Big Games This Week

Wednesday
Winthrop @ South Carolina
No one should have been the least been surprised at Winthrop’s near takedown of Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. It would be purely utopian to suggest that this win would boost Winthrop’s potential at-large candidacy because once Big South play kicks off, the Eagles current RPI will plummet faster than you can utter “There’s a Charleston Southern?”

Thursday
Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Wisconsin
Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you the battle of the Tuckers! Whatever you do, however, don’t expect this contest to be exciting. Each team is coming off of wins in the fifties, and that should stay true.

Missouri St. @ Arkansas
This is the test of the week for a mid-major team as the Bears take their undefeated record into Fayetteville. Last week, they got a nice win over a good Oral Roberts team. The Razorbacks have not lost since Maui, but this will be their toughest test since then. The Bears have five players averaging double-figures, including guard Blake Ahearn, who is averaging more than 21 a night. Arkansas runs through Ronnie Brewer, but 6-10 C Darian Townes will be a key factor against a smaller Bears lineup.

Saturday
UCLA @ Michigan
Big man Courtney Sims has been a pleasant surprise for Tommy Amaker, who has felt his seat become a little less warm with a 7-0 start. Sims is currently the leading scorer and rebounder on the team, and is shooting over 68 percent(!). Meanwhile, UCLA should win this contest because of the play of Arron Affalo and Jordan Farmar, who were excellent in the much needed statement win over Nevada on Saturday.

Louisville @ Kentucky
Will Kentucky fail to show up for a third consecutive Saturday on national TV? I wouldn’t bet against Louisville.

Arizona @ Utah
The Wildcats could use a quality non-conference win badly. However, with their play being so erratic and usually bad, a smart Utah team could wipe the floor with them. Or the ‘Cats might blow the Utes out by actually showing their potential for a game.

Ohio St. @ Iowa St.
A good sign for the Buckeyes is that five guys are currently in double figures, and neither of the top two are named Terence Dials. However, the Buckeyes’ leading glass cleaner is off-guard JJ Sullinger. Iowa State also has three 6-10 or over players who have been getting significant minutes. If those players can clean the glass against a small Ohio State team, Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock will look like cyclones all day long.


Virginia Tech vs. Stanford @ Las Vegas
Stanford needs a win so bad right now it hurts.



I am currently putting together the first of many bracket projections to be first shown on this site.