Post by 01- PirateDave on Feb 27, 2015 14:51:16 GMT -6
Previewing the top 10 college basketball games this weekend
Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports 12:40 p.m. EST February 27, 2015
(Photo: Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports) Georgetown In Action This weekend
The best college basketball matchups this weekend. All times Eastern.
No. 7 Arizona at No. 12 Utah (Pac-12) | Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPN
About the Wildcats (25-3, 13-2): Arizona continues to stay atop the Pac-12 standings and in the mix to notch a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But slip-ups — such as road losses to Arizona State (Feb. 7) and Oregon State (Jan. 11) mean there's little margin for error. This is a well-rounded offense, with six players averaging close to nine points a game. Senior T.J. McConnell (9.9 ppg, 6.0 apg) continues to assert himself as one of the best point guards in the country, creating for his teammates and scoring when needed. The Wildcats manage well on the boards, behind Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Kaleb Tarczewski, ranking eighth nationally in rebounding margin (8.5).
NCAA tournament bracketology: Projecting the field of 68
About the Utes (22-5, 12-3): Utah was in the thick of the Pac-12 race before a Feb. 22 loss at Oregon. Player of the year candidate Delon Wright is the backbone of this team, but sometimes teammates are too dependent on his playmaking. Utah's defense — ranking 13th nationally in field goal percentage defense (38%) — usually makes up for a stale offense as it did in a 47-37 win against Oregon State (Feb. 19).
Star watch: Arizona forward Stanley Johnson (14.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and forward Brandon Ashley (11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg). Utah guard Wright (14.1 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.7 rpg) and guard Brandon Taylor (10.8 ppg, 3.6 apg).
The pick: Utah. In the last matchup, Arizona played one of its best games — shooting 49% against Utah's hard-nosed defense and out-rebounding the Utes 40-19. The Wildcats also limited Wright to 10 points. If Utah can rebound better and contain Arizona on its home court, it stands a chance of making things interesting in this Pac-12 race.
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Arkansas Razorbacks guard Michael Qualls (24) and forward Bobby Portis (10) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. (Photo: Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 16 Arkansas at No. 1 Kentucky (SEC) | Saturday, 4 p.m., CBS
About the Razorbacks (23-5, 12-3): Arkansas has established itself as the No. 2 team in the SEC, with a small separation from a large pack of teams on the NCAA tournament bubble. On offense the Razorbacks rank eighth nationally in scoring (79.5 ppg) and fourth in assists (17.1). Defense is another story, where the Razorbacks rank 264th, allowing 69.5 points a game. Sophomore Bobby Portis, an athletic 6-11 forward, is one of the best players in the SEC.
About the Wildcats (28-0, 15-0): Kentucky is beating SEC opponents by an average of 17.3 points a game and despite a few scares — narrow wins against Ole Miss (Jan. 6), Texas A&M (Jan. 10) and LSU (Feb. 10), the Wildcats in great position to finish the regular season undefeated. The dominance starts on the defensive end, where Kentucky ranks second nationally (allowing 52.7 ppg), which is a product of a strong frontcourt that ranks second nationally in blocks (7.0).
Star watch: Arkansas forward Portis (17.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Arkansas guard Michael Qualls (15.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg). Kentucky guard Aaron Harrison (11.2 ppg) and guard Devin Booker (11.1 ppg).
The pick: Kentucky. If any team in the SEC is going to beat the Wildcats, it has to be Arkansas. But Kentucky most likely will have to play poorly. John Calipari continues to find ways motivate his team in the midst of major hype toward an undefeated season. And as long as Kentucky stays on its A-game (or B-game), this should be another win.
Northern Iowa Panthers guard Deon Mitchell (1) goes to the basket against Wichita State Shockers guard Tekele Cotton (32) and forward Darius Carter (12) during the first half at McLeod Center. (Photo: Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 10 Northern Iowa at No. 11 Wichita State (Missouri Valley) | Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN
USA TODAY
Bubble Tracker: NCAA bubble teams' ugliest résumé blemishes
About the Panthers (27-2, 16-1): Northern Iowa has been playing like a top-10 team all season but its mid-major tag has kept it away from the spotlight. Of all that teams that run the offense through a big man, Northern Iowa might be the best at it. Seth Tuttle generates open looks for the rest of this balanced, veteran team. The Panthers also are among the nation's best defensive teams, ranking fourth in points allowed (53.9 ppg).
About the Shockers (26-3, 16-1): Wichita State isn't getting the same hype it did last season — when it went through the regular season without a loss — but the Shockers have only three losses and have the weaponry to stage a deep March run. Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet team up to make one of the nation's best backcourts. Both players have had their share of strong games recently (Baker had 18 points and 15 rebounds, while VanVleet had 22 points and eight assists in a Feb. 22 win against Evansville). Gregg Marshall has created a great defensive team once again — the Shockers rank ninth nationally, allowing 55.7 points a game.
