Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Preview of the 2018-19 Big 12/SEC Challenge

By Jason Kinander

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 21: K.J. Lawson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball as Talen Horton-Tucker #11 and Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones defend during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 21, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 21: K.J. Lawson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball as Talen Horton-Tucker #11 and Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones defend during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 21, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 09: Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives the ball on a fast break during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on January 09, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 09: Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives the ball on a fast break during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on January 09, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Florida vs TCU

The Florida Gators and TCU Horned Frogs, two teams with pretty high hopes entering the season, will face off in an intriguing battle in Fort Worth.

Both teams have experienced big losses, with TCU star guard Jaylen Fisher announcing that he will transfer, and Florida center Kevarrius Hayes being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.

But while both teams have experienced their own hardships this season, each team still has a chance to make an impact come March.

Florida is likely more of a bubble team, while TCU is firmly in the tournament, but both teams are top quality, and are very competitive and have been able to stay afloat in tough conferences.

The big matchup is Florida’s perimeter defense against TCU sophomore guard Kouat Noi. Noi has had a breakout season, and has stepped up huge shooting in the absence of Fisher. Noi is shooting near 50% from deep, and should have no problem putting up big numbers on Saturday.

If Florida can limit Noi, they’ve got a pretty good chance to come away with a win. Behind Noi and Desmond Bane there isn’t much else, so if Florida can cut its losses, they will come out on top.

However, I don’t think that happens. Noi has been too good lately, and TCU has been lights-out at home. Noi should thrive against Florida’s defense, and Alex Robinson and Bane should have plenty of opportunities to contribute.

I’m predicting a big TCU win, and a big game from Noi.

Prediction: TCU 81, Florida 67

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