College Hoops TV Guide
By Steve Merril
Covers.com
Wednesday - Boise State at UNLV
UNLV has gone 3-1 SU since firing head coach Dave Rice. Interim head coach Todd Simon has the Rebels playing free and loose, and they were able to impose their style in their three wins while averaging 88.7 points per game. But UNLV lost their last game at Nevada after scoring just 63 points. Boise State is one of the best teams in the conference, and they also play terrific defense which may cause the Rebels fits in this game.
Thursday - Iowa at Maryland
Iowa is cruising along as the Hawkeyes have won nine straight games and 13 of their last 14 games overall. Iowa is a perfect 7-0 SU in Big 10 play, but this game in Maryland will be a difficult challenge for the Hawkeyes. Maryland’s loss at Michigan State on Saturday night was expected, but with a return home, the Terrapins will come with a peak effort. Maryland is 2-0 after a loss this season; they won those games by 41 and 35 points, albeit against inferior competition.
Friday - VCU at Davidson
Two strong mid-major programs will play on Friday night. VCU is 15-5 SU on the season, including a tough win at Richmond. The Rams are still playing their pressing style even though Shaka Smart left for Texas. Davidson is 12-6 SU, but the Wildcats are just 5-11-1 ATS. Davidson has played three of their last four games on the road, so a home game on national TV will ensure the Wildcats come with their best effort.
Saturday - Oklahoma at LSU
This is a strange game for Oklahoma as they are playing an out of conference road game in the middle of their Big 12 season. The Sooners will host Texas Tech on Tuesday night, so they’ll likely come into this game off a win. This game is much more important for LSU as a win would definitely boost their resume for March. The Tigers will be primed for a big effort while this is somewhat of a meaningless non-conference game for the Sooners.
Sunday - Wichita State at Evansville
Wichita State is playing like the team they projected to be before the season began. The Shockers will go into their Wednesday night game on a 9-game winning streak, and winners of 12 of their last 13 games overall. Evansville gave the Shockers all they wanted in a 67-64 loss back on January 6th. The Purple Aces are a perfect 11-0 SU at home this season, so they’ll be a tough out for Wichita State once again.
Monday - North Carolina at Louisville
North Carolina and Louisville are both having excellent seasons. This game is a clash of styles as the Tar Heels want to play at an ultra-quick tempo while the Cardinals want to grind their opponents in the half-court while playing as slow as possible. North Carolina has played the much harder schedule than Louisville (#29 vs. #149), so the Tar Heels have been battle tested while the Cardinals have waxed a bunch of inferior teams.
Tuesday - Duke at Georgia Tech
Duke slumped thru a 3-game losing streak last week, and they’ve now lost four of their past five games. But the Blue Devils will have a full week to prepare for this game, so they’ll have no excuses not to come with their best effort. Georgia Tech likes to play at a slow pace, and their type of style has frustrated Duke in the past. The Yellow Jackets took Louisville to the brink in their last home game, and they’ll come into this game off back-to-back road games.