Today’s Games To Watch 12/4/11

It is not a loaded slate of games today, but there are a few sneaky-good games worth keeping at least one eye on while the other is watching football…

New Mexico State (5-2) at Southern Mississippi (3-2) – 2 PM ET

This is actually a rematch of Southern Miss’s 80-72 victory in the Great Alaskan Shootout a couple weeks ago. Both of these teams are worth a peek. NMSU has won at New Mexico and played Arizona tough, while Larry Eustachy’s So. Miss squad is capable of a run, but is coming off a loss versus Murray State.

Prediction: New Mexico State 79, Southern Miss 75

#32 Dayton (5-2) at Murray State (5-0) – 2 PM, ET

Dayton won’t be in our Power 32 next week, thanks to a shocking 29-point home loss to Buffalo on Wednesday. And for that reason, this is an interesting game. Is Dayton closer to what we saw last week, or to the team that took home the Old Spice Classic trophy? The undefeated Racers will be a formidable barometer.

Prediction: Murray State 80, Dayton 74

VCU (4-3) at George Washington (4-2) – 2:15 PM ET, Versus

Shaka Smart’s VCU team struggled very early versus Georgia Tech and Seton Hall, but they looked like a completely different team in a tough road loss at Alabama. This will be a nice test for both teams, as GW is coming off a disappointing performance at Kansas State.

Prediction: VCU 74, George Washington 70

South Carolina (2-5) at Clemson (4-2) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPNU

This one is strictly to gauge how good Clemson is. Will they easily dispense of their struggling in-state rival, or will the Tigers continue to struggle in their own right?

Prediction: Clemson 76, South Carolina 62

North Carolina State (5-2) at Stanford (7-1) – 4 PM ET, MSG+, ETC

Coming off a tough home loss to Indiana, NC St. travels out west to take on a much improved Stanford squad. Johnny Dawkins’ team is eager to show that the Cardinal is back on the basketball map. A win today would help that cause.

Prediction: Stanford 70, North Carolina State 64

#12 Baylor (6-0) at Northwestern (7-0) – 4 PM ET, Big Ten Network

Today’s most anticipated match-up is this Big Ten/Big 12 battle. Neither team has been thoroughly tested, so this will serve as that for now. Baylor has very high expectations this year, whereas Northwestern seeks to make their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

Prediction: Baylor 69, Northwestern 68

#22 UNLV (7-0) at Wichita State (4-2) – 4 PM ET

Wichita State needs a big time non conference win to increase any chance of an at-large bid. UNLV seeks to keep rolling after winning a double-overtime thriller in Santa Barbara.

Prediction: UNLV 84, Wichita State 83

Notre Dame (5-3) at Maryland (3-3) – 4:45 PM ET, Versus

An ACC/Big East match-up here, featuring two decimated, but well coached teams.

Prediction: Maryland 66, Notre Dame 63

California (6-1) at San Diego State (7-2) – 5 PM ET, MTN

A very nice west coast match-up in this one. Cal has looked good, but it’s hard to get that 39-point thrashing from Missouri out of our minds. Steve Fisher and SDSU have played a tough early season schedule and performed admirably.

Prediction: California 74, San Diego State 68

Nebraska (4-2) at #23 Creighton (6-0) – 5 PM ET

Creighton is coming off an exciting come-from-behind victory at SDSU. Nebraska is coming off a loss to Wake Forest. Two different directions.

Prediction: Creighton 87, Nebraska 70

Kansas State (4-0) at Virginia Tech (5-2) – 5:30 PM ET, ESPNU

Two teams that seem to have bubble in their future link up in Blacksburg. It should be a rugged match-up of two squads looking to make a name for themselves.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 68, Kansas State 63

What are your thoughts on today’s games?

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