Star watch: Northern Iowa forward Tuttle (15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.2 apg), guard Wes Washpun (8.2 ppg). Wichita State guard Baker (15.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and guard VanVleet (12.0 ppg, 5.3 apg).
The pick: Wichita State. In the last meeting, Northern Iowa ended the Shockers' 30-game Missouri Valley winning streak. Tuttle had 29 points in that one and Washpun added 16. It could take a similar offensive effort against a hungry Wichita State team playing on its home court this time. Regardless of what league these two teams play in, both have Elite Eight potential.
Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) drives to the basket between Syracuse Orange forwards Rakeem Christmas (25) and forward Tyler Roberson (21) during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 80-72. (Photo: Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports)
Syracuse at No. 5 Duke (ACC) | Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN2
About the Orange (18-10, 9-6): The concern was that Syracuse wouldn't have anything to play for because of a self-imposed postseason ban. But the Orange have proved otherwise, beating Louisville on Feb. 18 and Notre Dame on the road (Feb. 24) — showing signs of fight. With its signature 2-3 zone, Syracuse protects the paint — ranking 22nd in blocks per game (5.2) and 18th in steals per game (8.2). Streaky off-guard Trevor Cooney needs to shoot well for this team to win. He went scoreless in 32 minutes in Syracuse's Feb. 21 loss to Pittsburgh.
About the Blue Devils (25-3, 12-3): Duke is positioned for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, but a scare against Virginia Tech (Feb. 25) highlighted ongoing defensive woes. With Tyus Jones playing alongside veteran Quinn Cook, Duke has one of the best backcourts in the nation. Duke's offense keeps flourishing — ranking fourth nationally in scoring offense (81.0 ppg) and third in field goal percentage (50.2%), and Jahlil Okafor continues his player of the year candidacy, finishing with 30 points against Virginia Tech.
Star watch: Syracuse forward Rakeem Christmas (18.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and guard Trevor Cooney (13.5 ppg). Duke center Jahlil Okafor (18.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg) and Cook (15.9 ppg).
The pick: Duke. In the first meeting, ex-Blue Devil Michael Gbinije had 27 points and five three-pointers to keep it close, while main catalyst Rakeem Christmas struggled (5-of-17 from the floor) against Okafor. If Christmas can play better and the Orange can shoot the ball well, they'll have a chance. But Syracuse's 2-3 zone won't exactly rattle a hot-shooting Duke team.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Shaka Smart (R) talks to Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) during the first half against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 78-72. (Photo: Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports)
Dayton at No. 24 Virginia Commonwealth (Atlantic 10) | Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN2
About the Flyers (21-6, 11-4):Archie Miller has piloted a depleted, undersized roster that lost big men Jalen Robinson and Devon Scott early in the season to suspensions. Jordan Sibert and Dyshawn Pierre, two of the big catalysts in last season's memorable run to the Elite Eight, combine for close to 30 points a game. Due to lack of size, this isn't the best team on the glass (ranking 220th nationally in rebounding margin). But the Flyers play great defense, ranking 51st in scoring defense (61.0 ppg).
About the Rams (21-7, 11-4): Virginia Commonwealth's double-overtime loss to Richmond (Feb. 25) set up a four-way tie atop the A-10 standings. This VCU team has been playing its normal havoc-wreaking defense and frustrating opponents, ranking fourth nationally with 10.0 steals per game. But there have been losses to bottom-tier teams La Salle and St. Bonaventure that will likely hurt NCAA tournament seeding. Treveon Graham and Melvin Johnson have been leading this team offensively, with the loss of Briante Weber for the season drastically changing the team's identity.
Star watch: Dayton guard Sibert (16.4 ppg) and forward Pierre (13.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg). VCU guard Graham (16.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and Johnson (12.6 ppg).
The pick: VCU. This game will not only be pivotal for the A-10 regular-season title, but will be telling for both teams' Big Dance fate.
Off the bench
6. Oregon at Stanford | Sunday, 7 p.m., Fox Sports 1
7. Texas at No. 9 Kansas | Saturday, 5 p.m., ESPN
8. No. 19 West Virginia at No. 20 Baylor | Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPNU
9. BYU at No. 2 Gonzaga | Saturday, 10 p.m., ESPN2
10. No. 21 SMU at Connecticut | Sunday, 2 p.m., CBS
Not on TV, but worth following
— Ole Miss at LSU | Saturday, 2 p.m.
