Rating: 2 Units

Lon Kruger returns to his old stomping grounds in Manhattan, where he was a star PG over four decades ago for Jack Hartman and once coached the Mitch Richmond-led Cats into the Elite Eight back in ‘88 (where did the time go?). Now he brings his “Jason Kidd meets Steph Curry” star frosh G Trae Young, still leading the nation in scoring AND assists, and top ten Sooners had also covered five of last six into last Saturday at TCU. Note that a lesser, pre-Trae OU covered both vs. K-State last season, including a 30-point romp at Lloyd Noble Center, as Kruger usually gets solid efforts from his charges vs. his alma mater.

Rating: 2 Units

Is this the year? Clemson might finally have a legit chance to end its 0-for-forever slump at Chapel Hill (55 losses in a row and counting!), as this looks like Brad Brownell’s best Tiger version. Older and solid in every area, balanced with five DD scorers, and augmented by inside presence of former Texas A&M transfer 6-9 PF Elijah Thomas, who is now providing needed rim protection, Clemson for once not out-manned as usually the case vs. Roy Williams’ still-evolving collection of young bigs. Until the newcomers become a bit more reliable, sr. PG Joel Berry II carrying an awfully big scoring and leadership role for Heels, especially as Pitt transfer wing Cameron Johnson (career-low 33% beyond arc) not yet providing a consistent spark to offense since return to active duty in late December.

Rating: 2 Units

Akron’s 1st-year HC John Groce having a rough debut in the “Rubber City” with a frosh-laden squad, which had six players transfer when former mentor Keith Dambrot left for Duquesne after LY’s successful 27-9 campaign. Therefore, must “invest” in triple revenger EMU, which should totally dominate the interior with arguably the MAC’s premier inside duo of double-double machine, 6-10 jr. C James Thompson IV (15.8 ppg, 11.7 rpg)& burgeoning 6-9 jr. Elijah Minnie (Robert Morris transfer; 17.5 ppg, 6 rpg), who poured in 25 in his team’s 79-74 home win over rival Central Michigan on Tuesday. Zipless Zips rank a lowly 270th or worse in TO margin (-1.8 pg), FG% defense (45.7%) & foul shooting (66.5%).

Rating: 2 Units

Wisconsin’s drop-off is now officially confirmed after early Big Ten road losses at Rutgers and Nebraska, the sorts of teams the Badgers used to chew up in the Bo Ryan and early Greg Gard eras. Not this year, however, as Gard’s offense still not providing much support for 6-10 F Ethan Happ (17 ppg), who seems to be fighting opponents alone on many nights. Big and physical Purdue a tough matchup for Happ, and will force Wisconsin's other thus-far unreliable scorers to contribute. Badgers won’t keep pace with 85 ppg Boilermakers, who also shoot better than 50% from floor as soph wing Carsen Edwards (17 ppg) now one of four “teens” scorers (13 ppg or more) for Matt Painter, whose team is also a dangerous 42% beyond arc.

Rating: 2 Units

KU is still dangerous and a Final Four threat as usual, but this is a different sort of Bill Self Jayhawk team, with little depth and few big men. KU relying very heavily upon work from perimeter (and its nation’s best 11 triples pg), but that might play right into the hands of WVU and its sr. G combo of Daxter Miles and Jevon Carter (leads Big 12 with nearly four steals pg), who have seen it all the past few years in rugged loop. Mounties flustered Oklahoma’s Trae Young in recent WVU win at Morgantown, and Bob Huggins’ self-described “golf scramble” offense will find somebody to get a good shot on each possession. So far, so good!

Rating: 2 Units

Since Butler in a oh-so-rare three game losing skein, have faith the proud, talented Bulldogs right their ship vs. Providence squad, which has been no ball of fire at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center TY. Note, Friars already suffered home defeats vs. Minnesota & Marquette, while pulling out narrow 1 & 2-point wins over Belmont & Stony Brook. Count on Butler  digging in defensively after allowing an uncharacteristic 86 ppg during the losing skein. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ star 6-1 soph G Kamar Baldwin (15.2 ppg) shoots straighter after nailing only 7 of 19 from the field in his team’s 84-75 setback at high-powered Creighton last Tuesday. Moreover, PC’s top big 6-8 sr. F Rodney Bullock (17 ppg, 6.8 rpg) will have no picnic in the paint area vs. Butler’s industrious 6-8 sr. F Tyler Wideman.

Rating: 2 Units

Since NW playing with the passion and sense of urgency that characterized LY’s Big Dance squad, would recommend the veteran Wildcats, eager to avenge LY’s taut 63-62 loss in Bloomington. IU’s somewhat-vulnerable defense (44.2% FGs; 209th) will be dissected by NW’s multi-talented 6-3 sr. floor general Bryant McIntosh (13.4 ppg; 102 assists), who collected a school-record 16 dimes in his team’s resounding 83-60 home romp over Minnesota in mid-week. Plus, look for the Wildcats’ formidable 6-8 jr. C Derek Pardon (13.4 ppg; 7 rpg; 32 blocks) to fully exploit a shorthanded Hoosier forecourt sorely missing the services of sidelined 6-10 jr. De’Ron Davis (9.6 ppg; 4.3 rpg; 22 blocks; out for year with leg injury)

Rating: 2 Units

Silas Melson just delivered the top scoring game of his career and the senior guard looks to post another strong outing when No. 14 Gonzaga visits San Francisco today in West Coast Conference play. Melson established career highs of 23 points and seven 3-pointers as the Bulldogs steamrolled Portland 103-57 on Thursday. The Bulldogs are rolling through the WCC and have won their first five league games by an average of 35.4 points with four of the victories coming by 30 or more points. San Francisco is coming off a 67-65 road loss to Loyola Marymount, a contest in which the Dons committed 17 turnovers.

Rating: 2 Units

John Calipari knows his Kentucky basketball team remains a work in progress, but entering Saturday’s trip to Vanderbilt the coach also recognizes he is seeing signs of progress. The No. 20 Wildcats showed moxie in rallying from six points down in Tuesday’s 74-73 home victory over Texas A&M, a game in which Calipari played just eight players and relied on PJ Washington’s four points and critical steal in the final 2:28 to hold off the Aggies. While Kentucky has found a way to win three times in conference play -- albeit by a combined total of nine points -- the Commodores could not hold a 10-point lead in the second half to fall 92-84 at home to No. 23 Tennessee on Tuesday. Vanderbilt struggled at the 3-point line (3-of-11 in the second half).

Rating: 2 Units

This intense border rivalry has had several down-to-the-wire games throughout the years. Expect more of the same for this one at Laramie, where recent upgrades by CSU make the Rams an intriguing dog. Larry Eustachy has needed half of the season to figure out the proper  fits to replace his graduated core from LY’s 24-win side, but midweek win at Utah State and other improved recent efforts suggest Eustachy has found the recipe, with jr. G Prentiss Nixon (24 ppg last two) emerging as one of MW’s top scoring threats, while development of 6-11 soph C Nico Carvacho (DD scoring in four of last five) is helping to better space the floor as he now provides a legit post scoring threat. Wyoming beginning to lean awfully heavily upon wings Justin James and Hayden Dalton, as offensive flow almost solely from perimeter in recent games.

Rating: 2 Units

The William & Mary Tribe are 7-0 at home this season, and 5-0 against 7-4 opponents. At home the Tribe are averaging 91.0 scoring, and holding teams to 85.2 points scored on defense. The Towson Tigers are 1-5 while on the road this season, 2-3 against conference opponents, and 10-3 against non-conference opponents. Tribe are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Uints

SMU has lost two games in a row and aims to snap that mini-skid against another scuffling team when it hosts Temple on Wednesday. The Owls have lost five in a row, including their first four games in American Athletic Conference action. SMU's non-conference slate included big victories against Arizona and USC, but the AAC season has gotten off to a disappointing start with two wins followed by a close loss to Tulane and a blowout at the hands of Cincinnati. SMU won last season's two meetings by a combined 30 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Welcome to the big, er, bigger, leagues, Valpo! Regional scouts suggesting that the step up from the Horizon to the Missouri Valley proving a bit much for Valpo, which has continued to struggle in its new environment even after return of top scorer G Tevonn Walker, who missed a few weeks in December with mono. Crusaders not dominating on the glass any longer at this higher level and are now getting routinely overpowered, such as when out-boarded 45-30 in last Wednesday’s loss at Bradley, dropping Valpo to 0-3 SU in new league. Meanwhile, upgraded Drake broke 3-0 in the Valley behind four-year starting G Reed Timmer, now up to a career-high 19.4 ppg.

Rating: 2 Units

High-octane AU (87.3 ppg), which notched an impressive 94-84 upset win at talented Tennessee last Tuesday, is off to its best start since 1999-2000. Hence, must lay around 5 hoops with the defensively-tenacious Tigers (6.6 bpg 5th nationally), benefiting from heralded, fast-blossoming & versatile 6-8 frosh F Chuma Okeke, who collected 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists & 2 steals vs. the Vols. Defensively-inviting, weak boarding Ole Miss (75.6 ppg; 240th in rebound margin) likely to drop its 6th straight as visiting underdog in the reg.-season vs. a balanced AU squad (six players avg. 8 ppt or more), which nails a solid 77.9% from the charity stripe. Double revenge works for Bruce Pearl’s platoon.

