11.NC State
NC State’s six game run will end at the hands of Kentucky’s offense. The Wildcats’ Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard will end Kevin Keatts team’s season.

Indianapolis (March 24)
2.Marquette
7.Florida
Florida upsets Marquette with Tyler Kolek’s injury concerns. Walter Clayton and Zyon Pullin make the Gators go.

Sweet 16

Dallas (March 29)
1.Houston
12.James Madison
Houston will return to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2022, ending James Madison’s run. Jamal Shead will lead the way.

3.Kentucky
7.Florida
The SEC rivals have already met twice this season. Kentucky won on the road in Gainesville and Florida won on the road in Lexington. I don’t know which way to go on this game. In what would be Kentucky’s first game in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since before COVID-19, Kentucky advances to the Elite 8.

Elite 8

Dallas (March 31)
1.Houston
3.Kentucky
Kentucky is a popular upset pick to beat the Cougars. But, Houston will join UConn in the Final Four as the top two overall seeds.

2024 South Regional Champion: 1.Houston

Image Courtesy: Hartford Courant

Round of 64

Brooklyn (March 22)
1.Connecticut 31-3 (18-2) Big East
16.Stetson 22-12 (11-5) ASUN
The Huskies have been the best team in the country all season. They should not be the third one seed ever to lose to a sixteen seed.

8.Florida Atlantic 25-8 (14-4) American
9.Northwestern 21-11 (12-8) Big Ten
FAU was surprisingly picked as an eight seed despite three quadrant 4 losses in the NET. The Owls gained respect from their Final Four run a season ago. Star guard Johnell Davis leads the Owls versus star guard Boo Buie of Northwestern. This game should be back and forth between two great coaches, Dusty May and Chris Collins. FAU wins but it is very close.

Spokane (March 22)
5.San Diego State 24-10 (11-7) Mountain West
12.UAB 23-11 (12-6) American
San Diego State, another 2023 Final Four participant makes its way to the east region. Andy Kennedy’s Blazers had to win the American conference tournament to make it to the Big Dance. That being said, San Diego State must use their veterans and terrific defense to win this game and I believe they well.

4.Auburn 27-7 (13-5) SEC
13.Yale 22-9 (11-3) Ivy League
Auburn’s last SEC tournament title resulted in a Final Four appearance in 2019. The tigers did it again in 2024 so could they do it again? Yale beat Brown in the Ivy League title game at the buzzer. Auburn’s depth must take advantage of Yale’s short bench and advance to the round of 32.

Omaha (March 21)
6.BYU 23-10 (10-8) Big 12
11.Duquesne 24-11 (10-8) Atlantic-10
Duquesne seems overseeded as an eleven seed after winning the A-10 tournament as the six seed. The Dukes are a solid team defensively but rely on making three pointers to score. Funny enough, the team on the other bench is the game relies on very similar things. BYU finished in the top half of the Big 12 in their first season in the conference. The Cougars should win this game fairly easily if they make shots consistently.

3.Illinois 26-8 (14-6) Big Ten
14.Morehead State 26-8 (14-4) Ohio Valley
Illinois’ run to the Big Ten tournament championship vaulted them to a three seed in the NCAA Tournament. Terrence Shannon’s scoring run included scoring 31, 34, and 40 points over three games. Shannon versus OVC player of the year Riley Minix should be great TV in Omaha. If the Illini defend Minix well, they should coast and win this game with their high scoring outputs in Minneapolis in this past week.

Omaha (March 21)
7.Washington State 24-9 (14-6) Pac-12
10.Drake 28-6 (16-4) Missouri Valley
I have not picked any upsets yet in this bracket so give me the Drake Bulldogs to beat Kyle Smith’s Washington State Cougars, ending their run at the Pac-12 media days. The bulldogs were a popular upset pick in 2023 but ran into Miami in the round of 64, who advanced to the Final Four.

2.Iowa State 27-7 (13-5) Big 12
15.South Dakota State 22-12 (12-4) Summit League
Many people thought Iowa State may be the last number one seed after dominating Houston in the Big 12 tournament championship. The Cyclones should roll as they face TJ Otzelberger’s old team South Dakota State.

Round of 32

Brooklyn (March 24)
1.Connecticut
8.Florida Atlantic
If the Huskies’ let Johnell Davis get going, they may be in trouble. But, if Danny Hurley’s team does not make the Sweet 16 after such a dominant regular season, their season would be a failure.