— Purdue at Ohio State | Sunday, 7:30 p.m.
Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports 12:40 p.m. EST February 27, 2015
(Photo: Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports) Georgetown In Action This weekend
The best college basketball matchups this weekend. All times Eastern.
No. 7 Arizona at No. 12 Utah (Pac-12) | Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPN
About the Wildcats (25-3, 13-2): Arizona continues to stay atop the Pac-12 standings and in the mix to notch a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But slip-ups — such as road losses to Arizona State (Feb. 7) and Oregon State (Jan. 11) mean there's little margin for error. This is a well-rounded offense, with six players averaging close to nine points a game. Senior T.J. McConnell (9.9 ppg, 6.0 apg) continues to assert himself as one of the best point guards in the country, creating for his teammates and scoring when needed. The Wildcats manage well on the boards, behind Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Kaleb Tarczewski, ranking eighth nationally in rebounding margin (8.5).
NCAA tournament bracketology: Projecting the field of 68
About the Utes (22-5, 12-3): Utah was in the thick of the Pac-12 race before a Feb. 22 loss at Oregon. Player of the year candidate Delon Wright is the backbone of this team, but sometimes teammates are too dependent on his playmaking. Utah's defense — ranking 13th nationally in field goal percentage defense (38%) — usually makes up for a stale offense as it did in a 47-37 win against Oregon State (Feb. 19).
Star watch: Arizona forward Stanley Johnson (14.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and forward Brandon Ashley (11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg). Utah guard Wright (14.1 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.7 rpg) and guard Brandon Taylor (10.8 ppg, 3.6 apg).
The pick: Utah. In the last matchup, Arizona played one of its best games — shooting 49% against Utah's hard-nosed defense and out-rebounding the Utes 40-19. The Wildcats also limited Wright to 10 points. If Utah can rebound better and contain Arizona on its home court, it stands a chance of making things interesting in this Pac-12 race.
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Arkansas Razorbacks guard Michael Qualls (24) and forward Bobby Portis (10) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. (Photo: Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 16 Arkansas at No. 1 Kentucky (SEC) | Saturday, 4 p.m., CBS
About the Razorbacks (23-5, 12-3): Arkansas has established itself as the No. 2 team in the SEC, with a small separation from a large pack of teams on the NCAA tournament bubble. On offense the Razorbacks rank eighth nationally in scoring (79.5 ppg) and fourth in assists (17.1). Defense is another story, where the Razorbacks rank 264th, allowing 69.5 points a game. Sophomore Bobby Portis, an athletic 6-11 forward, is one of the best players in the SEC.
About the Wildcats (28-0, 15-0): Kentucky is beating SEC opponents by an average of 17.3 points a game and despite a few scares — narrow wins against Ole Miss (Jan. 6), Texas A&M (Jan. 10) and LSU (Feb. 10), the Wildcats in great position to finish the regular season undefeated. The dominance starts on the defensive end, where Kentucky ranks second nationally (allowing 52.7 ppg), which is a product of a strong frontcourt that ranks second nationally in blocks (7.0).
Star watch: Arkansas forward Portis (17.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Arkansas guard Michael Qualls (15.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg). Kentucky guard Aaron Harrison (11.2 ppg) and guard Devin Booker (11.1 ppg).
The pick: Kentucky. If any team in the SEC is going to beat the Wildcats, it has to be Arkansas. But Kentucky most likely will have to play poorly. John Calipari continues to find ways motivate his team in the midst of major hype toward an undefeated season. And as long as Kentucky stays on its A-game (or B-game), this should be another win.
Northern Iowa Panthers guard Deon Mitchell (1) goes to the basket against Wichita State Shockers guard Tekele Cotton (32) and forward Darius Carter (12) during the first half at McLeod Center. (Photo: Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports)No. 10 Northern Iowa at No. 11 Wichita State (Missouri Valley) | Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN
USA TODAY
Bubble Tracker: NCAA bubble teams' ugliest résumé blemishes
About the Panthers (27-2, 16-1): Northern Iowa has been playing like a top-10 team all season but its mid-major tag has kept it away from the spotlight. Of all that teams that run the offense through a big man, Northern Iowa might be the best at it. Seth Tuttle generates open looks for the rest of this balanced, veteran team. The Panthers also are among the nation's best defensive teams, ranking fourth in points allowed (53.9 ppg).
About the Shockers (26-3, 16-1): Wichita State isn't getting the same hype it did last season — when it went through the regular season without a loss — but the Shockers have only three losses and have the weaponry to stage a deep March run. Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet team up to make one of the nation's best backcourts. Both players have had their share of strong games recently (Baker had 18 points and 15 rebounds, while VanVleet had 22 points and eight assists in a Feb. 22 win against Evansville). Gregg Marshall has created a great defensive team once again — the Shockers rank ninth nationally, allowing 55.7 points a game.