Rating: 2 Units

Progressing NU (only one win away from equaling last year’s total victories!) has circled this date following last year’s painful 70-69 OT home loss, when Wisconsin hit a 3-pointer with 0.3 on clock in regulation to send the game to overtime. Better-balanced Huskers have a strong 1-2-3 punch in 6-0 jr. G Glynn Watson Jr. (12.4 ppg; 55 assists) 6-6 jr. G James Palmer Jr. (15.2 ppg) & 6-9 jr. F Isaac Copeland (12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg), who’ll greatly neutralize the Badgers’ premier weapon 6-0 jr. F Ethan Happ. Note, shot-swatting NU (6.3 bpg; 12th) 8-1 SU at friendly Pinnacle Banke Arena, with the only defeat coming in taut 73-72 loss to mighty Kansas in mid-December

Rating: 2 Units

No nights off in the Big 12 this season, partly because of the rise of Chris Beard’s Texas Tech, good enough to go into Kansas on Jan. 2 and beat the Jayhawks. But slowing down Lon Kruger’s go-go OU (96 ppg!) and Steph Curry-like frosh G Trae Young (leading nation in scoring AND assists!) looks a tall order. Young also now getting fellow frosh 6-9 F Barry Manek (scored 20 or more three times in last five game thru Jan. 5; 28 vs. Oklahoma State on Jan. 3) involved on the attack end. Sooners had covered four in a row and were “over” 11-1 into last Saturday vs. West Virginia.

Rating: 2 Units

Florida State looks to finish a stretch of three straight ranked teams to start the ACC season with a winning record when it travels south to take on No. 17 Miami (Fla.) tonight. The Seminoles gave No. 2 Duke all it could handle in a 100-93 road loss to open the league campaign before holding on for an 81-80 victory over 11th-ranked North Carolina at home last Wednesday. The Seminoles will test their productive offense (85.4) against Miami, which is allowing 58.9 points per game and 36.9 percent shooting overall - both in the top five in the nation. The Hurricanes were off to their best start since 2007-08 at 10-0 before dropping two of the last four, including a 64-54 loss at Georgia Tech on Wednesday, and will play their first home game since Dec. 5. Miami needs to take care of the ball better after coughing it up 15 times in a victory over Pittsburgh last Saturday and recording a season-high 18 turnovers against Georgia Tech.

Rating: 2 Units

With Horizon League contender NKU off possible loss at Oakland on Friday, highly recommend laying fair price with the undervalued Norse, which is 9-2 vs. the spread prior to clash with Grizzlies. High-powered, unselfish NK (81.4 ppg; 18.2 apg) should light scoreboard vs. defensively-weak UD (90 ppg; 350th), in the midst of a 9-game losing skein prior to Wright State on Friday. Norse’s bruising 6-7, 250-pound C Drew McDonald (17.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg) should easily collect his 5th double-double vs. poor-boarding Titans, ranked a lowly 302nd in rebounding margin.

Rating: 2 Units

Duke has the engines revved for this Tobacco Road clash vs. a wobbly NC State side that will nonetheless have Coach K’s full attention after Pack’s upset win at Cameron Indoor last season. Pack looking like it is going to be the doormat in a loaded ACC as new HC Kevin Keatts does not have the depth to keep pace with the league’s power teams, as early lopsided losses vs. Clemson and Notre Dame suggest. Blue Devils might not pump the brakes until this one is well under control, as their 95 ppg offense and do-everything 6-11 frosh Marvin Bagley III (22 ppg) gleefully extend the margin vs. bitter local foe

Rating: 2 Units

Board-crashing MW challenger BSU (+9.1 rpg; 12th nationally) has proven its “roadability” with upset victories at Oregon & UNLV in the month of December. With the Broncos’ future NBA draftee 6-7 sr. F Chandler Hutchison (17.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg; 51 assists) continuing to show why he’s a prime candidate for the league’s Player of the Year, have faith surging BSU rises to 10-1 SU last 11 (only loss at powerhouse SMU in mid-December) in Laramie, where it won handily by 15 LY. Defensively-penetrable Wyo (76 ppg; 260th)won’t get many second-chance opportunities, ranked a lowly 284th in rebound margin (-2.7).

Rating: 2 Units

The South Alabama Jaguars are ranked 289 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 41.2% while attempting 54.4 shots per game. The Jaguars shooting percentages include 68.0% for free throw percentage and 35.1% for three point percentage so far this season. On the road, the Jaguars are averaging 64.6 scoring, and holding teams to 73.9 points scored on defense. South Alabama is 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win, and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

A-10 sources alerted early to potential downgrade at Dayton after loss of HC Archie Miller to Indiana and departure of almost all of LY’s key cogs, creating a daunting task for new HC Anthony Grant. Flyers played only .500 ball thru pre-league slate as Grant looks for reliable scoring options beyond returnees G Darrell Davis & F Josh Cunningham (both better than 16 ppg). Bona will never have a better chance to avenge recent series losses vs. better Dayton teams, and Mark Schmidt’s side hasn’t lost SU since high-scoring sr. G Jaylen Adams (18.2 ppg) returned from injury at the start of December.

Rating: 2 Units

UGa is coming off a loss at Kentucky. Hence, a good spot to lay a fair price with the resilient Dawgs, who were 2-0 vs. spread following a pair of setbacks vs. the Wildcats a year ago, by springing upset wins at South Carolina & Alabama! So, must buck defensively vulnerable Ole Miss (76.6 ppg), which won’t get many 2nd-chance opportunities, ranked a lowly 216th in rebound margin. Moreover, ill-prepared Rebels— who’ve only played one game as visitor TY (77-58 blowout loss at Middle Tennessee State in early December), lack a post scorer who can trade blows with UGa’s future NBA draftee, 6-8 sr. F Yante Maten (20.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg), while deep-shooting 6-4 jr. PG William Jackson II (12.1 ppg; 43 of 92 from distance; 45 assists) can hit the J or find the open man with regularity.

Rating: 2 Units

A better-rounded UK team didn’t lose in three meetings vs. a lesser Georgia last season, but still couldn’t cover the number in any of those vs. the Dawgs. Mark Fox now has a veteran roster better suited to perhaps stealing one from John Calipari as U Georgia almost did in OT loss at Lexington last season, with bullish 6-8 sr. PF Yante Maten (20.2 ppg & 9.3 rpg) potentially able to neutralize Cats in paint. Fox also getting nice production from emerging soph G William Jackson (12 ppg, also a most-welcome 44% beyond arc). Note six straight “overs” for UK into Friday’s game vs. the ‘Ville.

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia Southern is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. While South Alabama is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Sure, La Tech seeking to avenge 93-77 loss to MU in LY’s C-USA tourney. But, still not dissuaded from wholeheartedly endorsing frenetic-paced Herd, which nearly upset highly ranked Xavier in 81-77 defeat in the Cintas Center on Dec. 19th. G-oriented Bulldogs ill-equipped to counter-attack in the paint area vs. UM’s ultra productive 6-9 jr. F Ajdin Penava (19 ppg; 9.9 rpg; nation-leading 64 blocks), who’s transformed into a major force on both ends. Additionally, LT will be hard pressed to contain the Herds’ scorching 6-3 jr. G Jon Elmore (24 ppg), who has knack of getting to the foul line, canning a nation-best 107 of 130 FTs TY. Payback doesn’t work.

Rating: 2 Units

The Northern Kentucky Norse are 6-0 at home this season, and 1-0 against 7-5 opponents. At home the Norse are averaging 83.8 scoring, and holding teams to 58.5 points scored on defense. The Illinois-Chicago Flames are 0-6 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents, and 5-8 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Flames are averaging 65.7 scoring, and holding teams to 80.7 points scored on defense.

Rating: 2 Units

With NC State’s starting soph PG Markell Johnson (8.7 ppg; 6.6 apg) suspended on assault charges, must “lay it” with dangerous & profitable Clemson (11-1 SU; 7-2 vs. the spread), looking to make a statement in its ACC home opener. The Tigers’ aggressive, mixing defenses (62.5 ppg; 39.5%) will be perplexing for the Wolfpacks’ true frosh backup PG Braxton Beverly as his backcourt mate 6-3 sr. G Al Freeman (15 ppg) will be constantly hounded by CU’s deep stable of Gs. Moreover, the Tigers’ much-improved 6-8 sr. F Donte Grantham (7.3 ppg LY; 14.8 ppg TY; 38% from the arc) can score in a variety of ways, while skillful scorer/distributor 6-3 jr. Shelton Mitchell (13 ppg; 54 assists) does his thing with impunity

Rating: 2 Units

Undoubtedly, Sun Belt contender UT Arlington’s demanding pre-conference road slate has prepared the Movin’ Mavericks well for the conference trail. So, with UTA’s impressive covers at BYU (upset Cougs 89-84!), Alabama, Northern Iowa & Creigton under its belt, won’t hesitate to lay short price vs. Coastal Carolina still learning how to “finish” close games, enduring its last five losses by a combined 16 points. UTA’s NBA prospect 6-9 sr. F Kevin Hervey (23 ppg) even more effective TY thanks to 7-0 sr. C Johnny Hamilton (Virginia Tech grad transfer; 11 ppg, 8 rpg), who should hurt the shorter Chanticleers in the paint are.

Rating: 2 Units

Wyoming has hit a couple of speed bumps, but remains a “tough out” in Laramie, where Cowboys had won their first 8 SU this term before running into a hot and very underrated Northern Colorado side on Dec. 19. But lengthy Wyo lineup presents a lot of problems for SDSU side that is once again having problems beyond the arc (down to just 30% triples into Gonzaga game last Thursday) for new HC Brian Dutcher as was the case the past couple of years for Dutcher’s mentor Steve Fisher. Cowboys’ 6-7 jr. wing Justin James (16.6 ppg) really heating up, scoring 20 or more in five of last six games.

