Today’s Games To Watch – Quickie Previews/Predictions

Let’s take a quick look at today’s games to watch…

St. John’s (7-5) at Connecticut (11-1) – 12PM EST, ESPN3

Though St. John’s is coming off a surprising and impressive romp of Providence, it is highly unlikely they will pull off an upset in Hartford.

Prediction: Connecticut 79, St. John’s 66

Virginia Tech (10-3) at Oklahoma State (6-5) – 12PM EST, ESPN2

A pretty even match-up between two inconsistent, likely bubble teams come March. I’ll give the edge to the home team, slightly.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 66, Virginia Tech 63

Louisville (12-1) at Kentucky (12-1) – 12PM EST, CBS

The hated rivals, led by the coaches that hate each other, face off in Lexington. And guess what, two very good teams will be on the court, as well.

Prediction: Kentucky 83, Louisville 77

Providence (11-3) at Georgetown (10-1) – 2PM EST, ESPN2

It seemed as if Ed Cooley had the Friars ready to surprise some people in the Big East, until they were blown out at St. John’s in the conference opener. Things only get tougher with a trip to DC to face the Hoyas. Welcome to the Big East.

Prediction: Georgetown 73, Providence 62

Wisconsin Milwaukee (9-4) at Butler (6-7) – 2PM EST, ESPN3

This should be a typical close, hard-fought Horizon league contest. Butler has been better of late, but easy wins are foreign to the Bulldogs and Milwaukee is formidable.

Prediction: Butler 67, Wisconsin Milwaukee 62

Rice (6-4) at Texas (9-3) – 2PM EST, LHN

Rice pulled off the so-called upset at Texas A&M a little over a week ago and looks to repeat that feat in Austin. Texas is quite vulnerable this year, so this could get interesting.

Prediction: Texas 81, Rice 77

Utah State (8-5) at Mississippi State (12-2) – 3PM EST

The Bulldogs are coming off a tough loss at Baylor and might be a bit hung over. Utah State’s balanced attack could give the SEC squad some problems.

Prediction: Mississippi State 75, Utah State 70

St. Joseph’s (10-3) at Harvard (10-1) – 4PM EST

This should be one of today’s better games. Harvard is legit and St. Joe’s is under the radar and better than most think. Hopefully, bad karma steers clear of coach Phil Martelli.

Prediction: St. Joseph’s 74, Harvard 71

UCLA (6-6) at California (11-3) – 4PM EST

The Bruins have looked a tad bit better of late and Cal is just hard to figure out. So, this game is hard to figure. It will also be tough to take anything of substance from the result, since the Pac-12 has been a disaster this season.

Prediction: California 69, UCLA 67

Illinois (12-2) at Purdue (11-3) – 4PM EST, ESPN2

An evenly matched Big 10 battle here. Robbie Hummel is back for the Boilermakers, leading the way with 17.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Prediction: Purdue 72, Illinois 66

Creighton (10-2) at Wichita State (9-2) – 6PM EST, ESPNU

Creighton is coming off a home loss to Missouri State and now has another very tough MVC task at the at least as dangerous Shockers. Wichita State has not lost since November.

Prediction: Wichita State 83, Creighton 78

Ohio State (13-1) at Indiana (12-1) – 6PM EST, ESPN2

Assembly Hall is a tough place to play a pretty good team, which the Hoosiers are. And, yes, Indiana beat then #1 Kentucky under similar circumstances, but the Buckeye’s experience and familiarity should be the difference here.

Prediction: Ohio State 79, Indiana 73

Saint Louis (11-1) at New Mexico (10-2) – 6PM EST, MTN

Saint Louis played very well early in the season and New Mexico is playing very well lately. Should be a good one between two teams who figure to be factors in March.

Prediction: New Mexico 80, Saint Louis 78

Gonzaga (10-2) at Xavier (9-3) – 8PM EST, ESPN2

This one is all about whether Xavier has regrouped from the big brawl versus Cincinnati. Dezmine Wells will be back, joining Holloway and Lyons from suspension. The Zags, as always, will be a good test.

Prediction: Xavier 67, Gonzaga 64

Oregon (10-3) at Washington (7-5) – 10PM EST, ESPN2

Another match-up of hard to figure also-rans in the Pac-12. But, the bet here is that the conference will get two to three NCAA Tournament bids, so this may be worth watching.

Prediction: Washington 76, Oregon 75

What are your thoughts on today’s games?

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