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NCAA Basketball: Picks for Day 82 of the 2023-24 season

After a loaded schedule on Saturday, the schedule today has fewer games but is jammed packed with impact games.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Aundre Hyatt (5) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell
Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Aundre Hyatt (5) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Caleb McConnell | Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA

What a jam-packed day on Saturday and there were some crucial results. Maryland destroyed Nebraska and looks like they are going to make a huge run in the Big Ten. The Huskers have got to figure out how to stop getting hammered on the road. They are still in the field but need to get it figured out fast. Houston blew out Kansas State. Northwestern blew out Ohio State, Virginia blew out Louisville and Providence beat Georgetown on Ed Cooley day. Marquette beat Seton Hall, Iowa State beat Kansas in Ames and Butler beat Villanova. Richmond beat Dayton and takes over first place in the Atlantic 10. Washington blew out Utah and Oregon State blew out Arizona State. 

Yesterday in my picks I went 97-51. That brings my 81 day total to 2,349-928 overall. After a huge Saturday that saw over 150 games played the schedule today is a little lighter but there are still some huge games on the schedule. The top two teams in the country are in action along with three other ranked teams who are upset watch. This is the best time of the year because every game matters. Picks for day 82 January 28, 2024 are below,

UConn over Xavier

Wright State over IUPUI

Purdue over Rutgers

Florida Atlantic over North Texas

Canisius over Marist

Cleveland State over Robert Morris

Louisiana over Texas State

Youngstown State over Northern Kentucky

Saint Peter’s over Siena

Niagara over Manhattan

Fairfield over Quinnipiac

Louisiana Monroe over Arkansas State

SMU over Wichita State

UAB over Memphis

East Carolina over Temple

New Mexico over Nevada

There are a lot storylines in the games today. Can Purdue exercise some demons in New Jersey against Rutgers? Will Florida Atlantic be able to get whatever they want against North Texas? These are all questions that will be answered over the course of the day.

The other thing is will Memphis win and avoid a losing streak?  It is going to be an interesting day of hoops sandwiched in between some playoff football.