The Jimmy V Classic takes place tonight at Madison Square Garden and I’m looking forward to getting an up-close look at a couple of top 15 teams and a couple of teams expected to be at that level, but who have been disappointing so far.
Let’s take a quick look at tonight’s games…
#8 Missouri (7-0) vs. Villanova (5-2) – 7 PM ET, ESPN
Impressively undefeated Missouri comes into the World’s Most Famous Arena to face a Villanova team that is hard to get a feel for.
Missouri comes into the Garden on a roll. They have destroyed everyone they’ve played, including Notre Dame and California. Frank Haith has employed a four guard offense that has averaged 86 points per contest. If they can dominate Nova like they have everyone else, they’ll have to be considered a serious Big 12 contender.
Nova seems to still be searching for an identity and a reliable rotation. The Wildcats have been paced by Maalik Wayns (18.7ppg, 4.4apg, 4.1rpg) and Mouphtaou Yarou (16ppg, 8.4rpg). This game will be a major test and barometer for Villanova, as we will see how they match up against maybe the hottest team in the country.
Prediction: Missouri 88, Villanova 76
Washington (4-2) vs. #11 Marquette (7-0) 9 PM ET, ESPN
In a match-up very similar to the first one, a talented, yet struggling team faces a team that is operating on all cylinders. Marquette is coming off an impressive road victory at Wisconsin and comes in undefeated.
Washington is coming off a loss at Nevada on Friday and lost by double digits in their only other test, at Saint Louis. There is no question that Lorenzo Romar has talent to work with, but whether that talent meshes and produces is another question.
Marquette is not the best opponent for a team trying to find itself.
Prediction: Marquette 73, Washington 60
What are your thoughts on today’s games?
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