Spokane (March 24)
4.Auburn
5.San Diego State
I will ride with Auburn to make it to Boston. The tigers will dominate the Aztecs inside with Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams.

Omaha (March 21)
3.Illinois
6.BYU
This game should be up and down with great offense. Both teams have a lot of experience in these types of games. The Big Ten has struggled in the Round of 32 of late, but this season’s Illini team is more complete than the Cougars.

Omaha (March 21)
2.Iowa State
10.Drake
Give me the Bulldogs to move to the Sweet 16 with an upset of the Cyclones in Omaha. Iowa State’s season ends in weekend one of the NCAA Tournament.

Sweet 16

Boston (March 28)
1.Connecticut
4.Auburn
The Huskies and Tigers will go blow for blow but it will be UConn winning this game in the last minute, led by freshman guard Stephon Castle. Castle has been clutch this season and it will help his team move closer to the Final Four.

3.Illinois
10.Drake
The Illini will finally make the Elite 8 under Brad Underwood after beating Drake. Terrence Shannon will lead the way and set up a match up with UConn in the next round.

Elite 8

Boston (March 30)
1.Connecticut
3.Illinois
The Huskies will return to the Final Four for the second straight year following a great defensive performance. UConn’s amount of talented defensive wings, like Cam Spencer, Alex Karaban, and the aforementioned Castle makes them hard to beat even with Shannon on the other side.

2024 East Regional Champion: 1.Connecticut

Image Courtesy: The Athletic

Please click each of the six links, titled “Game by game predictions” for each conference to find out who I have winning each conference tournament that will commence this week to clinch an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Selection Sunday is next Sunday, March 17th. The show will begin at 5 PM CT on CBS.

ACC (Washington DC)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: North Carolina, Duke, Clemson
Should Be In: N/A
Work to do: Virginia, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh, Syracuse

The ACC will be a three bid league in March Madness next week unless Virginia and Wake Forest make deep runs in Washington DC. Pittsburgh and Syracuse have outside shots without strong nonconference resumés. After starting out conference play well, Florida State struggled to the finish. After a Final Four appearance last April, Miami failed to have success without Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller, who went to the pros. North Carolina (likely one or two seed), Duke (potential two or three seed), and Clemson (likely five or seed) will be among the top thirty overall seeds in the tournament no matter what happens in the ACC Tournament. With how weak the league is compared to 2019, when it had three number one seeds in the NCAA Tournament, I expect top seeds North Carolina and Duke to make it to the ACC Tournament final to match up for a third time this season. It is hard to beat the same team three times in the same season, but these Tar Heels have a toughness about them that no one else in the conference has.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 1.North Carolina

Big 12 (Kansas City)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: Houston, Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, TCU, Texas Tech, Texas
Should Be In: Oklahoma
Work to do: Kansas State

The Big 12 is great again this season with Houston, Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, TCU, Texas Tech, and Texas all already being for sure locks. Oklahoma will be in with just a singular win in Kansas City while Kansas State has some work to do to make it in. Houston came in from the American Athletic and dominated the Big 12 in their first season, going 28-3 during the regular season. Iowa State was very consistent in January and February to finish second followed by Baylor, Texas Tech, BYU, and Kansas. The Jayhawks have wins over likely one seeds UConn, Houston, and Tennessee but have lost nine games overall, the most in the Bill Self era. On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma was a top ten team in the AP poll for much of December but failed to establish success in Big 12 play with 12 overall losses. I do not see any of the lower seeds pushing through to win the Big 12 tournament but you never know what will happen in Kansas City.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 2.Iowa State

Big East (New York City)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: Connecticut, Marquette, Creighton
Should Be In: N/A
Work to do: Villanova, Seton Hall, Providence, St. John’s

The Big East runs through UConn until some other team takes it from them. The reigning national champions and 2024 Big East regular season champions ran through the league with only two losses. Creighton and Marquette are the only other locks to make the Big Dance from the conference but with just a single win at Madison Square Garden this week, Seton Hall should be in. Providence needs a few wins to beef up their resumé Villanova cannot lose another game with 14 losses already on the season. Anyone other than UConn or Creighton winning this conference tournament would be surprising with Marquette’s point guard Tyler Kolek’s injury concerns.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 1.Connecticut

Big Ten (Minneapolis)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin
Should Be In: Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska
Work to do: Iowa