Rating: 2 Units

Big East sources tell us 9th-ranked Xavier has made a checklist of all revenge games this year, with the Musketeers a perfect 3-0 SU & vs. the line in those highly-anticipated contests so far TY. So, won’t hesitate to lay a handful with the turbo-charged, potent-shooting X-Men (87.8 ppg,52.2% from the field; 4th) still seething from a rare sweep by Marquette a year ago. Without a dependable post game, offensively-oriented Eagles are overly-dependent on the G-tandem of Andrew Rowsey & Markus Howard for point production. Plus, MU will have major issues slowing the Musketeer’s future NBA high-round draftee 6-6 sr. G Trevon Bluiett (20.4 ppg; 38 triples converted at 44%), while much-improved soph distributor Quentin Goodin (7.6 ppg; 6 apg) breaks down the Eagle halfcourt “D” with regularity.

Rating: 2 Units

With lots of alums in Clark County, Nevada usually gets good support for its near-annual pre-league visits to tourneys in the Las Vegas area (as is this one at the Orleans Arena). And local Wolf Pack grads and other backers have been waiting to get a look at Eric Musselman’s latest edition that has only stumbled narrowly away from Reno vs. ranked Big 12 contenders Texas Tech and TCU. SIU not in that category, and moreover the Salukis are not inclined to slow the pace, which invites disaster vs. go-go Nevada side scoring 83 ppg and hitting nearly 50% from floor (and almost 41% beyond arc). Musselman’s most-recent batch of transfers (the Martin twins from NC State, and ex-Purdue wing Kendall Stephens) all scoring in DDs alongside high-energy F Jordan Caroline (18.3 ppg & 10 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Big 12 sources report unbeaten TCU not likely to lose steam once into conference play. Until then, might as well continue to ride the rampant Frogs and their smothering defense, which should completely wreck a W&M side not built to compete at this level and obliterated by 35 at Ohio State on Dec. 9. Jaime Dixon’s well-coordinated offense can also stretch floor effectively with its 42% accuracy beyond arc, not to mention all five Frog starters scoring in DDs. Note how TCU shares the ball (20 assists pg!), with heady soph PG Jaylen Fisher (6.3 apg) providing much of the top-notch service

Rating: 2 Units

With offense-minded ULL off six straight emotionally-engaged games vs. teams from the Bayou State, suggest “laying it” with defensively-sticky Clemson (62.9 ppg; 40.5% from the floor) gunning for its seventh consecutive victory before commencing ACC play on Dec. 30th. The tenacious Tigers limited SEC power South Carolina to 2 of 16 from downtown in their resounding 64-46 home victory on Tuesday. And doubt Ragin’ Cajuns can cool off CU’s hot-shooting 6-3 jr. wing Marcquise Reed (16 ppg; 40% from tripleville), who poured in 25 points vs. defense-hounding Gamecocks.

Rating: 2 Units

Wazzu’s early success at the Wooden Legacy at Fullerton during Thanksgiving week must seem like a dream to those in the Palouse, as the Cougs lost their three subsequent games, not coming close vs. UC Davis, Idaho, and a UTEP team that saw HC Tim Floyd retire a week or so before. Coug becoming a big 3-point crazy in recent slump, hoisting more than 30 triples pg while hitting barely 30% beyond arc. Ernie Kent’s bunch also having troubles on stop end, and figures to have its problems vs. Bruce Weber’s well-balanced K-State with its four DD scorers. Cats can balance the floor with front line scoring force in 6-10 PF Dean Wade, hitting 56% of his FG attempts.

Rating: 2 Units

Fast-moving UT Arlington fully should love a frenetic-paced track meet with go-go Creighton (90.6 ppg) exerting less energy on the stop end, allowing 75.6 ppg. Hence, must give ringing endorsement to the road-proven Mavericks, a highly-profitable 29-12 as a visiting underdog since 2013-14, including 3-0 mark TY, with spread covers at BYU, Alabama & Northern Iowa. Anticipate a redemptive performance from UTA’s star 6-9 sr. F Kevin Hervey, who had an uncharacteristic six TOs in his team’s 85-78 home upset loss in early December to Florida Gulf Coast, projected to win the Atlantic Sun Conference TY. Upset possible, even in Omaha

Rating: 2 Units

A-10 scouts worried that this could get ugly for GMU, whose roster limitations were laid bare last Tuesday by Sun Belt Georgia Southern, which rolled to 23-point win in Fairfax. Match-ups look even worse vs. Penn State, which owns much more size and athleticism than Patriots. Nittany Lions equipped to extend margin with their five DD scorers led by 6-5 soph G Tony Carr (20 ppg), who has emerged as one of Big Ten’s premier weapons, while stifling “D” has helped result in 7-2 “under” mark to date. Nittany Lions also almost guaranteed to be fully focused after overlooking Mason a year ago in shocking 19-point loss (!) at Happy Valley

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona State is off to its best start since 1974-75 and has climbed to its highest ranking since 1981 following a 95-85 win at then-No. 2 Kansas last Sunday. The Sun Devils have scored at least 90 points in seven of their nine games. Arizona State will be the fourth top-25 opponent this season for Vanderbilt, marking the most ranked foes the Commodores have faced in non-conference play since 1988. Vanderbilt is 0-3 in its previous matchups with ranked teams.

Rating: 2 Units

After a couple of early encouraging efforts vs. lesser opposition, New Mexico has looked very much like the rebuilding situation it was supposed to be this season for new HC Paul Weir. Now the assignments becomes more challenging for the Lobos as top scorer sr. G Sam Logwood (15 ppg) has taken a leave of absence from the team. All bad news vs. an Arizona side finally back at full strength with return of soph G Rawle Alkins, who saw 22 minutes of floor time in return game last Saturday vs. Alabama. Meanwhile, ballyhooed 7-1 frosh Deandre Ayton (21 ppg & 12 rpg) more than living up to the hype. This one looks like a complete mismatch at the Pit

Rating: 2 Units

UMass still in an adjustment phase under 1st-year HC Matt McCall (former Chattanooga HC). So, must give full support to seasoned UGa (4 starters back), which has already notched a signature road win in 73-66 upset victory at Marquette in early December. Minutemen’s over-eager 6-11, 300-pound C Rashaan Holloway (disqualified twice already) likely to find himself in early foul trouble vs. the Dawgs’ solid forecourt, featuring NBA prospect 6-8 sr. F Yante Maten (18.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg). Meanwhile, UGa’s deep-shooting 6-4 jr. PG William Jackson II (13 ppg; 32 of 70 from distance; 46%) can stretch out the UMass “D’ with his deadly 3-point marksmanship. Unbalanced UMass overly-dependent on 5-11 soph G Lawane Pipkins (19 ppg), who is the sole Minuteman averaging DD-scoring

Rating: 2 Units

Nice to see these two get together again and renew an old rivalry that really bubbled in the early and mid ’70s when Bob Knight and Digger Phelps were at the height of their respective powers. Current Irish HC Mike Brey will recall his Irish blowing a game vs. Hoosiers here in Indy two years ago and should have troops primed to avoid a repeat, as ND’s “smallball” featuring hard-to-cover 6-6 F Bonzie Colson (19.5 ppg) gives IU fits. Hoosiers have other defensive concerns with Irish hitting 51% from floor, and it’s still adjustment time for new IU HC Archie Miller, whose team has already lost five times and continues to look to replace several departed key cogs such as G James Blackmon, C Thomas Bryant, and & OG Aninoby, all DD scorers. Hoosiers only 32% triples, also well down from LY’s 38%.

Rating: 2 Units

With NW needing every pre-conference win to bolster its Big Dance portfolio, strongly recommend veteran Wildcats, who’ve regained their grittiness following a sluggish start to the 2017 campaign. DePaul will have trouble coping with NW’s balanced attack (four players avg. in DDs), smartly directed by unflappable sr. floor leader Bryant McIntosh (14 ppg, 5.8 apg). Erratic-shooting Blue Demons have difficulty playing catch-up, canning only 6.2 triples pg at 31.2%. Plus, Chris Collins’ Cats will have plenty of crowd support in Chicago land, with loyal NW fans gladly making the short 14-mile drive from Evanston.

Rating: 2 Units

Since quick-reloading, nationally ranked, explosive FSU (87.1 ppg) is a perfect 7-0 vs. the spread TY, must buck depth-shy OSU, now that 1st-year HC Mike Boyton recently dismissed two contributing players, 6-5 jr. wing Davon Dillard & highly-regarded 6-3 frosh G Zack Dawson. Cowboys won’t be afforded many open looks vs. defensively sticky Seminoles, permitting only 37.5% from the field, while collecting more than six bpg (15th). Additionally, FSU’s respected HC Leonard Hamilton thrilled with the dramatic evolvement of late-blooming 6-6 sr. G Brian Angola-Rodas, who has bumped his scoring avg. from 4.6 ppg LY to 12.7 TY

Rating: 2 Units

In Nova’s re-emergence into nation’s elite status, Jay Wright has not forgotten about taking care of business at home...lest any Philly area rivals believe they are making up ground on Cats. Wright has thus made sure that Nova has been at its best vs. local Big Five foes, already walloping Penn by 28 and St. Joe’s by 41 before facing LaSalle on weekend. But Wright has saved some of better recent efforts vs. area foes for Temple, which was ripped by 21 last season and has lost by DD margins the past six vs. Nova, and not closer than 15 points the last six meetings. Emergence of jr. G Phil Booth (16 ppg last four thru Dec. 8) has given Wright a reliable third scoring option beyond jr. Gs Mikal Bridges & Jalen Brunson (combining for better than 36 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

Forward Robert Franks was the lone Cougars player to score in double figures (16 points) against Idaho, and he’s pacing the squad at 19.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Malachi Flynn (16.8 points) is the only player averaging double figures, but he’s totaled 28 points over the last two contests while losing eight turnovers and committing five fouls. Overall, the Cougars are in need of some better starts as they fell behind Idaho 22-6 scarcely five minutes into Wednesday’s game and have trailed by 17 and 19 at the half, respectively, in their last two contests. The Miners dropped six straight after a season-opening win and along the way lost six-year veteran coach Tim Floyd, who abruptly announced his retirement Nov. 27 following a 66-52 defeat to Lamar.

