20 Creighton vs. Arizona State Game Preview

Tonight at 10pm CST, the 20 Creighton Bluejays (4-0, 0-0 Big East) take on the Arizona State Sun Devils (6-0, 0-0 Pac-12) in a quarterfinal of the Wooden Legacy at Titan Gym on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. The Jays come into the first round of this tournament after defeating Tulsa 82-72 at home on Saturday night. National Player of the Year candidate, Doug McDermott, scored a team-high 33 points to lead Creighton. McDermott, coached by his father, Greg, leads the team with an average of 27.5 points per game. He also paces the Jays with 8 rebounds a game. Arizona State enters this game after squeaking out a 79-77 win at home against 25 Marquette on Monday night. Sophomore sensation Jahii Carson had 23 to lead State to the upset win. Carson is averaging 23 points per game, good to lead the team. Jordan Bachynski has an average of 11.8 rebounds per game to lead the Sun Devils, and he also has 29 blocks through six games. This should be a shootout as McDermott and Carson, two of the best scorers in the country, due. Look for the depth of Creighton as well as the red-hot shooting of McDermott to hold off Carson and the Sun Devils in the second half and earn a résumé-building win.

Oral Roberts at 12 Wisconsin Game Preview

Tonight at 7:30pm on the Big Ten Network, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (2-0, 0-0 Southland) visit the Kohl Center in Madison to take on the 12 Wisconsin Badgers (5-0, 0-0 Big Ten) as part of the Cancun Challenge. Oral Roberts enters this game after being defeated at Saint Louis 72-55 in their opening game of the Cancun Challenge on Thursday night. ORU took a 31-28 lead into halftime, but was outscored 44-24 in the second half en route to a blowout loss. Shawn Glover led the team with 18 points. Obi Emegano leads the team with an average of 19 points per game, and Korey Billbury is the team leader in rebounds with 8.5 per game. Wisconsin enters this contest after starting the season 5-0, with their latest triumph being an 88-64 decision over Bowling Green on Thursday night in their opening game of the Cancun Challenge. Ben Brust led the team with 19 points, as the Badgers scored 44 points in each half on their way to the victory. After scoring a Wisconsin single-game record with 43 points on Tuesday night in a win at home against North Dakota, and a strong follow-up performance on Thursday night, Frank Kaminsky leads the Badgers with 16.6 points per game, as Brust leads the team with 6 rebounds a game. This should be an exciting game, as the Golden Eagles give up on average 69 points per game, while the Badgers score to the tune of 81 points per game. Look for Wisconsin's offense to test the ORU's defense. Even though they are known for their methodical offense under Bo Ryan, I think that the Badgers will continue to score at a blistering pace and win this game easily at home.

9 Wichita State vs. 2 Ohio State West Regional Final

Tonight at 6pm on CBS, the 9 seeded Wichita State Shockers 29-8 (12-6 Missouri Valley) take on the 2 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes 29-7 (13-5 Big Ten) in a West Regional Final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. After taking down Pittsburgh, Gonzaga, and La Salle, the Shockers are vying for their first trip to the Final Four since 1965. The latest win in a string of victories came in an impressive 72-58 Sweet 16 victory over La Salle on Thursday night. It was a dominating showing by the Shockers after they led by 16 going into the second half. Point guard Malcolm Armstead led WSU with 18 points. Cleanthony Early is the team leader in points with 13.7 points per game. Ohio State earned another thrilling finish Thursday night after defeating Arizona 73-70. LaQuinton Ross drained a long three with under three seconds remaining to give the Buckeyes the win. Last Sunday, Aaron Craft nailed a three with 0.2 seconds left to give them the victory over Iowa State. DeShaun Thomas leads the team with 19.7 points per game. This should be a great matchup between the point guards Malcolm Armstead and Aaron Craft. Look for the Buckeyes to come out with an impressive win and march onto the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

4 Syracuse vs. 3 Marquette East Regional Final

Today at 3:30pm on CBS, the 4 seeded Syracuse Orange 29-9 (11-7 Big East) take on the 3 seeded Marquette Golden Eagles 26-8 (14-4 Big East) in a East Regional Final at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. The Orange earned the right to play in the Elite 8 by defeating 1 Indiana 61-50 on Thursday night. The attacking zone of the 'Cuse held the Hoosiers to a season low 50 points. Point guard Michael Carter-Williams led the team with 24 points. They led 34-22 after one half and held on for the win. C.J. Fair leads the team with an average of 14.4 points per game for coach Jim Boeheim. Marquette received the chance to be in the Elite 8 with a 71-61 upset over 2 Miami (FL) on Thursday night. The Eagles' stingy defense held the Hurricanes to just 21 percent shooting in the first half and 1 of 9 from behind the arc. Jamil Wilson led the Eagles with 16 points off the bench in the win. Vander Blue, the team's leading scorer at 14.8 points per game, chipped in 14 in the win for coach Buzz Williams. This should be a great game when these two teams meet for the last time. When these two teams met on February 25 in the Bradley Center, Marquette hung on for 74-71 home win. I think that 'Quette will come out on top again as both teams look for their first trip to the Final Four since 2003.