Like UConn, Purdue has control over their conference, the Big Ten. The Boilermakers three losses may be more concerning than the Huskies or the Cougars but they are the favorites to win back to back Big Ten tournaments. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only other locks in the conference but Michigan State, Northwestern, and Nebraska should be in with a few wins each in Minneapolis this week. Iowa needs to either win the Big Ten tournament title or at least make the title game. The Boilermakers should win this tournament again but watch out for Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Northwestern to make some noise.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 1.Purdue

Pac-12 (Las Vegas)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: Arizona and Washington State
Should Be In: Colorado
Work to do: Utah

Any team in this final Pac-12 tournament ever could win it. That is why I picked Utah to make a run to secure an NCAA Tournament bid. Top seed Arizona was upset by USC on Saturday night, hurting their chances at a number one seed. Washington State could have been the one seed in the Pac-12 tournament but they failed to do so after losing to instate rival Washington. Arizona, Washington State, and Colorado, and Oregon could very well also make runs and win the Pac-12 tournament but I believe in the Utes this week. They could lose in their first game, or they could make it all the way. The Pac-12 is very unpredictable this year.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 6.Utah

SEC (Nashville)
Bracket
Game by game predictions

Bubble Watch
Locks: Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn, Florida
Should Be In: Mississippi State
Work to do: Texas A&M

The depth of the SEC this season has made it comparable to the Big 12. Tennessee won the league with 14 victories after Alabama faltered late to fall to the three seed. Kentucky’s terrific offense makes other coaches and fans think how they will stop it. The Wildcats’ defense has been up and down but if their offense keeps on going, they will be hard to stop. South Carolina has won its most games ever in the regular season (25) under Lamont Paris while Auburn and Florida round out the locks. Mississippi State must beat LSU in the first round of the SEC Tournament to make it to the madness while Texas A&M needs multiple wins to make it in. Alabama will bounce back after a rough last two weeks of conference play to become the conference’s auto bid this March.

Projected Conference Tournament Winner: 3.Alabama

Image Courtesy: Chicago Tribune

March 9
14.Kansas (22-8) @ 1.Houston (27-3)
4 PM ET, ESPN
Since beating Houston 78-65 on February 3, Kansas has gone 4-4 in their last eight games. However, the Cougars have not lost since they fell to the Jayhawks in Lawrence and have ascended to number one in the AP poll for consecutive weeks. Off ball guard LJ Cryer (15.5 points and 1.1 steals a game) and point guard Jamal Shead (13.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game) have been at the forefront for Kelvin Sampson’s team while fellow guard Emanuel Sharp (12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game) and forward J’Wan Roberts (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1 block per game) have anchored their incredible defense. In Kansas’ back to back losses over their last two games, starting guard Kevin McCullar (19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals a game) has been dealing with a lingering injury. Bill Self has had to rely on the offense of big man Hunter Dickinson (18.2 points, 11 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1 steal per game), forward KJ Adams (12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game), and guard Johnny Furphy (9 points and 4.6 rebounds a game). The decision and play making of junior guard Dajuan Harris (8.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game) is important for Self’s team as well. Kansas must win this game to keep themselves in contention for a spot atop of the two seed line with the Big 12 tournament coming up next week. Houston can put an exclamation on their Big 12 title in just their first season in the conference if they tie the season series against the Jayhawks. Projected Score: Houston 76, Kansas 70

15.Kentucky (22-8) @ 4.Tennessee (24-6)
4 PM ET, CBS
The second showdown between Kentucky and Tennessee, this time in Knoxville, will be huge for the Wildcats, who want to clinch their two seed in the SEC Tournament to join the Volunteers with atop the league in next week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville. Kentucky’s offense has put up 90 or more points in their last four games, winning each game by scoring 117 against Alabama, 91 against Mississippi State, 111 against Arkansas, and 93 against Vanderbilt. John Calipari’s team starts out every game with guard DJ Wagner (10.6 points and 3.3 assists a game), combo guard Antonio Reeves (20 points and 4.1 rebounds a game), combo guard Justin Edwards (8.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game), combo guard Adou Thiero (8 points and 5.1 rebounds a game), and forward Ugonna Onyenso (3.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks a game). The Wildcats bring two terrific players off the bench in guards Rob Dillingham (14.8 points and 3.8 assists per game) and Reed Sheppard (12.4 points, 4.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game). In addition, forwards Tre Mitchell (11.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game) and Zvonimir Ivisic (6.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game) help power the offense and give consistent defense, too. Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht (20.6 points and 5 rebounds per game) should win the SEC Player of the Year this year with his terrific offensive performances and underrated defensive game. Forward Jonas Aidoo (12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game) and guard Zakai Ziegler (11.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.7 steals per game) have been great supporting pieces for Knecht with the help of veterans Santiago Vescovi (7.2 points and 3.8 rebounds a game) and Josiah-Jordan James (8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals a game). This is a huge game in the SEC with Alabama losing on Tuesday night to Florida, giving Kentucky a chance to move up the top four in the league with a win. Tennessee can put an exclamation point on their SEC regular season title with a win over the Wildcats. Projected Score: Tennessee 88, Kentucky 84

