Topic: CBB 2/4 - 2/10
And we're down to one undefeated team, the Memphis Tigers of Conference USA. The #1 team in the land. UTEP gave them a scare. But really the season is barely half over for them if they want to get their hands on the real prize come March.
Monday
Louisville at Marquette, 7pm (ESPN HD) - There's a real logjam of teams right behind Georgetown and no one has yet to separate themselves from the pack and now is the time for one of these two teams to begin to stand out.
Villanova at St. Joseph's, 8pm (CSTV) - A late Big Five matchup in Philly. 'Nova has been up and down since entering Big East play, where St. Joe's has been keeping itself in the conversation in the A-10 for an at-large.
Gonzaga at St. Mary's, 11pm (ESPN2) - Stick around for this one because it should be worth it. Gonzaga has been rolling in WCC play, but St. Mary's hasn't been a slouch, getting themselves ranked a couple different times this year. The Gaels need this more than the Zags right now, though both should have a chance at a double bye in the WCC tournament.
Tuesday
Florida at Tennessee, 9pm (ESPN HD) - Florida can get themselves into the mix in the SEC East with a win. Florida lost sooo much talent, and they are still rolling along.
And since this one isn't on TV beacuse of the inflexibility of college basketball scheduling, peek at the Drake - Illinois St. boxscore. Drake is #17 in the country with one loss and is undefeated in the MVC, which is rather remarkable since both Drake and Illinois St. (8-3 in MVC play) have been the MVC doormats the last few years. You'll likely see both teams play on Bracketbuster weekend and a game on the MVC's wildcard TV weekend in March.
Wednesday
Connecticut at Syracuse, 7pm (ESPN HD) - See what I wrote about Louisville and Marquette? Put the same thing here, change the schools' names.
Duke at N. Carolina, 9pm (ESPN HD/Raycom HD) - If you aren't watching, you must be dead.
Thursday
Portland St. at N. Arizona, 8:30pm (FSN Arizona) - 1st place in the Big Sky up for grabs.
UCLA at Washington St., 10:30pm (FSN) - Geez, have the Cougars fallen off since the beating UCLA gave them in Westwood. They aren't in danger of missing the NCAA, but they could really use a win.
Saturday
Marquette at Notre Dame, 12pm (ESPN) - Nice midwest Catholic school rivalry that goes back to their independent roots. Another game of Big East breakaway.
W. Michigan at Ohio, 2:30pm (FSN Ohio) - Division leaders in the MAC square off. Lets see how well WMU plays after Ohio coach Tim O'Shea called out the MAC offices for rewarding the top two MAC West teams with byes (as has gone on for the past few years) in the conference tournament, while the MAC East has had teams finish third or lower in their division but have better records than the MAC West teams.
Baylor at Kansas, 8pm (ESPN Full Court) - This should be a fun game. Kansas is no longer undefeated but still needs to prove itself as the class of the Big 12, while Baylor is just having fun. And its fun to watch them.
Georgetown at Louisville, 9pm (ESPN HD) - Louisville gets their crack at knocking down the beasts of the east.
Sunday
St. Joseph's at Xavier, 12pm (FSN Ohio/CSN Philly) - Don't sleep on the A-10, they'll be grabbing at least four bids this spring. And both these teams will be involved in those decisions.
Clemson at N. Carolina, 6:30pm (FSN HD) - Clemson should had the Tar Heels' number in January, maybe a flip of the calendar will change their luck.