Rating: 2 Units

Marshall continues to show little interest in getting stops away from home, evidenced by its 114-104 setback at rebuilding Colonial rep William & Mary, its last away game on Nov. 29. Hence, eager to lay several hoops with uptempo UT, which drills 10.1 triples pg @ nearly 39%. Rockets’ hard-to-guard 6-7 wing Tre’Shaun Fletcher (18 ppg; team high 35 assists) has quickly found a home after transferring from Colorado, while improved 6-11 soph C Luke Knapke (12 ppg, 6 rpg; 16 blocks) will continue to be a force in the paint area vs. the Herds’ shorter, nondescript forecourt. Payback works for Rockets, who hit only 16 of 29 foul shots in LY’s aggravating 111-105 OT loss in Huntington.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit, which has only managed to defeat talent-thin Div.II programs thus far, is still in a sieve on the stop end, permitting a whopping 92.1 ppg (349th). So, willing to lay a short price with veteran WMU, making the relatively short 140-mile bus ride to the Motor City. Broncos’ explosive, sharp-shooting 6-3 sr. G Thomas Wilder (19.2 ppg; 48% from deep) should go wild, while springy 6-5 sr. G Josh Davis (9 ppg; team high 49 rebounds) gets plenty of put-back opportunities vs. poor-boarding Titans, ranked a wretched 328th in rebound margin (-6.2 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Nevada’s unbeaten start to the season ended painfully on Tuesday at Lubbock when Wolf Pack blew late lead at Texas Tech and lost in OT. That prevented this one from becoming a battle of the unbeatens, as TCU brings 9-0 SU mark into Staples. And though Frogs have some impressive wins in past two weeks, they now face a foe that won’t at all mind playing at the faster pace that Jamie Dixon prefers. Nevada also has the size on perimeter to deal with TCU wings 6-5 Desmond Bane & 6-7 Kenrich Williams, both scoring at 14 ppg. Match-up problem for Frogs will be Pack’s high-energy 6-7 post threat Jordan Caroline (17 ppg), who should be hellbent to atone for season-low 6-point output in bitter midweek loss vs. Red Raiders.

Rating: 2 Units

U of O in a very chippy mood after its long-standing 46-home win streak was snapped in 73-70 setback to surging Boise State last Friday. So, with 6 days to stew over that painful loss, look for determined Ducks to quickly get back on track vs. defensively-soft CSU, allowing 76.4 ppg (257th). Aggressive U of O defense should help fuel transition game vs. mistake-prone Rams, ranked a lowly 303rd in TO margin. Foresee a huge performance from Ducks’ skillful sr. G Elijah Brown (New Mexico transfer; 13 ppg), who hit only 6 of 15 from the field vs. Broncos. Rams likely fall to 0-3 as a visiting underdog after this anticipated double digit loss.

Rating: 2 Units

This is Chris Mullin’s best team at St. John’s, but the Red Storm is still far from a finished product. Its offensive sets are often breaking down into Gs Shamorie Ponds (20.2 ppg, but only 23% triples) and Marcus LoVett (15 ppg) going rogue, with the latter’s status ? due to twisted ankle that has kept him out of last two games. More shine to the undefeated ASU ornament at moment, as go-go Sun Devils (also six straight covers) scoring at 93 ppg clip while shooting better than 53% from floor. Bobby Hurley now has some real front line scoring threats in 6-8 RS frosh OF Romello White (16 ppg & 69% from floor) & 6’10 juco De’Quon Lake (11 ppg and 79% Fgs!) to complement holdover hotshot Gs Tra Holder (22 ppg) & Shannon Evans (19 ppg). 1

Rating: 2 Units

Maybe Mike Brey brings Coley O’Brien and Rocky Bleier along for moral support in East Lansing. But Brey’s “small-ball” working just fine in the early going, as LSU found out in Maui when the Fighting Irish burned the nets at 52% and drubbed the Tigers by 39. ND’s mobile 6-6 sr. PF Bonzie Colson (20.3 ppg in early going) could prove awkward for MSU bigs, especially touted 6-11 frosh Jaren Jackson, jr., who is having a devil of a time staying out of foul trouble (4 or 5 whistles in first three games) in November. Tom Izzo justifiably worried about protecting the glass (Duke 25 offensive caroms in recent Blue Devil win at Chicago) and with sloppiness (Spartans 17 TOs pg first three), not to mention recent twisted ankle suffered by star 6-7 soph wing Miles Bridges.

Rating: 2 Units

Slow start at Wake, as the early departure to NBA of do-everything 6-10 John Collins has changed the Deacon dynamics. Yet to pick up the baton has been expected new go-to guy G Bryant Crawford, who’s taking the most shots of his career while shooting the lowest field goal percentage (34.9) in his three years. Danny Manning’s troops dropped 4 of their first 5, with two losses coming against a pair of teams (Liberty & Drake) ranked outside the top 150 on KenPom.com, (Liberty, Drake). Manning must stop this slide soon as Wake was playing its way out of the NCAA tournament pool before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, new HC Brad Underwood already working some of his magic with the Fighting Illini, 4-0 out of the chute with handy wins over capable DePaul & Marshall, while tallying 88 ppg with five DD scorers led by emerging 6-7 jr. F Leron Black (15.5 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

Big East challenger, high-powered & deadly gunning Xavier (94.5 ppg; 56.8% FGs) has been pining for rematch ever since stinging 76-61 setback in Waco last year, when defensively-stingy Musketeers (63.5 ppg) uncharacteristically suffered a nearly nine-minute drought without a FG. Therefore, have no qualms at all laying short price vs. BU bunch on the road for the first time facing loaded, veteran X-Men, spearheaded by future NBA draftee 6-6 sr. G Trevon Bluiett (25 ppg & 55% from arc; 6.8 rpg). Watch for a crowd pleasing, redemptive performance from Bluieitt’s complementary back court mate 6-5 sr. J.P. Macura, who hit a career-worst 2 of 16 from the field vs. the Bears. Payback is sweet at the Cintas Center.

Rating: 2 Units

In a match-up we might see again in March, A&M seeking revenge for late blown lead last November at College Station. And while Ags have done absolutely nothing wrong while surging into the national rankings after their 4-0 break from the gate, match-ups are a bit tricky vs. SC, which has the size and mobility along the front line with NBA bound 6-10 Bennie Boatwright & 6-11 Chimezie Metu to cause uncommon angst for A&M 6-10 bigs Robert Williams & Tyler Davis, who usually aren’t looking at their opponents at eye level. Trojans in midst of making a fortress out of home Galen Center and have already shown they can come out of the crucible with a W, as recent rally from 10 down to win in OT at Vandy suggests.

Rating: 2 Units

If semi-rebuilding UC Irvine was unable to slow down Arizona State in 99-78 setback in Tempe last Sunday, doubt the Anteaters will impede a loaded, fast-paced UCLA quintet, buoyed by come-from-behind 72-70 upset win over Big Ten juggernaut Wisconsin in Kansas City on Tuesday. Bruins, who had five DD-scorers vs. Badgers, showing more toughness on the stop end, allowing a meager 5 of 22 from the arc vs Wisconsin. UCI will have no holiday defending UCLA’s dynamic 6-1 jr. G Aaron Holiday (17 ppg, nearly 6 apg),while highly-touted 6-3 G Jaylen Hands (12 ppg; 54% from 3-point line) displaying a deadly shooting eye.

Rating: 2 Units

With Georgetown players quickly adapting to well-liked 1st-year HC Patrick Ewing (former Hoya A-A served as a 14-year NBA assistant), strongly recommend athletic, quick-jelling Hoyas, who should dominate glass vs. weak-boarding UR (-10.5 rpg; 330th). G’Town’s formidable 6-10, 270-pound jr. C Jessie Govan (21 ppg, 14.3 rpg) is clearly the premier “big” in this tilt. And good-shooting Hoyas (51% FGs, featuring marksman 6-7 jr. F Marcus Derrickson (14.3 ppg; 45% from arc), finds plenty of open looks vs. Spiders’ slow-rotating zone defense, permitting 51% from the field (ranked 333rd).