4 Michigan State at 18 Ohio State Game Preview

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Today at 3pm on CBS, the 4 Michigan State Spartans 22-5 (11-3) travel to Value City Arena to take on the 18 Ohio State Buckeyes 19-7 (9-5). Michigan State comes into this game after dropping their first home game of the season, a 72-68 decision at the hands of 1 Indiana on Tuesday night. They are the only team in the nation to play four straight conference games against ranked opponents. They are 4-3 against ranked opponents this season and have beaten the Buckeyes at the Breslin Center on January 19, 59-56. Keith Appling leads the Spartans with 13.8 points per game. He also averages 3.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game for coach Tom Izzo. Ohio State enters this home contest after a 71-45 blowout at home against 18 Minnesota on Wednesday night. On Thursday, Aaron Craft was named to the Capital One All American Academic Team. He is a nutrition major with a GPA of 3.92. Deshaun Thomas, a National Player of the Year candidate, leads the team with 20.1 points per game for coach Thad Matta. I think this should be a really good game but look for the experience and the depth of Michigan State to take over and win this crucial Big Ten game.

3 Michigan at Wisconsin Game Preview

Today at 11am on ESPN, the 3 Michigan Wolverines 21-2 (8-2) visit the Kohl Center to take on the Wisconsin Badgers 16-7 (7-3). Michigan comes into this game after a big home win against archrival and 10 Ohio State on Tuesday night. The Wolverines escaped at home by a final of 76-74 in overtime and avenged the loss in Columbus earlier this season that gave Michigan their first loss. Trey Burke, who is on the watch list for the Bob Cousy Award which is the best point guard in the country, did a terrific job of guarding one of the country's best point guards in Aaron Craft. Burke is leading the team averaging 18.1 points per game. The Wolverines are exceptionally balanced as they have four of five starters averaging in double figures. Wisconsin enters this one after knocking off Iowa in double overtime on Wednesday night, 74-70. They are currently on a two game win streak this week after beating Illinois on the road and then Iowa on Wednesday night. Jared Berggren leads the Badgers with 11.8 points per game. He is also second in the Big Ten in blocks and had seven against Iowa to go along with 14 rebounds and 16 points. Wisconsin has three starters averaging in double digits and also have a deep bench. This should be a good one but look for the Grateful Red at the Kohl Center to get a signature win for the Badgers.
Michigan Game Notes
Wisconsin Game Notes

25 Marquette at 12 Louisville Game Preview

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Today at 1pm on ESPN, the 25 Marquette Golden Eagles 15-4 (6-1) visit the KFC Yum! Center to take on the 12 Louisville Cardinals 17-4 (5-3). Marquette is currently leading the Big East thanks to a Syracuse loss at Pittsburgh yesterday afternoon. The Golden Eagles enter this game on a two game win streak. Their latest win was a 63-50 home win against South Florida on Monday night. Marquette suffered their first and only Big East loss on January 19, a 63-61 overtime loss at Cincinnati. Vander Blue, the team's leading scorer with an average of 14.8 points per game, had a career high 30 points in the win against USF on Monday night. Louisville started the season 18-1, but have lost three of their las four conference games. Their only conference win since January 14 was a 64-61 squeaker at home against Pittsburgh on Monday night. They have been ranked number 1 this season, only to lose in their second game in that spot on January 19 against then 6 Syracuse. Russ Smith, one of the nation's best passers, leads the team with 18.4 points per game. Marquette is riding high and Louisville is looking to get back on track. This should be a good game but look for the Golden Eagles to get a big win on the road.