11.Baylor (22-8) @ Texas Tech (21-9)
6 PM ET, ESPN2
Positioning in the Big 12 tournament next week is at the forefront in Lubbock for this end of regular season match up between the Bears and the Red Raiders. Outside of losing to Houston and BYU back to back, Baylor has an impressive resumé of wins over Kansas, Iowa State, and this Texas Tech team over the last month. Texas Tech (10-7) has been up and down since losing to the Bears in Waco, but are just a game back of Baylor (11-6) in conference play. The Red Raiders lost to UCF in Orlando, lost to Texas at home, defeated Texas Tech in Morgantown, and beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater before hosting the Bears for senior day tonight. The offense of guard Pop Isaacs (16 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game) and guard Joe Toussaint (12.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals a game) for Texas Tech will be vastly important in this game as they face Scott Drew’s balanced offense that includes guard Ja’Kobe Walter (14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game), guard RayJ Dennis (13.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game), center Yves Missi (11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game), forward Jalen Bridges (12 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals a game), and guard Langston Love (11.1 points per game), who is expected to return from an injury sooner than later. A win for Grant McCasland’s team would vastly help their seed in the NCAA Tournament. Projected Score: Baylor 79, Texas Tech 72

7.North Carolina (24-6) @ 9.Duke (24-6)
6:30 PM ET, ESPN
North Carolina and Duke meet for the second time this season to determine who will be the number one seed at next week’s ACC Tournament in Washington DC. Both teams are in play for two seeds as March Madness nears. The Tar Heels (16-3 conference record) clinched at least a share of the ACC title after their dominant win over Notre Dame on Tuesday. They could only clinch a share because Duke (15-4 conference record) beat NC State on Monday. If the Blue Devils even the season series with the Tar Heels on Saturday evening, it will depend on results outside of the Research Triangle that will determine who will be the top seed in the ACC. North Carolina beat Duke in Chapel Hill, 93-84, a month ago because of the play of forwards Armando Bacot (25 points and 10 rebounds) and Harrison Ingram (21 points and 13 rebounds) in their high scoring win. Likely ACC player of the year RJ Davis only scored 17 points in that game so they will need more from him on the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham to secure the entire ACC regular season championship. The Blue Devils have lost just once (8-1 record) since they played the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. They are playing their best basketball of the season because of the five players that average over 10 points a game for them; Kyle Filipowski (16.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1 steal), Jeremy Roach (14.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals), Jared McCain (13.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals), and Mark Mitchell (12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds). North Carolina must show their top of the ACC defense against this terrific offensive team for Duke. Projected Score: Duke 87, North Carolina 86

March 10
Wisconsin (19-11) @ 3.Purdue (27-3)
12:30 PM ET, FOX
Wisconsin was ranked number 6 in the AP poll when they welcomed Purdue to the Kohl Center the first time a month ago. Including that loss, the Badgers have lost six of their last nine games. They did beat Rutgers at home on Thursday on senior night but the challenge that awaits them on Sunday afternoon is one they have not had since they faced Purdue in February. They need consistent scoring from guard AJ Storr (16.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game), forward Tyler Wahl (11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds a game), and forward Steven Crowl (11.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game) to win this game. For Purdue, it is up to reigning national player of the year Zach Edey (24.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks a game), guard Braden Smith (13.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals a game), guard Lance Jones (12.4 points and 1.7 steals per game), and guard Fletcher Loyer (10.5 points per game) to put an exclamation point on their Big Ten regular season title entering the conference tournament in Minneapolis next week. A win for the Badgers keeps them in play for a top four seed in the NCAA Tournament in just under two weeks. Projected Score: Purdue 83, Wisconsin 75

