Missouri, Kansas State, and Georgetown have it all to do in conference play on Saturday. Al Dannity looks at a crucial day in College Basketball action.
Wildcats and Tigers face tough road tests Kansas State’s disastrous start to conference play finally came to a halt with a 69-61 win over fellow strugglers Baylor. The road to an at-large bid only gets harder however when the Wildcats face #6 Kansas on the road. The Jayhawks recovered from defeat to Texas with a road win at Colorado on Tuesday night. While I may shy away from Kansas in March, now is the time to buy Jayhawk stock. Bet on a home win.
The other big game in the Big 12 sees #13 Missouri travel to #8 Texas. The Longhorns are 5-0 in conference play but face a tough test from the Tigers. Missouri recorded blowout wins over Kansas State and Iowa State in their last two outings. At 3-2 in Big 12 play, the Tigers would like a couple more wins over marquee conference foes. I don’t like their chances this weekend. Bet on Texas to dominate on the boards, yet again, and remain perfect in the Big 12.
Hoyas have it all to do Georgetown haven’t beaten a currently ranked opponent since November 30 and currently sit at 4-4 in Big East play. That puts an unusual amount of pressure on the #20 Hoyas to perform well at #7 Villanova. The Wildcats were stunned at Providence on Tuesday but possess the talent to bounce back. I like Villanova to maintain their perfect home record.
Elsewhere in the Big East, #10 Syracuse should finally stop the slide this Saturday. Having lost three straight, I like the Orange to get back on track at Marquette. The other big game in conference play sees #19 Louisville travel to #5 UConn. The Huskies have won six straight and I like them to make it seven in a row on Saturday.
Jimmer enters the Pit BYU’s sensational Jimmer Fredette takes his show on the road when the #9 Cougars take on the New Mexico Lobos. Far from slowing down away from Provo, College Basketball betting fans know that Jimmer has saved most of his explosive scoring outbursts for road games. That’s bad news for the Lobos, currently sitting at 2-4 in Mountain West play. As it stands their at-large resume isn’t too hot but I don’t see things improving this weekend. Look for another Jimmer scoring frenzy to lead BYU to a big road victory.
Checking in with the Gentlemen Finally we come to our now weekly look at the worst team in College Basketball. The Centenary Gentleman are 0-22, having lost 27 straight, and face Summit League leaders Oakland on the road tomorrow. Only a miracle can stop them from hitting 0-23 but there is hope next week with winnable games against North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