North Carolina at 18 NC State Game Preview

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Tonight at 6pm on ESPN, the North Carolina Tar Heels 13-5 (3-2) travel to PNC Arena to take on instate rival 18 NC State 15-4 (4-2). The Tar Heels come into this game on a three game ACC winning streak after losing their first two, the lastest win being a 79-63 home win against Georgia Tech on Wednesday night. James Michale McAdoo leads North Carolina with an average of 14.7 points per game. He is a dynamic forward who can put the ball in many different ways, but is mostly effective when he faces up to the basket and his mid range jumpshot is silky smooth. The Wolfpack come into this game after a disappointing upset loss at Wake Forest on Wednesday night by a final of 86-84. C.J. Leslie continues to lead the team in points with an average of 15.3 a game. State needs a big game from their point guard position if they are going to com away with a win. Lorenzo Brown runs the show for the Wolfpack. He is averaging 12.8 points a game and 132 assists on the season. The key to this one is turnovers. Whoever does not give easy points in transition by turnovers will win this game. I think NC State will come away with a big home win.

12 Minnesota at Wisconsin Game Preview

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Today at 1pm on the Big Ten Network, the 12 Minnesota Golden Gophers 15-4 (3-3) travel to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers 13-6 (4-2). Minnesota enters the Kohl Center with a three game losing streak in the conference after opening up to a 3-0 conference start. Their latest loss was a 55-48 defeat at Northwestern on Wednesday night. They are led by Andre Hollins, who is leading the team in points with 13.8 points per game. They have gone cold shooting so far in the last three conference games and hope to retain the shooting ability that Trevor Mbakwe and Andre Holllins possess. Wisconsin started last week with a win at then number 2 Indiana, but lost on the road at Iowa last Saturday and then dropped a 49-47 defeat at the hands of 13 Michigan State on Tuesday night. Jared Berggren leads the Badgers in points with a 12.5 per game clip. Ben Brust is the leader of the team and he has some big range from downtown and if the Gophers extend their defense, it could lead to a big game for Berggren. Look for this heated rivalry to get physical and close, but I think that the homecourt of the Badgers will get them back on track.

17 Missouri at 10 Florida Game Preview

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Today at 1pm on ESPN, the 17 Missouri Tigers 13-3 (2-1) visit the O'Connell Center to take on the 10 Florida Gators 13-2 (3-0). Mizzou comes into this one having won their last conference game after losing their second. They won their first ever SEC game. The Tigers defeated Georgia 79-62 at home on Wednesday night. Their leading scorer, Jabari Brown, has an average of 13.9 points per game. Phil Pressey is a dynamic point guard that makes this Tigers team go for coach Frank Haith. They also brought in a transfer from Connecticut, Alex Oriakhi. He is eligible to play this season because of the Huskies' postseason ban. Florida comes into this game having won their first three conference games, the most recent being a 68-47 win at Texas A&M on Thursday night. Kenny Boyton, one of the best point guards in the nation, leads the Gators with an average of 13.2 points per game for coach Billy Donovan. This is the first meeting between these teams. Look for this to be very close, but the homecourt of Florida should get them the win in this one.

Maryland at North Carolina Game Preview

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Today at 11am on ESPN, the Maryland Terrapins 14-3 (2-2) will travel to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels 11-5 (1-2). Maryland comes into this game on a high note, after beating number 14 NC State at home on Wednesday night 51-50. That was their second ACC win after having lost their middle two after winning the first one. Their leading scorer, Alex Len, scored the winning tip-in with 00.9 seconds left in the waning second on Wednesday night against the Wolfpack. He is averaging 13.5 points per game. North Carolina has not played in a week after going to Florida State on Saturday and winning 77-72. That was their first conference win after losing the first two, very uncharacteristic of a Roy Williams team. Their are led by James Michael McAdoo, who is their leading scorer averaging 14.4 points per game. The Tar Heels are very young and McAdoo is only a sophmore, so that shows the future is bright for Roy Williams. This should be close, but I think Maryland is motivated to get another big win and I think they will.

Illinois Chicago at Green Bay Game Preview

Today at 3pm on the Horizon League Network, the Illinois Chicago Flames 10-6 (1-2) will travel to Green Bay to take on the Green Bay Phoenix 7-9 (1-2). UIC comes into this game having won their first conference game at home against Youngstown State, lost at Cleveland State, and then preceeded to lose at home against Valparaiso. Their leading scorer, Gary Talton, is averaging 13.3 points per game. Coach Howard Moore has the luxery of having four of their five starters averaging in double figures. Green Bay enters this contest after losing their first two conference games on the road at Wright State and Detroit. They came home to play Loyola at the Resch Center on Wednesday with the best defensive game of the year, a 58-44 win against the Ramblers. They have won four straight games in the friendly confines of the Resch Center. They are led by Keifer Sykes, who is leading the team with an average of 16.2 points per game. The Phoenix also have good depth, with reserve Brennan Cougill averaging 11.8 points per game. Look for this one to be close, as each team needs a Horizon League win. Expect the home court of the Phoenix to ride them to victory in this one.

