College Basketball: BYU Take on Aztecs and a SEC Showdown

Jimmer takes his talents to San Diego for a crucial Mountain West match-up while Florida and Kentucky meet in a game that should have a big say in how these SEC rivals are seeded in the Big Dance.

San Diego State will get Jimmered again
Saturday sees #6 San Diego State host #7 BYU in a game that will give the winner a huge advantage in the battle for a favorable location in March Madness. The Aztecs and Cougars could both get #2 seeds but whichever is considered the higher seed on that line will go to their preferred region in the NCAA Tournament. It may sound complex but put simply, the winner of this game should find themselves a lot closer to home in the Big Dance. The Aztecs were well and truly Jimmered when they visited Provo earlier in the season. Home court should make this a closer battle but it’s hard to see San Diego State having an answer for the Cougars on the boards. If they lose that battle then they will need to over-power BYU with offense. I don’t see any team doing that when Jimmer Fredette is on the court.

Wildcats will roll at home
It’s not been a year for vintage road performances from #22 Kentucky. The Wildcats have saved their best performances for their home fans and I expect a big one on Saturday. Kentucky play host to #13 Florida in a match-up that could have implications for the NCAA Tournament prospects of both teams. The Wildcats currently look like a #6 seed in danger of dropping to a #7 or #8 seed with a few more defeats.

A win at home tomorrow would move Kentucky into the discussion for a #5 or even a #4 seed, making their road to the second weekend of the tournament a lot sweeter. The Gators know a #3 seed is within reach and a big road win will only aid their resume. Unfortunately for UF they are coming up against a Kentucky team which has been perfect on its home court in SEC play. Having pushed Florida close in their previous meeting, I like Kentucky to finish the job this time.

The wait is finally over
Bart Scott has a message to all the non-believers out there who thought the Centenary Gentlemen would finish the year without a win. Regular readers of Sports Interaction’s College Basketball betting coverage will be aware that I’ve adopted the cause of the Gentlemen in recent weeks. Centenary were riding a 33 game losing streak entering last night’s match-up with the Western Illinois Leathernecks. No doubt the Gentleman got a pre-game speech with all the bluster of Rex Ryan because they flat-out stomped Western Illinois. A double-double from Maxx Nakwaasah led the Centenary Gentlemen to a 73-60 victory. It may be their only win of the year but it’s one these young men will never forget. I’ll leave the final word for Kevin Garnett.