Since college football and National Football League is done, we have been making picks for college basketball. Let's have some fun with it and see what happens. I should probably record my record, but I will say this is the hardest sport to pick without question.FIRST TIER
10. Michigan at 17. Iowa 1:00 pm ESPN - One of the big narrative right now in college basketball is 'Iowa cannot beat good teams.' There is no evidence against it honestly. They have come close to a sweep against Ohio State, road win against Wisconsin, Michigan State at home, but they have not finished. Two games featured the Hawkeyes going on epic cold streaks to finish the game. That cannot happen against Michigan, a team that burned them late in the game in their first meeting. Wolverines bounced back from their first B1G loss with a 29 point drubbing of Nebraska earlier this week. I believe in you Iowa, and I think Aaron White comes off his cold streak to have a big game. IOWA 78-73
9. Michigan State at Wisconsin (Played on Sunday) 12:00 pm CBS - As I mentioned in my Wisconsin-Illinois recap, the notion of 'Bo owns Izzo' is deader than a strip club at 3:00 pm on a Wednesday. Michigan State has won the last five games against Wisconsin. Badgers could be catching Sparty at the wrong time with Adreian Payne returning from injury. Payne poises a huge problem for Wisconsin. Wisconsin will need another big effort from Sam Dekker, and Traevon Jackson will need to play within himself if Keith Appling plays or not. I cannot fathom Wisconsin losing four straight at home. They find a way to squeak this one out. Maybe a clutch Ben Brust three at the end. UW 70-68
23. Gonzaga at 24. Memphis 8:00 pm ESPN - These two teams do this made-for-ESPN February non-conference game. It is good exposure for both teams especially Gonzaga. West Coast Conference is not really what it used to be, and everyone forgets about the Zags when talking about teams out west. Bulldogs have battled all sorts of injuries all season, but they are at full strength heading into this one. Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. would be ill-advised to get into an up-and-down game with this team. Memphis blew out Rutgers and has won five of their last six games. I expect a strong Joe Jackson performance along with Austin Nichols contributing a big game giving the home team a much-needed resume builder. MEMP 73-67
SECOND TIER
4. Wichita State at Northern Iowa 8:00 pm ESPN2 - If Wichita State gets past Northern Iowa, they might be on an undefeated path. CBS Eye on College Basketball podcast pointed out the Shockers will be double-digit favorites the rest of the season after this one. Northern Iowa has not been good this season with going 5-6 in Missouri Valley play including losing four of its last five. Although I expect they will treat this one like their Super Bowl, but I cannot bet against the Shockers. They have shown too much toughness down the stretch in big games to lose this one against an inferior team in a tough road environment. WSU 78-72
15. Texas at Kansas State 12:30 pm ESPN3 - These two played a classic last time around with Texas' Johnathan Holmes hitting a game-winning buzzer-beater about a month ago. Kansas State has fallen on hard times losing their last three of four, but all of those games on the road. Wildcats have yet to lose at home in the Big 12. Thomas Gipson had a big game the last time these two played, and I believe he will be a factor again in this one. Kansas State is a different team at home, and that will show through again as Texas is due for a game where they look a little pedestrian. KSTATE 75-61
7. Cincinnati at SMU 6:30 pm ESPNU - Two of the bigger surprises so far this season especially Cincinnati. Bearcats gained another tough win on Thursday against UConn with tough defense and clutch free throws setting up their showdown with the Mustangs. SMU could use this win for their resume, but the Ponies are hot winning seven of their last eight with a fanbase believing in this team meaning Cincinnati will be heading to a hornet's nest. Good thing for the Bearcats, Sean Kilpatrick has found his stroke again. He struggled against SMU the first time around, but I doubt it happens again. The senior has 25+ points in three of his last five games. I expect a big effort from him, and Cincy stays unbeaten. CIN 62-56
THIRD TIER
Baylor at 21. Oklahoma 6:00 pm ESPN2 - After beating Oklahoma State, Oklahoma dropped their last two games falling to Iowa State and West Virginia both on the road. They head home to take on Baylor, a team in desperation of a win. Bears were able to score one against Oklahoma State last week, and they will need to do it again Saturday. Baylor suffered a two-point loss to these Sooners in January where they let Buddy Hield go off in the second half with 19 points. Kenny Cherry is still bothered by an ankle injury, and that makes me less confident in Baylor's chances in this one. Boomer Sooner in another double-digit loss for Baylor. OKLA 78-66
Seton Hall at 6. Villanova (Played Friday) 6:00 pm FOX Sports 1 - Seton Hall scored a big road win against Xavier last Saturday and look to break their alternate win/loss streak which is currently at six. Pirates are 4-5 in conference and more healthy than they were against Villanova the first time they played this season. With how well the Pirates took care of Xavier from three, Wildcats might need an alternative way to score points. I cannot pick against Nova at home, but I do think it will be a close on in Philly. NOVA 73-68
13. St. Louis at LaSalle 4:00 pm ESPN2 - On paper, this looks like it might have some upset potential. But then you take in consideration, La Salle is one of the worst offenses in the nation plus they have dropped four of the last five. Including with that, they face St. Louis whose one of the best defenses in the nation. Billikens keep rolling on. STL 68-52
Charlie.
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