Rating: 2 Units

Undefeated RU really digging in on the stop end, allowing a nation-low 47.2 points per game (32.3% FGs;4th)!. And with the Scarlet Knights’ star 6-2 jr. G Corey Sanders (13 ppg) positively responding to HC Steve Pikiell’s criticism of his poor practice habits, eager to lay single digits vs. erratic-shooting ECU, nailing a rim-clanging 28.8% (285th) from downtown. Be sure, Pikiell will demand a razor-sharp effort vs. Pirates with high profile clash at home vs. Florida State next up on Tuesday. Plus, opportunistic RU taking good care of ball, ranking a lofty 22nd in TO margin (+6.6 pg). Pirates No. 1 weapon G B.J. Tyson (17 ppg) is constantly hounded by deeeep Knight backcourt

Rating: 2 Units

With RI’s terrific but injury-prone 6-5 sr. G E.C. Matthews sidelined with a wrist injury, don’t mind laying a handful of points with veteran Seton Hall, which is the only Div. 1 team with three 1,000-pt. scorers—6-4 sr. G Khadeem Carrington, 6-6 sr. F Desi Rodriquez & 6-10 sr. C Angel Delgado, who’ll be a major headache for the Rams’ rebuilding front line that graduated the highly-effective duo of 6-7 F Hassan Martin & 6-9 F Kuran Iverson. Plus, Pirates’ slimmed-down 6-2 soph G Myles Powell now more adept at driving the lane after settling too often for the 3-pointer a year ago.

Rating: 2 Units

Big Ten sources keeping an eye on potentially-upgraded Penn State side with almost everyone back from last season and off to quick 3-0 break from gate in new term. Solid outside-inside combo of potent 6-5 G Tony Carr (20 ppg) & 6-7 F Lamar Stevens (15 ppg) intact from last season. That’s much more than can be said for Pitt, already with losses to Navy and Montana, as Kevin Stallings tries to pick up the pieces from a massively disappointing debut season and with a nation-tying 11 newcomers as a result of 4 seniors graduating & 5 players transferring out.

Rating: 2 Units

After opening-night rout of local big West entry CS Fullerton, SC might have been guilty of reading too many of its glowing press clippings as it couldn’t put away Summit rep North Dakota State until the final minutes three night later. That close shave vs. the Bison should make it easier for Andy Enfield to get his squad’s attention for this trip into SEC country vs. Bryce Drew’s Vandy side that is suddenly asking a lot of questions after losing to crosstown Belmont last Monday. The Commodores are not hitting their triples (only 27% in first two), and Drew is scrambling to departed 7-footer Luke Kornet, who did a bit of everything for Vandy the past couple of years. Kornet’s defense could have also come in handy vs. Trojans’ NBA bound front liners Bennie Boatwright & Chimezie Metu, scoring 37 points per game between them in early going.

Rating: 2 Units

Sources report that shrewd Nevada HC Eric Musselman has made a seamless transition after the departures of the top scorers from last years loop winner and Big Dance qualifier. Musselman’s latest batch of transfers are already making a huge impact, specifically ex-NC State twins and 6-7 wings Cody and Caleb Martin, tallying almost 35 points per game between them as the Pack (90 points per game) is off to a winging 3-0 SU and spread start. Meanwhile, Iowa State transfer G Hallice Cooke keeping defenses loose while canning a cool 70% beyond arc in early going, and opponents (including A-10 heavyweight Rhode Island) having big problems coping with Nevada’s non-stop 6-7 PF Jordan Carolina (averaging 21 & 10 the first week). Asking a bit much of Damon Stoudemire’s completely-rebuilt UOP to stay within earshot, especially noting how fellow WCC member Santa Clara was buried at home by 30 at midweek by the rampaging Pack

Rating: 2 Units

Northwestern mentor Chris Collins was highly displeased with his team’s poor defensive effort in 92-88 home loss to Creighton on Wednesday. So, with the Wildcats surely digging in on the stop end, willing to lay single digits vs. LaSalle squad in its toughest test to date. NW’s star 6-7 jr. F Vic Law, who poured in 30 points. vs. Blue Jays, should have another field day vs. the Explorers’ still-shaky interior defense, while marvelous 6-3 sr. G Bryant McIntosh controls the flow from the perimeter. Resilient Wildcats 7-1 vs. spread last 8 following a SU loss

Rating: 4 Units

I am not convinced the Tar Heels are quite as good as their 2016 edition, which also made it to the final game and was tied with Villanova in the final second before a Kris Jenkins 3-pointer won it for the Wildcats. That UNC edition had an athletic big in 6-9 Brice Johnson and a nervy bomber in Marcus Paige who was not afraid to step up and take the big shot. Still, the 2017 version has proven remarkably resilient, already pulling three nailbiters out of the fire in the Dance. And there is always a chance that an unsuspecting hero (such as capable sr. G Nate Britt, who sank a couple of key shots on Saturday vs. Oregon) steps forward for the Heels. But, aside from Meeks and Jackson, UNC was a combined 8 for 42 from the floor in the semis and did not appear entirely comfortable with their shots, probably bothered by the depth perception adjustments in the football stadium. Though I don’t expect Berry and Hicks to shoot a combined 3 for 26 from the floor as on Saturday, I am not sure Williams can count on much scoring from them, either. And let’s not forget that the Gonzaga defense has allowed foes to hit only 36.5% from the floor the entire season, tied with UCF (thanks largely to its 7-6 C Tacko Fall) for the top mark in the nation. Previously-hot South Carolina could only connect on 37.9% of its shots on Saturday. The fundamentally-sound Bulldog defense is adept at staying “in front” of opposing dribblers, which should come in very handy vs. the Heels, who as a result are unlikely to be able to crash the glass as usual. A season’s worth of exemplary performance is not a mirage. This Gonzaga edition has beaten all comers (except a late-season home letdown vs. explosive BYU), with most of the big wins away from Spokane. With depth, balance, size, and more athleticism on the perimeter than past editions, the Zags also appear built to beat the Tar Heels, who will likely fall just short for the second straight year.

Rating: 4 Units

The normal North Carolina size edge, which Williams has exploited all season for a nation’s-best +13 rebound margin, and resultant dominance on the offensive glass, might come harder this weekend for the Heels. That’s because, against the Ducks, Williams is likely reluctant to go with his normal bigs of 6-10 Kennedy Meeks and 6-9 Isaiah Hicks at the same time, as the defensive match ups caused by Oregon’s lineup figure to force Roy’s hand. That’s because Williams could get away with committing Hicks or Meeks to Oregon’s mobile 6-9 pivot Jordan Bell, but neither would be a good fit against the Ducks’ 6-7 wing Dillon Brooks, their most likely other defensive assignment. Expect, then, to see Williams use a lot more of F Luke Maye, which might not be an altogether bad thing after Maye excelled (16.5 ppg) in last weekend’s regionals at Memphis, including hitting the game-winning jump shot in the last second vs. Kentucky. But Maye’s presence will likely be at the expense of either Meeks or Hicks (and also perhaps of 6-10 frosh Tony Bradley, who has played key minutes for UNC in the Dance), which would correspondingly limit some of the trademark dominance the Heels have displayed on the boards all season...especially on the offensive glass. There is also going to be plenty of pressure on Heel PG Joel Berry to hit some outside shots (especially with 6-8 wing Justin Jackson misfiring repeatedly beyond the arc last weekend, when he hit just 3 of 13 triples in Memphis) and to limit his TOs, both of which have been recurring issues in the Dance.

Rating: 4 Units

While South Carolina's joyride might be coming to an end vs. tall, deep, and experienced Gonzaga, the point spread of 6½ seems enticing enough to shade the dog. The Zags have four DD scorers, with their top seven players logging 17 or more minutes per game. Rotating seven-footers Przemek Karnowski (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Zach Collins (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg) represent inside size rarely encountered TY by USC. But Gonzaga really only pulled away from upstart Xavier in the Elite Eight when the Zags finally started hitting their treys (12 of 24 vs. the Musketeers), and Chris Mack’s Big East overachievers ran out of gas. Hitting from distance is hard to do vs. the in-your-face (but rarely fouling) Gamecock defense, as USC’s foes have found out. Opposing coaches have been praising the Cocks for how well they “close out.” One of the more impressive occurrences in the tourney has been the development and confidence shown by the South Carolina attack, which suffered through some erratic stretches in the regular season.

Rating: 2 Units

The No. 7 team in the Big 12 meets the No. 11 team in the ACC for the 2017 NIT title! Edges appear small in a game that figures to feature improving 6-11 TCU C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) vs. 6-10 Ga. Tech C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Brodziansky is more likely to step outside and face the basket, trying to draw out the postoriented Lammers. GT could perhaps gain an advantage with versatile 6-5 frosh Josh Okogie, who hits 75% of his FTs as part of his 16.1 ppg (prior to the semis). Meanwhile, Horned Frog contributors G Alex Robinson (11.4 ppg) and F Kenrich Williams (10.9 ppg) can be liabilities at the FT line (63% and 57%, respectively) in the late going. So TCU could end up being quite dependent upon 6-5 freshman Desmond Bane (5 of 11 triples first three rounds) and 6-6 sr. Brandon Parrish (7 of 15 treys) to connect from downtown under title-game pressure.

Rating: 2 Units

Truth be told, I was wishing these two didn’t draw one another in the semifinal, such is my respect for each. Especially the host Peacocks, who provided several point spread wins down the stretch thanks to their stingy defense, ranking sixth nationally in scoring allowance (just 61.1 ppg). But Saint Peter’s is often challenged offensively, usually forced to dump the ball on the blocks to rugged 6-8, 251-lb. PF Quadir Welton (top scorer at only 12 ppg) when needing a bucket, with the attack threatening to bog down completely if 6-2 George Washington transfer G Nick Griffin (43% triples) can’t find his stroke beyond the arc. Battle-tested Furman, whose 14-4 SU mark tied for first in the combative SoCon, has more offensive options, including the premier scorer in this matchup, 6-2 jr. G Devin Sibley (17.6 ppg; 52.4% FGs over the past 14 games), who gives the Paladins an edge when these teams need to find a go to scorer in the late going.

