Today’s Games To Watch: Big Night In The Atlantic 10

Well, it’s Big Wednesday (yes, despite much resistance, I too have been programmed by ESPN), so there must be some big games on the slate today. After reviewing the schedule, there are indeed some games worth watching tonight. Let’s take a look:

Northwestern (11-4, 1-2) at #12 Michigan (12-3, 3-1) – 630PM ET, BTN

For those who still believe that this is the year the Wildcats will get into the NCAA Tournament, this is a big game, for sure. The problem is, Northwestern has had trouble beating good teams and the Wolverines are easily one of the best in the Big Ten, especially at home.

Prediction: Michigan 81, Northwestern 67

Rutgers (9-7, 1-2) at Pittsburgh (11-5, 0-3) – 7PM ET, ESPN3, SNY

This is a big game only because of the fascination created by Pitt’s 0-3 Big East start. Is it possible that Jamie Dixon’s squad is so lost that they could drop to 0-4? Have they sunk so low that they could possibly lose to Rutgers at home? Rutgers has won some big games this year, but not on the road.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 69, Rutgers 62

Dayton (12-4, 2-0) at St. Bonaventure (8-6, 1-1) – 7PM ET, FCS

Dayton is one of those teams you need to keep an eye on. They just might be the best team in the Atlantic 10 at the moment. The Flyers are coming off back to back wins versus Saint Louis and at Temple. The Bonnies are a solid team, as well, led by underrated forward Andrew Nicholson, and will be a good test for Dayton on the road.

Prediction: St. Bonaventure 67, Dayton 64

Duquesne (9-6, 1-1) at Xavier (10-5, 1-1) – 7PM ET, CBSS

Another A-10 contest and another game that is big because of a perplexing downfall. The Musketeers fell out of our Power 32 for the first time this week, after having lost 5 of 7 since the infamous Cincinnati brawl. Xavier did win at Fordham in their last outing, but will that translate into them righting the ship? Duquesne is a team that Xavier absolutely should beat under normal circumstances, so this could be a decent barometer as to the immediate future of Tu Holloway and company.

Prediction: Xavier 76, Duquesne 67

#1 Syracuse (17-0, 4-0) at Villanova (8-8, 1-3) – 7PM, ET, ESPN2

The Cuse has been rolling along as the nation’s #1 team and seemingly enjoying it. Nova just got their first Big East win last weekend versus DePaul. Could that win be the start of a momentum change for Nova? Not likely. Not tonight.

Prediction: Syracuse 83, Villanova 73

Southern Mississippi (13-2, 2-0) at Memphis (10-5, 1-0) – 7PM ET

Here’s a nice Conference USA match-up. So. Miss. is actually 11th in the RPI. They have won 10 straight, but have played pretty much nobody. Memphis and Josh Pastner have been a piñata for pundits, but they have played some good teams. The problem, of course, is the Tigers haven’t beaten any of them. That may still be the case even after a win tonight.

Prediction: Memphis 82, Southern Miss 76

#7 Missouri (14-1, 1-1) at Iowa State (12-3, 2-0) – 8PM ET, ESPN3

Mizzou lost for the first time this season at Kansas State last week. Now, they travel to Ames to face a sneaky good team in the Cyclones. Fred Hoiberg’s team has won 7 straight, including a couple of overrated teams from Texas in their last two. The Tigers need an impressive performance to show that their 14-0 start was no fluke.

Prediction: Missouri 84, Iowa State 67

Temple (10-4, 0-1) at Saint Louis (12-3, 1-1) – 9PM ET, CBSS

Another intriguing A-10 match-up here. The Owls followed their inspired defeat of Duke with a home loss to Dayton. The Bilikens have been solid if up and down this year, having lost 2 of their last 3.

Prediction: Saint Louis 76, Temple 71

What are your thoughts on today’s games?

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