Image Courtesy: San Diego-Union Tribune

*Because WordPress recently glitched, this preview will only include a short preview and a projected final score for each game.*

March 2
24.Florida (20-8) @ 18.South Carolina (23-5)
12 PM ET, ESPN/SECN
Florida outscores South Carolina in a shoot out in Columbia.
Projected Score: Florida 84, South Carolina 80

7.Kansas (21-7) @ 15.Baylor (20-8)
1 PM ET, ABC
Baylor avenges their loss to Kansas from two weeks ago.
Projected Score: Baylor 76, Kansas 75

5.Marquette (22-6) @ 12.Creighton (20-9)
2:30 PM ET, FOX
Another shootout results in Creighton getting their second win over an AP top 5 team in a week and a half.
Projected Score: Creighton 86, Marquette 84

Virginia (21-7) @ 10.Duke (22-6)
6 PM ET, ESPN
Duke gets through Virginia’s tough defense and beats the Hoos at home.
Projected Score: Duke 62, Virginia 49

4.Tennessee (22-6) @ 14.Alabama (20-8)
8 PM ET, ESPN
In a battle between the two leaders in the SEC, Alabama evens the season series against Tennessee in a very close game.
Projected Score: Alabama 95, Tennessee 92

23.Gonzaga (23-6) @ 17.Saint Mary’s (24-6)
10 PM ET, ESPN
Saint Mary’s sweeps the season series against Gonzaga putting the Bulldogs in a must win situation at the West Coast Conference tournament next week to make the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Score: Saint Mary’s 78, Gonzaga 74

Image Courtesy: San Diego Union-Tribune

The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee will share who their top four seed lines (top 16 seeds) are this afternoon at 12:30 PM ET on CBS just a month away from Selection Sunday. Here is who what I think the top sixteen will look like:

1 Seeds
1.Purdue Boilermakers 23-2 (12-2) Big Ten
2.Connecticut Huskies 23-2 (13-1) Big East
3.Houston Cougars 21-3 (8-3) Big 12
4.Arizona Wildcats 19-5 (10-3) Pac-12

Purdue and UConn are clear and away the top two teams in the country. We will see how the committee ranks them. The Huskies have looked better than the Boilermakers as of late but both teams deserve the top overall seed at this point. Whoever is better over the next month will be the top overall seed in March Madness. Houston has solidified themselves as the third overall seed entering the weekend, just a game back of the two leaders with their overall record of 21-3. A loss to Kansas is the lone set back over the last few games since losing back to back games to Iowa State and TCU on the road. Arizona’s five quad one wins have them clinging onto the overall four seed and the Pac-12 with a showdown coming up on Saturday against instate rival Arizona State.

2 Seeds
5.Marquette Golden Eagles 19-5 (10-3) Big East
6.North Carolina Tar Heels 19-6 (10-3) ACC
7.Tennessee Volunteers 18-6 (8-3) SEC
8.Alabama Crimson Tide 17-7 (9-2) SEC

The two seed line has changed so much over the last two weeks Marquette has ascended with the play of Tyler Kolek getting better and better every game. The Golden Eagles will be tested on Saturday when they face 1.UConn on the road. North Carolina’s head to head win over Tennessee the first annual ACC/SEC Challenge should put them over the Volunteers in this early reveal. That said, North Carolina’s struggles since beating Duke (and even on the Tuesday before when they fell to Georgia Tech) are real. The Tar Heels have lost three of their last five games including the game against the Yellow Jackets, at home to Clemson, and Syracuse on the road just this past Tuesday. North Carolina must bounce back at home on Saturday against Virginia Tech to continue their pursuit of a one seed and an ACC title. Tennessee must sweep the season series against Vanderbilt on Saturday to move up the two line if North Carolina loses. Alabama has quickly risen after falling in nonconference opportunities against Purdue, Arizona, Ohio State, and Creighton by splitting the season series with Auburn and beating South Carolina.