Rating: 2 Units

Like the Chants, the Cowboys were unblemished vs. the spread in the earlier rounds of the CBI at home, winning and covering vs. Eastern Washington, UMKC, and dangerous Utah Valley at the Arena-Auditorium, where Wyo has now won and covered 6 of its last 7 stretching back to Mountain West regular season action. The Cowboys have to be somewhat encouraged by their 81 points in Game One without much help from their high scorer, slithery 6-7 wing Justin James (16 ppg), normally a 47% FG shooter (46% treys), who was only 5-for-17 from the floor (just 1 of 7 triples) at Conway. At some point in this series, the Cowboys’ lengthy perimeter (including 6-7 James, 6-8 Hayden Dalton, and 6-5 Jason McManamen) figures to cause matchup problems for the smaller Coastal back court. Worst yet, the Chants are expected to be shorthanded, as sr. G Shivaughn Wiggins (10.3 ppg) missed Game One of the Finals with a knee problem, while spindly 6-5 sr. Colton Ray-St. Cyr (14 points; 4 of 5 treys in the opener) is done for the tourney with a knee injury of his own. Expect the Cowboy comeback to begin tonight in Laramie as Wyo evens the series.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU has made a dramatic turnaround under first-year HC and alum Jamie Dixon, who led Pittsburgh to the Big Dance in 11 of his 13 seasons in the Steel City. Horned Frogs’ 6-11 Slovakian C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) has developed into one of the top big men in the Big 12, while 6-1 jr. Alex Robinson (Texas A&M transfer) and 6-7 jr. F Kenrich Williams (he had the school’s first triple-double vs. Richmond!) provide steady scoring support. Additionally, 6-5 frosh G Desmon Bane (6.8 ppg) has been blossoming in the NIT, generating 13 points off the bench in each of the victories over Iowa & the Spiders. By the same token, UCF’s first-year mentor Johnny Dawkins has done a marvelous job in his debut in Orlando, leading the hard-nosed Knights to 24 victories after they won a total of only 37 games over the previous three campaigns. As the Stanford head honcho, Dawkins—who has gotten the Knights (with only seven scholarship players due to injuries/defections) to quickly buy into his philosophy of toughness and discipline—led the Cardinal to two NIT championships (2013 & 2015). I feel this should be a pick ’em game in the Big Apple, so I am suggesting “taking” with defensively-stifling, strong-boarding and surging UCF (allowing 67.2 ppg; a nation-leading 36.2% FGs; +8.8 rebounding margin, 6th nationally), which is 9-1 in its last 10 outings.

Rating: 2 Units

First, some recognition is due to Bakersfield, this year’s regular-season champion of the WAC and last year’s winner of the WAC tourney. Three times a national champ at the Division II level in the 90s, the Roadrunners (as a 15-point dog) hung tough in earning a cover in last year’s NCAA tourney, falling 82-68 vs. eventual Final Four team Oklahoma in CSUB’s first try in the Big Dance. And the Roadrunners have been undaunted in winning three straight as a visitor (at Cal, Colorado State, UTArlington) to reach the Garden. Something good is happening with the team put together by Rod Barnes, a former HC at Ole Miss and Georgia State. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech found itself on the outside looking in when this year’s NCAA teams were called on Selection Sunday, watching all nine teams ahead of the Yellow Jackets in the ACC standings get the call to the Big Dance. While CSUB has been traveling for the entire NIT tournament, higher-seeded Tech was gifted with a pair of home games (Indiana, Belmont) before winning at Ole Miss in the quarterfinals to reach New York. The Yellow Jackets are only 3-11 in all games away from home this season despite the emergence of 6-5 blue-chipper Josh Okogie (16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) to go with well-seasoned, NBA bound 6-10 jr. C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

In this clash pitting two high-octane attacks, I have more faith that defensively-superior Kentucky (42.4% FGs allowed; 5.3 bpg) will come up with more critical stops in crunch time than offense-minded UNC, which allowed a different SEC foe, Arkansas, to find plenty of open looks until clamping down in the final 3 minutes in the Round of 32. The Wildcats’ budding 6-10 frosh C “Bam” Adebayo & battle-tested 6-9 sr. F Derek Willis can hold their own in the paint area with UNC’s more celebrated frontliners. So, look for UK to notch its 15th straight victory in Memphis, where mastermind John Calipari served as the Memphis head honcho for nine years before taking over in Lexington in 2009. When these two teams met in Las Vegas back on Dec. 17, the Cats’ Malik Monk had 47 and UK won. Monk has slowed a bit, but the Wildcats are much improved overall.

Rating: 2 Units

This is the rubber match between these SEC rivals, who split a pair of games this season, with the home side winning each. While SC was noted for its snarling defense for much of the season, its games have become faster-paced as the campaign has progressed, which did not help SC much in its 81-66 loss at Gainesville on Feb. 21. Which proved Florida can shift gears as needed, especially when soph G KeVaughn Allen (13.4 ppg, but 26 in that 15-point win) has located his shooting radar. Speaking of radar, the Gators didn’t even register on it from 3-point land in the first meeting at Columbia back on Jan 18, missing all 17 (!) triple attempts, but still losing by only 4. With the Gators maintaining their defensive intensity into late March, they have a Final Four look about them.

Rating: 2 Units

The key matchup in this Elite Eight battle will likely be Oregon HC Dana Altman sticking his 6-7 ace Dillon Brooks on Bill Self’s versatile 6-8 frosh phenom Josh Jackson; Brooks gives the Ducks the sort of unique component to neutralize Jackson that most Kansas foes have not owned. Depth issues could arise for the Jayhawks in a short turnaround vs. a high-quality foe. And the KU defense will be stretched against the various inside and outside Oregon weaponry, which has continued to operate at a high level even minus key 6-10 F Chris Boucher.

Rating: 2 Unit

Xavier comes into his one after  stuffing Arizona following minor upsets of Maryland and Florida State to get to this West final vs. Gonzaga. The “Muskies” have stayed hot, and just might very well give the Bulldogs a run for their money in the fight to reach the Final Four. Basketball fans were well aware that the X-Men “knew how to play” before their late-season slump brought about by the loss of PG Edmond Sumner followed a little later by the ankle injury that bothered 6-6 wing Trevon Bluiett.  Please note that under Mark Few, with all of his tourney teams the last 17 years, the Zags have never made it to the Final Four. Xavier has just enough quickness outside and bangers inside to give Gonzaga a battle.

Rating: 4 Units

 Wisconsin is aiming for its third Final Four berth in the last four seasons. The Badgers became the only team in the nation to advance to four straight Sweet 16s when they upset No. 1 overall seed Villanova in the Round of 32 last weekend thanks to continued terrific play from Bronson Koenig. The Badgers have two key seniors with multiple Final Four experience in Koenig, who has drained 11 3-pointers en route to 45 points through two games of this event, and Nigel Hayes, who is averaging 17.5 points and nine boards through two NCAA contests. Ethan Happ, who notched at least 10 points and eight rebounds in five straight games, is another cause for concern for the Gators. 

Rating: 3 Units

This marks the fourth time in 14 seasons under Scott Drew that the Bears made it to the Sweet 16 and they've advanced to the Elite Eight twice with wins over Saint Mary's in 2010 and Xavier in 2012 while losing to No. 2 seed Wisconsin in 2014. Motley, a 6-10 junior forward who has played himself into NBA lottery consideration, leads the team in scoring (17.3) and led the Big 12 in rebounding (9.9), and had 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the Bears' 82-78 second-round victory over USC. Junior point guard Manu Lecomte (12.3) is the only other player averaging in double figures but 7-0 junior forward Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who averages 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, and junior guard Al Freeman, who had 21 points in the team's 91-73 first-round victory over New Mexico State, have also been impact performers. Baylor is 9-1 against SEC teams since the 2012-13 season, including two wins over South Carolina.

Rating: 2 Units

Have the utmost respect for talent-rich UNC and likeable, 14-year mentor Roy Williams, who’s making his 18th trip to the Sweet 16, dating back to his time at Kansas. But it is somewhat troubling that the board-crashing, unselfish Tar Heels (who lead the nation in rebounding margin; 2nd in apg)—spearheaded up front by 6-10 sr. C Kennedy Meeks and versatile 6-8 jr. Justin Jackson—nearly blew a DD lead in their harrowing 72-65 victory over Arkansas in the second round, needing a 12-0 run over the final 3 minutes to knock off the Razorbacks. While we expect UNC’s key G Joel Berry II (ankle injury; 3 of 21 from the field in the Dance) to be more effective with extra time to heal, still recommend grabbing 7½ pts. (line at TGS presstime) with tough-minded Butler, back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. There will be no “intimidation factor” vs. the undaunted, smartly-coached Bulldogs, who defeated loaded, Sweet 16 team Arizona in the Las Vegas Invitational in late November, as well as prevailing twice vs. LY’s national champ Villanova, plus another Sweet 16 squad (Xavier) in the reg.-season, before losing to the Musketeers in the Big East tourney.  Moreover, UNC won’t easily unleash its devastating transition game vs. methodical, tempo-controlling, mistake-minimizing Butler, owning a solid 3.2 TO margin (21st nationally). Don’t see the bruising Tar Heels, who thrive on the offensive glass, getting a plethora of second-chance opportunities vs. the Bulldogs’ industrious inside duo of 6-8 jr. F Tyler Wideman & 6-7 jr. F Andrew Chrabascz, who’ve faced a string of high-quality bigs in the Big East. In addition, the Butler attack has displayed more punch after savvy 3rd-year HC Chris Holtmann decided to bring top scorer 6-7 jr. Kelan Martin (16.1 ppg) and Kamar Baldwin (10.1 ppg) off the bench.  Fundamentally, look for 6-3 jr. Bulldog defensive stopper G Kethan Savage, who stifled Middle Tennessee star G Giddy Potts (0 for 8 from the field) in the Round of 32, to be a virtual savage vs. UNC’s go-to G Joel Berry II. And envision an inspired effort from the Bulldogs’ integral 6-2 sr. G Avery Woodson, who played two years at Memphis before transferring to Indianapolis. The resolute, deep Bulldogs are 6-1-1 their last 8 as an underdog, and they have endured only one DD loss all season. 

