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NCAA Basketball Weekend Predictions: Who will wreak havoc on top-25 opponents?

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 25: Mike White the head coach of the Florida Gators gives instructions to his team during the game Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 25: Mike White the head coach of the Florida Gators gives instructions to his team during the game Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 08: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers watches during Virginia’s game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at John Paul Jones Arena on January 8, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 08: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers watches during Virginia’s game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at John Paul Jones Arena on January 8, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /

Sunday’s slate

Boston College (13-6) at Louisville (14-4)

How to watch: 12:00 p.m. on ACC Network

Boston College has already upset Duke this year. Will they add another victim to their list? Probably not, but it is a game worth watching early on Sunday. Louisville has work to do to make their NCAA Tournament bid a lock but they are in good shape thanks to their recent play. That could all be for naught, though, if they drop this one at home. Boston College is coming off of a solid win over Florida State and could play spoiler once again. Prediction: Louisville 72, Boston College 63.

No. 25 Miami (13-4) at NC State (12-6)

How to watch: 12:00 p.m. on ACC Network

Speaking of teams who have already beaten Duke, NC State is looking to snag another high-quality win. The Wolfpack have a lot of work to do to reach the NCAA Tournament but they are not out of the running quite yet. If they can hold firm at home against Miami, their odds will shoot up. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are on the verge of dropping out of the AP top-25. They have lost back-to-back games and three of their last four. This is a big opportunity to get back on track and get a solid road win. Prediction: NC State 78, Miami 72.

Loyola-Chicago (15-4) at Valparaiso (11-9)

How to watch: 4:00 p.m. on ESPNU

In a mid-major afternoon feature, Loyola-Chicago will have a tough road matchup against Valparaiso. The Missouri Valley is a complicated conference at the top thanks to the departure of Wichita State and the parity is welcomed. Just about every game in the conference has an impact on the standings near the top and it is fun to watch. The MVC could fairly well be the most fun league to watch on any given night. Prediction: Loyola-Chicago 69, Valparaiso 61.

No. 2 Virginia (16-1) at Wake Forest (8-9)

How to watch: 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU

Along with Purdue and Villanova, Virginia has emerged as one of the best teams in the nation this season. They are as excellent on defense as normal and have improved their offensive output. This should be a win for the Cavaliers but you never know what can happen on the road in college hoops. We’ve seen Wake Forest play some inspired ball at times this season and an upset is worth watching for in the last game to watch of the weekend. Prediction: Virginia 62, Wake Forest 48.

Next: Latest Bracketology field (Jan. 14)

This weekend will no doubt shake up the college basketball landscape. This has been a year with tons of parity in the sport thanks to several upsets and success stories. We have entered the time of the season where teams need to take note of their potential NCAA Tournament resumes. Who will add a quality victory to theirs over the next few days?

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