Star watch: Northern Iowa forward Tuttle (15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.2 apg), guard Wes Washpun (8.2 ppg). Wichita State guard Baker (15.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and guard VanVleet (12.0 ppg, 5.3 apg).
The pick: Wichita State. In the last meeting, Northern Iowa ended the Shockers' 30-game Missouri Valley winning streak. Tuttle had 29 points in that one and Washpun added 16. It could take a similar offensive effort against a hungry Wichita State team playing on its home court this time. Regardless of what league these two teams play in, both have Elite Eight potential.
Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) drives to the basket between Syracuse Orange forwards Rakeem Christmas (25) and forward Tyler Roberson (21) during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 80-72. (Photo: Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports)
Syracuse at No. 5 Duke (ACC) | Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN2
About the Orange (18-10, 9-6): The concern was that Syracuse wouldn't have anything to play for because of a self-imposed postseason ban. But the Orange have proved otherwise, beating Louisville on Feb. 18 and Notre Dame on the road (Feb. 24) — showing signs of fight. With its signature 2-3 zone, Syracuse protects the paint — ranking 22nd in blocks per game (5.2) and 18th in steals per game (8.2). Streaky off-guard Trevor Cooney needs to shoot well for this team to win. He went scoreless in 32 minutes in Syracuse's Feb. 21 loss to Pittsburgh.
About the Blue Devils (25-3, 12-3): Duke is positioned for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, but a scare against Virginia Tech (Feb. 25) highlighted ongoing defensive woes. With Tyus Jones playing alongside veteran Quinn Cook, Duke has one of the best backcourts in the nation. Duke's offense keeps flourishing — ranking fourth nationally in scoring offense (81.0 ppg) and third in field goal percentage (50.2%), and Jahlil Okafor continues his player of the year candidacy, finishing with 30 points against Virginia Tech.
Star watch: Syracuse forward Rakeem Christmas (18.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and guard Trevor Cooney (13.5 ppg). Duke center Jahlil Okafor (18.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg) and Cook (15.9 ppg).
The pick: Duke. In the first meeting, ex-Blue Devil Michael Gbinije had 27 points and five three-pointers to keep it close, while main catalyst Rakeem Christmas struggled (5-of-17 from the floor) against Okafor. If Christmas can play better and the Orange can shoot the ball well, they'll have a chance. But Syracuse's 2-3 zone won't exactly rattle a hot-shooting Duke team.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Shaka Smart (R) talks to Rams guard JeQuan Lewis (1) during the first half against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 78-72. (Photo: Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports)
Dayton at No. 24 Virginia Commonwealth (Atlantic 10) | Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN2
About the Flyers (21-6, 11-4):Archie Miller has piloted a depleted, undersized roster that lost big men Jalen Robinson and Devon Scott early in the season to suspensions. Jordan Sibert and Dyshawn Pierre, two of the big catalysts in last season's memorable run to the Elite Eight, combine for close to 30 points a game. Due to lack of size, this isn't the best team on the glass (ranking 220th nationally in rebounding margin). But the Flyers play great defense, ranking 51st in scoring defense (61.0 ppg).
About the Rams (21-7, 11-4): Virginia Commonwealth's double-overtime loss to Richmond (Feb. 25) set up a four-way tie atop the A-10 standings. This VCU team has been playing its normal havoc-wreaking defense and frustrating opponents, ranking fourth nationally with 10.0 steals per game. But there have been losses to bottom-tier teams La Salle and St. Bonaventure that will likely hurt NCAA tournament seeding. Treveon Graham and Melvin Johnson have been leading this team offensively, with the loss of Briante Weber for the season drastically changing the team's identity.
Star watch: Dayton guard Sibert (16.4 ppg) and forward Pierre (13.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg). VCU guard Graham (16.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and Johnson (12.6 ppg).
The pick: VCU. This game will not only be pivotal for the A-10 regular-season title, but will be telling for both teams' Big Dance fate.
Off the bench
6. Oregon at Stanford | Sunday, 7 p.m., Fox Sports 1
7. Texas at No. 9 Kansas | Saturday, 5 p.m., ESPN
8. No. 19 West Virginia at No. 20 Baylor | Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPNU
9. BYU at No. 2 Gonzaga | Saturday, 10 p.m., ESPN2
10. No. 21 SMU at Connecticut | Sunday, 2 p.m., CBS
Not on TV, but worth following
— Ole Miss at LSU | Saturday, 2 p.m.
— Purdue at Ohio State | Sunday, 7:30 p.m.
good luck to all!