Rating: 3 Units

The Musketeers struggled initially after point guard Edmond Sumner tore an ACL on Jan. 30, but junior guard Trevon Bluiett sparked the team’s postseason surge by averaging 25 points on 51.7 percent shooting in the NCAA Tournament. After knocking off two higher seeds in the first two rounds, Xavier aims for another upset in today’s Sweet 16 as the 11th-seeded Musketeers face No. 2 Arizona in an NCAA Tournament West Region matchup in San Jose, Calif. Xavier is back in the regional semifinals for the second time in three years following victories over Maryland and Florida State.

Rating: 2 Units

For those who were thinking the Big Ten might not have a team escape the sub-regionals (and count me among the doubters), Purdue is one of three league reps still alive into the Sweet 16. In the Boilermakers’ case, erasing the bad taste left over from last year’s stunning first-round exit, courtesy of Little Rock. More recently, there’s also some redemption for the Boilers’ early exit at the Big Ten Tourney, which might have temporarily gotten the masses off Purdue’s scent last week in Milwaukee, where the Riveters eased past Vermont and then outscored one of the nation’s hottest teams (Iowa State) to survive and advance. But the ride likely ends today at the Sprint Center, where Kansas will have a near-home court edge. Though the KC venue did not help the Jayhawks in the recent Big 12 Tourney, when they were KO’d in their first game by upset minded TCU. Bill Self’s bunch, however, had a legit excuse vs. the Horned Frogs, as 6-8 star frosh Josh Jackson (16.6 ppg) was out due to suspension. Jackson was back in action at the sub-regionals in Tulsa, looking as good as ever, especially when scoring 23 in KU’s 90-70 second-round romp past capable Michigan State.

Rating: 4 Units

Top-seeded Gonzaga looks for its third trip to the Elite Eight when it faces pressure-based West Virginia in today's NCAA Tournament West Region Sweet 16 contest at San Jose, Calif. Ball-handling will be of utmost importance for the Bulldogs when they face the fourth-seeded Mountaineers, who are the national leaders in turnovers forced at 20.1 per game. West Virginia's relentless approach is known as "Press Virginia" and the squad said it feels overlooked despite the school reaching the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in 10 seasons under coach Bob Huggins

Rating: 4 Units

Tyler Dorsey continued his recent tear as he poured in 27 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.4 seconds remaining, in the comeback win against Rhode Island. Brooks scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds to become the Ducks' all-time leader in NCAA Tournament scoring with 123 points as he passed Joseph Young (105) and Elgin Cook (117). Jordan Bell secured a game-high 12 rebounds as the Ducks erased an 11-point deficit in the second half and matched a program record for most wins in a season.

Rating: 4 Units

None of the current UCLA players likely remember when the Bruins knocked off the top-seeded Bearcats in double-overtime to reach the Sweet Sixteen in 2002, but the Bruins probably learned a lot about it during their off day. Like that day when Dan Gadzuric dominated the middle, Jason Kapono was sharp from outside and freshman point guard Cedric Bozeman ran the offense smoothly and efficiently, UCLA will need 6-10 freshman T.J. Leaf to be the best post player on both teams, Bryce Alford to shoot a high percentage from outside and Ball to distribute the ball well. A player the Bearcats may have trouble matching against is 7-foot forward Thomas Welch, who should find room to implement his dangerous mid-range game.

Rating: 4 Units

The Gamecocks were somewhat of an afterthought after losing five of their last seven leading up to the event, but they used a dominant second half to rout Marquette 93-73 on Friday for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1973. They also figure to have something of a home-court advantage playing at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, although the Blue Devils say they relish the thought of a hostile environment.Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has made an NCAA-record 23 trips to the Sweet 16 as a coach. The Blue Devils rank third in 3-point defense, holding opponents to 29.2 percent

Rating: 3 Units

Trojans have been the feel-good story of the tournament so far, coming back from 17 down to defeat Providence, 75-71, in a First Four game on Wednesday night and then rallying from a 12-point second half deficit to edge sixth-seeded SMU, 66-65, on Friday afternoon. It was the 13th time that USC had a double-digit comeback win this season, the most such victories in Division I. USC's 26 wins are a school record, surpassing the previous mark of 25 set in 2007.

Rating: 3 Units

Oregon dominated the paint against the smaller Gaels but faces a tougher test against Rhode Island, which led from start to finish in Friday’s 84-72 upset of No. 6 seed Creighton.  Freshman guard Jeff Dowtin scored a career-high 23 points against Creighton and senior forward Kuran Iverson added 17 as the Rams recorded their ninth straight victory and first in the NCAA Tournament since 1998. Forward Hassan Martin registered a double-double and helped limit Creighton big man Justin Patton to eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. Junior guard E.C. Matthews averages 14.9 points to lead the Rams, who finished tied for third in the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season but earned an automatic bid after winning three games in three days in Pittsburgh.

Rating: 3 Units

North Carolina has unfinished business in the NCAA Tournament, but the next step for the top-seeded Tar Heels is Sunday's encounter with eighth-seeded Arkansas in Greenville, S.C. The Razorbacks advanced to the second round in the South Region with a close win over Seton Hall, while the Tar Heels cruised in their tournament opener. Justin Jackson was the story for North Carolina on Friday, posting 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting (5-of-8 from the arc) in a much-needed performance for the ACC Player of the Year. The junior had shot 7-of-31 from the arc during a four-game shooting slump and also pulled down seven rebounds in the Round of 64 - his highest total in two months. This is the sixth meeting in the NCAA Tournament between the teams. Both of the Razorbacks' last two NCAA Tournament exits came at the hands of the Tar Heels (2008, 2015).

Rating: 4 Units

In addition to owning far and away the Missouri Valley Conference's top scoring offense (81.5 points), the Shockers boast the conference's top marks in field-goal percentage defense (37.6 - fourth in the nation), 3-point percentage defense (30.9 - 17th) and rebounding margin (plus-9.2 - third). Leading scorers Markis McDuffie (11.7 points) and freshman guard Landry Shamet (11.2) shot a combined 4-of-17 against Dayton but received plenty of help from Zach Brown (12 points, 3-of-3 from beyond the arc) and Rashard Kelly (eight, career-high 11 rebounds). Shamet has connected on a 3-pointer in 24 consecutive games and made a freshman school-record 70 on the season, while Conner Frankamp has recorded at least one in 21 straight contests and leads the team with 71.  A victory on Sunday by Wichita State, which is tied with Drake at 1,202 wins, will make it the winningest program in MVC history.

Rating: 4 Units

A contrast in styles figures to make for an intriguing second-round NCAA Tournament Midwest Region matchup tonight when Iowa State takes on Purdue in Milwaukee. The fifth-seeded Cyclones feature a high-scoring four-guard attack while the fourth-seeded Boilermakers boast one of the nation’s most-imposing front lines, led by national player of the year-candidate Caleb Swanigan.  The 6-9, 250-pound Swanigan totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and a trio of blocked shots in Thursday’s 80-70 first-round win over Vermont while fellow forward Vince Edwards added a game-high 21 points - with 15 coming in the second half. Swanigan, Edwards and a 7-2 Isaac Haas combined for 25 of Purdue’s 38 rebounds as the Boilermakers finished a plus-10 on the glass and overwhelmed the Catamounts in the paint.

Rating: 3 Units

Florida and Virginia meet Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament’s East Region in Orlando, Fla. in a matchup of two power-five conference teams are excellent defensively. Both squads will look for better performances after the fourth-seeded Gators shook off a sluggish first half to pull away from East Tennessee State and the fifth-seeded Cavaliers actually relied on their offense to hold off UNC-Wilmington. Virginia, which leads the nation in scoring defense, shot 51 percent and received a career-high 23 points off the bench from Marial Shayok in the five-point victory.  Florida, which came into the tournament averaging 9.5 turnovers (third in the nation), committed eight in the first half.

