Bracketology 2020: Xavier/DePaul, Wisconsin/Minnesota top matchups

Bracketology 2020: Xavier/DePaul, Wisconsin/Minnesota among top matchups

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 12: Josh Perkins #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs brings the ball up the court after stealing the ball from Tanner Krebs #00 of the Saint Mary's Gaels during the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Nick Rakocevic #31 of the USC Trojans (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

8. Iowa (16-6, 7-4) at Purdue (12-10, 5-6) – Wed, Feb 5

The Boilermakers are right on the cut line, either barely in or out depending on which projected Bracketology you see. They survived Northwestern on the road last weekend, so they could really use a win over a solidly in Hawkeyes squad to boost their resume.

As for Iowa, they control their destiny when it comes to what seed they want to get. Based on their upcoming schedule, the Hawkeyes absolutely could win the next five games before going to Michigan State, boosting their prospects at a protected seed, along with finishing towards the top of the Big Ten standings. Purdue is very tough at home but are they tough enough to deal with National Player of the Year candidate Luka Garza?

7. USC (17-5, 6-3) at Arizona (15-6, 5-3) – Thurs, Feb 6

Perception-wise, things two teams are viewed pretty similar on the court. Both have plenty of talent overall and are led by freshman stars. Yet the NET rankings are completely different, with the Wildcats in the top-10 and the Trojans outside of the top-40. That can prove the difference if either team goes on a losing streak this month, with USC much closer to the bubble than Arizona is.
USC will be on the road this week at both Arizona and Arizona State. A loss to the Sun Devils would sting but not too bad, meaning that a 1-1 split this week, either way, would work for the Trojans resume. As for Arizona, they exercised their road demons with wins at Washington and Washington State. This is a good time for them to make a run and avoid being in that 8-9 seed range.

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