3 Seeds
9.Iowa State Cyclones 19-5 (8-3) Big 12
10.Kansas Jayhawks 19-6 (7-5) Big 12
11.Duke Blue Devils 19-5 (10-3) ACC
12.Baylor Bears 18-6 (7-4) Big 12

Iowa State has consistently been one of the best teams in the Big 12, being tied with Houston atop the league standings. The Cyclones beat Houston and Kansas earlier in conference play so TJ Otzelberger’s team is primed to be on the three line. Behind them are the Jayhawks, who have a complicated resumé up to this point. The Jayhawks have beaten UConn, Houston, and Baylor at home. But, they have lost to Kansas State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Central Florida. That is not the norm for Bill Self’s team. Since Duke’s lost to North Carolina, they have quietly gone undefeated since with wins over Notre Dame, Boston College, and Wake Forest. Those may not be the best wins for their NCAA Tournament resumé but they have gotten themselves just a half game back of North Carolina in the ACC standings. Losses against Arizona, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech earlier in the season are holding them back from moving up the seed list. Duke’s head to head win over Baylor puts them over the Bears on the three line.The Bears have beaten Auburn, Iowa State, BYU, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma have them as the final three seed.

4 Seeds
13.Auburn Tigers 20-5 (9-3) SEC
14.Illinois Fighting Illini 18-6 (9-4) Big Ten
15.Creighton Blue Jays 18-7 (9-5) Big East
16.Dayton Flyers 20-4 (10-2) Atlantic-10

Auburn tying the season series against Alabama last week and their forty point win over South Carolina at home on Wednesday has given them a chance to move back up to the three line with a win over a struggling Kentucky team on Saturday. Illinois is the only team in the Big Ten with a real shot to catch Purdue. The Illini’s only signature win is against Florida Atlantic so they will be hunting for one against the Boilermakers in two and a half weeks on March 5. Creighton (best win is against Providence) and Dayton (best win is against Louisville) cling onto spots fifteen and sixteen with Wisconsin, Clemson, BYU, and South Carolina right behind them with major conference resumés.

Next Up: Wisconsin, Clemson, BYU, South Carolina

So, this afternoon’s bracket reveal should something like this:

Midwest (Detroit)
1.Purdue
2.Marquette
3.Iowa State
4.Dayton

West (Los Angeles)
1.Arizona
2.Alabama
3.Kansas
4.Creighton

East (Boston)
1.Connecticut
2.North Carolina
3.Baylor
4.Auburn

South (Dallas)
1.Houston
2.Tennessee
3.Duke
4.Illinois

Image Courtesy: Spectrum News 13

February 10
TCU (16-6) @ 14.Iowa State (17-5)
2 PM ET, ESPN2
Iowa State had a setback last weekend after their last second shot against Baylor was not counted on the scoreboard. The Cyclones host a good TCU team where they must protect home court to stay in the race to reach the top of the Big 12 standings. They bounced back against Texas in midweek action and will look for a Texas sweep on Saturday afternoon. Milan Momcilovic, who scored 13 points to lead the team in the win over the Longhorns, will look to do the same against the Horned Frogs. The trio of Emanuel Miller (16.4 points), Micah Peavy (11.5 points), and Jameer Nelson Jr. (11 points) pace the offense. It will be up to their defense to stop any long runs by Iowa State to get the home crowd into game. The Cyclones are a win and a Houston loss away from taking the conference lead while the Horned Frogs need some help to move that way with a few wins in a row. Projected Score: Iowa State 77, TCU 74

10.Illinois (17-5) @ Michigan State (14-9)
2 PM ET, CBS
With Wisconsin losing back to back contests, Illinois can challenge Purdue in the Big Ten if they continue to win games ahead of their showdown on the last week of the regular season. A trip to the Breslin Center in East Lansing to face what has been an underachieving Michigan State team will prove how good the Fighting Illini really are. Terrance Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, and Coleman Hawkins must be calm, cool, and collected if they do not want to get upset. A 6-6 Big Ten record hangs over Michigan State’s head as they enter a huge last month of the season. They too play Purdue later in the season, but Tom Izzo’s team must be focused on the present with games to win to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Tyson Walker guard has been as advertised, scoring 19 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. It will be up to the supporting trio of Malik Hall, AJ Hoggard, and Jaden Akins to win a big time conference game and help themselves for the postseason. Projected Score: Illinois 81, Michigan State 79