Rating: 3 Units

Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen had 20 points and six rebounds in Thursday’s 100-82 win over No. 15 seed North Dakota as the Wildcats dominated the paint and shot 58 percent from the field. The 7-foot freshman averaged 20 points to lead Arizona to the Pac-12 tournament title but faces a tough matchup Saturday against Saint Mary’s 6-11 center Jock Landale, who averages 16.2 points along with 9.2 rebounds and recorded his 16th double-double of the season in the win over VCU. Landale will need to avoid foul trouble against a formidable Arizona frontline that includes 7-foot center Dusan Ristic, who had 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting against North Dakota. Arizona averages 76.9 points

Rating: 4 Units

A decade ago, Butler began establishing itself as one of the gold standards for mid-major basketball programs. Relative unknown Middle Tennessee, a 12th seed which is coming off a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season, will be looking to take another step toward that end when the Blue Raiders tangle with the fourth-seeded Bulldogs in the second round of the South Region today in Milwaukee. Middle Tennessee, which led by as many as 17 in Thursday’s 81-72 triumph over fifth-seeded Minnesota, beat Michigan State in the first round last season as a No. 15 seed before falling to Syracuse. The Blue Raiders, who have already set a school record for wins (31), have won 20 of their last 21 games and have wins this season over SEC schools Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

Rating: 3 Units

The Seminoles need to cut down on the 16 turnovers they committed against Florida Gulf Coast, but their offensive potential was on full display. Star guard Dwayne Bacon (17.1 points) scored 25 points against the Eagles while freshman forward Jonathan Isaac (12.1, 7.7 rebounds) recorded 17, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The Seminoles also blocked nine shots and got double-digit scoring from point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (10.4 points, 4.9 assists) and wing Terance Mann (8.6, 4.7 rebounds), but they will face a tougher defensive opponent in the Musketeers. With a win, the Seminoles would tie the school record for wins set in 1971-72, when they advanced to the NCAA Tournament championship game.

Rating: 4 Units

Villanova opened its title defense with a 20-point win against Mount St. Mary's in which the team overcame a dreadful start, missing its first eight shots and not taking a lead until 2:33 remained in the first half.  The Wildcats likely can't afford another slow start against a Badgers team that topped Virginia Tech on Thursday behind Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes, two seniors with a pair of Final Fours on their resume.

Rating: 2 Units

I have a healthy respect for tough-minded, astutely-coached Dayton (7), boasting a topflight senior backcourt duo in 6-2 Scoochie Smith (13.5 ppg, 4.4 apg) and 6-5 Charles Cooke (16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg). But, while the Flyers were 3-0-1 as an underdog this year, I still prefer to lay a fair price with Missouri Valley juggernaut Wichita State, which made it to the Final Four in 2013 under mastermind Gregg Marshall. The strong boarding Shockers (5th nationally in rebounding margin), spearheaded by remarkably-poised frosh PG Landry Shamet (11.3 ppg, 3.3 apg) and hard working 6-8 soph F Markis McDuffie (11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), are riding a 15-game win skein, admittedly in a down year for the MVC. But proven motivator Marshall who defeated Arizona’s Sean Miller, the brother of UD head honcho Archie Miller in LY’s opening round (after Wichita beat Vandy in a play-in)—will use his team’s perceived low seeding as extra-incentive in Indianapolis. The Flyers are not exactly entering the Big Dance exuding confidence, having been knocked off as a No. 1 seed in the first round of the A-10 tourney by Davidson. Undeterred from laying around 3 hoops, since the d-e-e-e-p Shockers have won by more than 6 points in 29 of their 30 victories TY!

Rating: 2 Units

It took a while for Rhody (11) to hit stride. But the Rams enter the Dance as one of the nation’s hottest teams after storming thru the A-10 Tourney to avoid sweating out an at-large bid, extending their late-season surge to eight victories in a row...all in must-win mode. Which didn’t surprise a lot of regional observers, who are quick to remind that the Rams were picked in the Top 25 in some preseason polls. With at least three players (F Hassan Martin, G Jared Terrell, and F Kuran Iverson) who are going to be paid to play in the near future, Rhody is not to be overlooked. We can, however, do just that with a Creighton (6) side that has been floundering ever since key PG Mo Watson, Jr., the nation’s leading assist man (8.5 pg) midway thru the season, went down with a knee injury in mid-January. Since then, the Bluejays are 7-8 SU, using a committee approach at the point, including frosh Davion Mintz, keeping the offense functional at times, but nowhere near as efficient as it was when Watson was controlling traffic (Creighton was 18-1 SU when Watson went down). Over the past six weeks, the Rams have appeared to be the better team, and they can continue their recent momentum into the second round.

Rating: 2 Units

There could have been worse opening-round matchups for Oregon (2) than go-go Iona (14), once again sporting an 80 ppg offense that only knows how to play at fast speed. Though the Gaels go uptempo a bit differently these days, with their first option being 6-8 PF Jordan Washington (17.9 ppg) on the blocks before a squadron of bombardiers, led by Fordham transfer G Jon Severe, lets fly from long range, where the Gaels hit at a 40% clip. Even though Dana Altman prefers a more moderate tempo and execution in halfcourt sets for this Duck edition, small-ball teams such as Iona that also don’t feature much defense (the Gaels rank 272nd in points allowed) can play right into Oregon’s wheelhouse, allowing the various Webfoot weapons such as 6-7 wing Dillon Brooks (16 ppg) to become quickly involved offensively. And when the traffic lanes open up, 6-2 Ducks’ frosh facilitator Payton Pritchard can gladly provide service to a variety of options. We’ll eventually see how UO is impacted by the loss of key 6-10 F Chris Boucher (out with a knee injury), but his absence shouldn’t hurt much vs. this smaller Metro-Atlantic rep.

Rating: 2 Units

Arkansas (8) excited to be back in the Big Dance after its 16-16 season of 2015-16. And while the offensive-minded Razorbacks got on a hot streak down the stretch prior to their 82-67 blowout loss to Kentucky in the SEC title game, believe U of A makes an early exit in Greenville. Have faith that tough-minded, defensive-oriented Seton Hall (9), ranking 38th nationally in defensive efficiency, is primed to advance after its 66-52 setback to Gonzaga in the first round last season. The percolating Pirates nearly upset mighty Villanova in their spread-covering 55-53 loss to the Wildcats in the semifinals of the Big East tourney over the weekend. The Hall is benefiting from strong bench play provided by blossoming 6-2 frosh G Myles Powell (10.5 ppg). And the Pirates own the game’s most versatile performer in 6-4 jr. G Khadeem Carrington (17.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), who works well in tandem with industrious 6-2 sr. G Madison Jones (5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg). Plus, SH’s double-double machine, 6-10 jr. Angel Delgado (15.7 ppg, 13.1 rpg to lead the country) figures to overshadow the Razorbacks’ somewhaterratic 6-10 jr. F Moses Kingsley (12.0 ppg, 7.8), who was M.I.A. in the SEC title game.

Rating: 2 Units

I'm testing a couple theories...and gulping as I do it...such is my respect for Michigan (7) and shrewd HC John Beilein, one of my favorites and one with plenty of successes and spread covers in post seasons past. But I wonder how much energy Michigan had to use in winning four games in as many days at last week’s Big Ten Tourney in Washington after the Wolverines’ plane skidded off the runway as the team initially prepared to leave for D.C. Meanwhile, OSU (10), with its at-large bid secured, was not too bothered by an early exit, courtesy Iowa State, in the Big 12 Tourney, allowing the Cowboys some extra rest after a recent 10-1 SU surge that put Oklahoma State in position to earn a call from the Selection Committee. That OSU also made its move in the rugged Big 12 (tougher, we believe, than this year’s Big Ten), winning five times on the road in that treacherous loop, and that first-year HC Brad Underwood is already a proven March commodity by virtue of his magic woven last year at SF Austin, gives the Cowboys plenty of their own credentials. Fundamentals don’t appear to provide an edge either way, with both teams generating most of their offense from the backcourt (the Derrick Walton, Jr.-Jawun Evans matchup should be a doozy). I will side with a few factors I believe favor dangerous OSU in what might be one of the better games of the opening round.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these sides were close to Big Dance bids, CSF losing a bitter OT battle in the Big West semis when a last-second UC Davis trey attempt missed the mark so badly that it bounced awkwardly into the unsuspecting hands of an Aggie (who barely beat the buzzer on a game-winning lay-in), and Weber State blowing an 11-point lead in the late going of the Big Sky finale and losing in OT vs. North Dakota. The Titans, however, get home edge in the “Riley Wallace Classic” of the CIT. And homecourt meant something down the stretch, as Fullerton has won six straight at Titan Gym, all part of a nice late-season turnaround in which Dedrqiue Taylor’s team won 9 and covered 10 of its last 12 games. CSF also might get back the services of key frosh F Jackson Rowe (10 ppg; foot), in whose absence the Titans still managed to stay afloat the last couple of weeks. The Wildcats lean heavily on sr. G Jeremy Senglin (21 ppg), but the Weber offense bogs down when Senglin goes cold. The deep Titan backcourt, led by sr. Tre Coggins (18 ppg), will relish the chance to out-duel Senglin.

Rating: 2 Units

Conference comparisons are often a tricky gauge in the Dance. But if assuming that the ACC was a couple of notches above this season’s Big Ten (and I do), it makes the case for VPI (9) a bit more convincing against Wisconsin (8). While the Badgers have plenty of experience on their roster from recent deep runs in the Dance, they also didn’t face often face as much quickness as Buzz Williams can put on the floor with his Hokies. And while VPI lost 6 of 10 in one particularly difficult January-February stretch, the Badgers also slumped in February (once losing five of six), and didn’t have an ACC slate to blame, before finally steadying late. The Hokies will come at Wiscy from lots of different angles, as their two best players (G Seth Allen, the ACC Sixth Man of the Year, and F Zach LeDay) come off of the bench, while VPI ranks among the nation’s leaders in points per possession and effective FG %, not to mention its 41% accuracy on 3-balls ranking 10th nationally. The Hokies also enter the Dance on a 9-1 spread uptick, are 10-4 as a dog this season, and were good enough to go into Ann Arbor and beat Michigan...the same Wolverine team that just whipped the Badgers to win the Big Ten Tourney