Today’s Games To Watch: Virginia Tests Their Mettle at Cameron Indoor

It was an interesting day of college basketball, yesterday. Pittsburgh continued to plummet, Xavier played like the early season Xavier we came to know and love, Northwestern once again wished they were playing Horseshoes, and Syracuse continued to dominate, among other developments.

It’s January, so of course there are some more games worth watching on this Thursday. Let’s take a look:

#t26 Wisconsin (12-5, 1-3) at #t26 Purdue (13-4, 3-1) – 7PM ET, ESPN

As you can probably deduct from our Power 32 rankings, this is a pretty even Big Ten match-up. Wisconsin is the more desperate team, however. The Badgers have lost 3 of their first 4 league games, two at home, and 3 straight overall, which is unheard of in the Bo Ryan era. The Boilermakers have likely outperformed preseason expectations so far and are undefeated at home. Look for the team that needs it more to win it.

Prediction: Wisconsin 68, Purdue 66

Minnesota (12-5, 0-4) at #6 Indiana (15-1, 3-1) – 8PM ET, BTN

The Golden Gophers performed pretty well in their pre conference schedule, but it looks like it will be another long, long season for Tubby Smith. The Hoosiers are as tough of a home team as there is.

Prediction: Indiana 77, Minnesota 69

Oregon State (10-5, 1-3) at Arizona (11-5, 2-1) – 830PM ET, Root

Ahhh, it’s Thursday, so that means there are a bunch of Pac-12 games on the slate. Say what you want about the strength, or lack thereof, of the conference, but it sure is fun trying to predict what will happen in this unpredictable league. If there were ever a year of opportunity for Michelle Obama’s brother to prove his worth as a coach, in conference, you would think this would be the year. The season started reasonably well for the Beavers and with the Pac-12 as wide open as ever, high hopes arose. But, with a 1-3 league start, it looks like the same ole, same ole with this group. Things haven’t been much smoother for Zona, but track record tells us that they will be in the mix for the Pac-12 crown and a possible NCAA Tournament bid in a couple months.

Prediction: Arizona 71, Oregon State 64

#25 Virginia (14-1, 1-0) at #10 Duke (13-2, 1-0) – 9PM ET, ESPN

This is, without question, tonight’s most anticipated game. An ACC showdown, if you will. The Cavaliers – highly ranked by others – come into tonight’s game largely untested, especially on the road. UVA has won 12 straight, but besides a home win versus Michigan, none have been overly impressive. However, they have proven to be a stout defensive team and could give the Dukies some problems. The Blue Devils have been solid, with a big frontline, but inconsistent backcourt. But, as we know, Cameron Indoor Stadium can make that frontline seem even taller and that backcourt a bit more formidable.

Prediction: Duke 74, Virginia 69

Tennessee (7-7, 1-0) at #28 Mississippi State (13-3, 0-1) – 9PM ET, ESPN2

Tennessee has been up and down in coach Cuonzo Martin’s first year, but are coming off a surprising double-digit victory over Florida in their SEC opener. The Bulldogs are coming off a somewhat surprising double-digit loss at Arkansas in their SEC opener. So, it will be interesting to see if Tennessee can maintain their momentum or if Miss. St. can bounce back.

Prediction: Mississippi State 75, Tennessee 69

#18 Gonzaga (13-2, 3-0) at St. Mary’s (13-2, 4-0) – 11PM ET, ESPN2

The Zags have won 8 straight after losing two in a row to the Big Ten. The Gaels have won 5 straight since losing to Baylor on a neutral court and have been especially impressive at home. This WCC battle should be a close, entertaining game. A win by St. Mary’s would put them back in the national conversation.

Prediction: Gonzaga 84, St. Mary’s 81

What are your thoughts on today’s games?

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