12.Auburn (19-4) @ Florida (15-7)
3:30 PM ET, SECN
Auburn evened the season series against arch rival Alabama while Florida comes off their midweek bye entering Saturday’s showdown. The two longtime SEC opponents are in the top half of the conference standings as they look to bolster their tournament resumés. The Gators have experienced a bounce back, promising season in Todd Golden’s second season as head coach. The play of guards Walter Clayton Jr. (15.9 points per game) and Zyon Pullin (15.4 points a game) have made Golden’s job so much easier as the season has gone on. It will be up to their defense and the home environment in Gainesville to handle a great Auburn offense. The combination of forwards Johni Broome (15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks a game) and Jaylin Williams (12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game) makes Bruce Pearl’s team hard to defeat even when they play on the road. A win on Saturday would help the tigers keep pace with South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee atop the SEC. Projected Score: Auburn 87, Florida 84

Gonzaga (17-6) @ 17.Kentucky (16-6)
4 PM ET, CBS
A rare mid-February nonconference game is the afternoon headliner on CBS. The showdown between the Bulldogs and Wildcats may not have been the AP top ten match up many thought it might be in the pre-season but it is a battle between two of the top head coaches in the country, Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Kentucky’s John Calipari. Gonzaga faltered in nonconference action, not giving them a strong enough resumé to support their third place showing right now in the West Coast Conference. On the other hand, Kentucky’s offense makes them tough to beat at home. But, their defense has truly held them back, especially in a loss in a top ten battle last weekend against Tennessee. The offensive firepower of wing Antonio Reeves (almost 20 points a game) and guard Rob Dillingham (15.5 points per game) makes that side of the ball look so good. It will be up to the Kentucky frontcourt, led by Tre Mitchell (12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game) and Aaron Bradshaw (6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds a game) to handle the tremendous trio of Graham Ike (15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds a game), Anton Watson (14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game), and Braden Huff (10.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game). The point guard match up of veteran Creighton transfer Ryan Nembhard (12.5 points and 5.8 assists a game) for the Zags and freshman standout DJ Wagner (12 points and 3.7 assists per game) will make this must watch TV. A must win game for Gonzaga if they want to get back up the seed lines. A win for Kentucky helps them get into a tough week of SEC action against Ole Miss and Auburn. Projected Score: Kentucky 96, Gonzaga 88

13.Baylor (17-5) @ 4.Kansas (18-5)
6 PM ET, ESPN
The game of the day in college basketball nationally comes as Kansas must protect home court for the second consecutive Saturday against an AP top fifteen ranked opponent, this time against Baylor. The Jayhawks come off of a disappointing loss to instate rival Kansas State and must beat the Bears to avoid falling to 6-5 in Big 12 play. The Bears are on a three game winning streak (UCF, 12.Iowa State, 23.Texas Tech) following a three game losing streak in conference play. When Houston lost to Kansas in their first appearance in Lawrence as a Big 12 member, they learned they could not rely on just a few top scorers. With the Jayhawks coming off a loss, they will be hungry to win this game. So, freshman Ja’Kobe Wolter (14.2 points a game) and senior RayJ Dennis (13.8 points and 6.4 assists per game) must be huge and get help from their teammates Langston Love, Jalen Bridges, and Yves Missi in this matchup. A win for Baylor, who is 6-3 in the Big 12, could put them at first in the conference with a win. Kansas got production from freshman Johnny Furphy in last Saturday’s win over the Cougars and will need this again to support their best four players, Kevin McCullar (19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game), Hunter Dickinson (18.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game), KJ Adams Jr. (12.7 points and 4.6 rebounds a game), and Dajuan Harris (7.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game). A huge game in the best conference in the country Projected Score: Kansas 85, Baylor 81

6.Tennessee (17-5) @ Texas A&M (14-8)
8 PM ET, ESPN
A win for Tennessee in College Station over Texas A&M on Saturday would put them in contention for a one seed (currently 7-2 in the SEC). A loss means moving themselves a full game back from first place in the SEC. A win for the Aggies moves them up to be in position to put themselves in third place in the league (currently 5-4 in the SEC). Dalton Knecht (20.2 points a game) and Jonas Aidoo (11.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game) must continue to give them production if they want to leave Aggieland with a win. Wade Taylor, who scores almost 20 points a game like Knecht, will be impossible to defend as well. If Taylor’s counterparts, Tyrece Radford (14.3 points and 5.5 rebounds a game) and Henry Coleman (10.3 points and 7 rebounds per game) support him offensively, the tough Tennessee defense will be challenged on the road. A huge SEC Saturday night showdown will determine if the Aggies can get back in the tournament chase as February rolls on. Projected Score: Tennessee 84, Texas A&M 80