12 Illinois at Wisconsin Game Preview

Today at 1:15pm on the Big Ten Network, the 12 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini 14-3 (1-2) visit the Kohl Center to take on the Wisconsin Badgers 11-4 (2-0). Illinois comes into this game having lost 2 of their first 3 Big Ten games after going 13-1 in nonconference play. Their only Big Ten win so far was a 74-55 win at home against a ranked Ohio State team. They opened conference play with a loss at unranked Purdue, and lost on Wednesday at home against number 9 Minnesota. Their leading scorer is Brandon Paul, who is averaging  18.6 points per game. He has scored in double figures in every game this season, including seven 20 point games this season. Wisconsin comes into this game having won their first two conference game this season, with a home win against Penn State on January 3 and a road win at Nebraska on Sunday. They are led by Jared Berggren, who is leading the team with 13.3 points per game. The Badgers have three players averaging in double figures. Wisconsin is very good at home against Bo Ryan, and I think they will go to 3-0 in the tough Big Ten with a huge confidence boosting win today.

1 Duke at 20 NC State Game Preview

Today at 11am on ESPN, the number 1 team in the country, the Duke Blue Devils 15-0 (2-0) visit Raleigh to take on the number 20 team in the country, NC State Wolfpack 13-2 (2-0). Duke has won its first 15 games behind the stellar play of forward Mason Plumlee, who is averaging 17.7 points per game and 11.4 rebounds per game, both team highs. The Blue Devils are looking to go 16-0 to start the season for the fourth time under the winningest coach in Division 1 history, Mike Krzyzewski. Duke is also 8-1 against the Wolfpack when ranked number 1. The Cameron Crazies are coming off of a 68-40 win against Clemson on Tuesday night. NC State is coming off of a closer than expected win at home against Georgia Tech by a final of 83-70 on Wednesday night. They are led by their leading scorer, C.J. Leslie, who is averaging 15.6 points per game. The Wolfpack are quite balanced as they have five players averaging in double figures. This should be a good one as inticipated, but look for the experience, depth, and coaching to propel the Blue Devils to victory.

Wisconsin at Nebraska Game Preview

Today at 3:30pm on the Big Ten Network, the  Wisconsin Badgers 10-4 (1-0) visit the Bob Devaney Center to take on the  Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-5 (0-1). Wisconsin is riding a 4 game win streak entering this game, as they opened up Big Ten play with a 60-51 win at the Kohl Center against Penn State. Wisconsin has used numerous starting lineups this season, as they try to fill the void at the point guard position left by graduating senior Jordan Taylor and junior Josh Gasser, who tore his ACL earlier at practice this year and will miss the entire season. Traevon Jackson seems to have filled that spot for now, but George Marshall and Sam Dekker also are getting minutes at the point guard position. Jared Berggren is leading the team with 13.4 points per game. Nebraska opened their Big Ten slate with a 70-47 loss at home against Ohio State. They are a very talented but young team, with just 2 seniors on their squad and 1 senior starter. Their leading scorer, Dylan Talley, is averaging 13.6 points per game. The Huskers are very balanced, as they have 3 starters averaging in double figures. Look for this one to be close, but expect the talent and experience of the Badgers to take over and win this game.

20 NC State at Boston College Game Preview

Today at 3pm on ESPN2, the 11-2 and 23 ranked NC State Wolfpack visit Chestnut Hill to take on the 8-5 and unranked Boston College Eagles. TheWolfpack come into this game fresh off of an 89-68 win at home against UNC-Greensboro on Monday. They shot 53 percent from the floor and 44 percent from behind the arc in the win. Their 2 losses came in the championship of the Puerto Rico tipoff against Oklahoma State and a road loss to 2 Michigan. They are led by C.J. Leslie, who is averaging 15.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds a game. Boston College is coming off of a 79-58 win against Dartmouth on Monday. The last time these teams met was on February 1 as NC State came into the Conte Forum and left with a 56-51 win. When they met in Raleigh, State also won by a score of 76-62. BC is led by their leading scorer, Ryan Anderson, who is averaging 15.9 points per game, and 9.5 rebounds per contest. This should be a highly entertaining game, and I thinkl NC State will keep rolling with their 8th straight win.