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NCAA Basketball: Big Ten battles lead a solid Thursday night of hoops

By Lukas Harkins

Jan 5, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) and guard Rawle Alkins (1) (middle) look to the bench during the first half against the Utah Utes at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) and guard Rawle Alkins (1) (middle) look to the bench during the first half against the Utah Utes at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Big Ten and Pac 12 headlined a solid Thursday night of NCAA basketball.

On the Busting Brackets Daily Wrap-Up, we go through the major games of the day with a few short summaries and articles to keep you up to date on the recent news in the college basketball world. This covers the major games of yesterday and today as well as looking at major news stories from across the nation.

Related Story: Three most intriguing conference races

We also go through each game of major importance in our “Games to Watch” section, which includes a Game of the Day and a Bubble Watch.

Here we go:

For an in-depth look at this game, Lukas Harkins has you covered here.

For an in-depth look at this game, Lukas Harkins has you covered here.

For an in-depth look at this game, Carmine Carcieri has you covered here.

A monster double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds from Eric Mika was not enough his Cougars fell to Saint Mary’s on Thursday night. Four of the Gaels’ starters ended in double figures, but Jock Landale led the way with 26 points and nine rebounds. This will go down as a missed opportunity for BYU in what might have been an early-season must-win. As for Saint Mary’s, this is a solid win that will keep their resume afloat for the next few games.

Gonzaga dropped 95 on San Francisco thanks to Nigel Williams-Goss’ big game. The former Washington Huskie recorded 36 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out six assists.

For an in-depth look at this game, Andrew Nostvick has you covered here.

Games to Watch on Friday, January 6th:

Iona Gaels @ Monmouth Hawks, 7:00 p.m. ET: These are two of the favorites in the MAAC this season. This is the type of game that could have big implications when conference tournament season rolls around. In a one-bid conference like this one, seeding in the MAAC tournament can be the difference between a bid in the Big Dance and sitting at home.

^^**Rhode Island Rams @ Dayton Flyers, 7:00 p.m. ET**^^: Both of these teams will spend much of the year sitting on the bubble competing for a tournament slot. And with that, this is both our Game of the Night as well as our Bubble Battle. The A-10 is looking to be a multiple bid conference this year, but who will be those teams?

Oakland Golden Grizzlies @ Valparaiso Crusaders, 9:00 p.m. ET: Yet again, Valpo and Oakland sit atop the Horizon League as two of the frontrunners. This game is just like the first one I mentioned in this category. The Horizon will be a one-bid league (unless Valpo has an awesome conference schedule, then they might find an at-large bid coming their way), and this will in large part be a seeding game.

Best of Yesterday from Busting Brackets:

Big East Basketball: Five takeaways from Butler’s win over Villanova: Butler was able to knock off the No. 1 team in college basketball on Wednesday night, and Lukas Harkins breaks down how they did and what it means for both teams.

Kansas Basketball: Josh Jackson’s subtle defensive brilliance: In an otherwise down year for the Jayhawks’ defense, Matt Ostrowski gives his insight into the defensive play of stud freshman Josh Jackson.

Creighton Basketball: Justin Patton oozing with lottery pick potential: Creighton is off to an outstanding start to the season and a top-10 ranking. This is in large part due to the play of Justin Patton. Carmine Carcieri looks at Patton’s college game and his potential transition to the NBA down the road.

NCAA Basketball: Player of the Year power rankings (Edition Six): Josh Hart has led the Player of the Year rankings for much of the year, but after his poor performance in Villanova’s loss to Butler, is he still on top? Carmine Carcieri has the answer in his newest edition of the POY power rankings.

North Carolina State Basketball: Dennis Smith Jr. records triple-double versus VT: In a special blowout victory over Virginia Tech the other night, freshman phenom Dennis Smith Jr. accomplished a triple-double. Carmine Carcieri gives the scoop on his performance.

Next: Player of the Year power rankings (Edition Six)

That ends today’s Daily Wrap-Up. Tune in tomorrow for another edition and have a great day!

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