Friday night was absolutely a bit slower than usual nights, but Saturday is going to deliver in a huge way!
Providence beat Creighton behind 24 from Val’s. This really damages the Bluejay’s at-large hopes.
Kent State wins a battle at the top of the MAC 87-84 in a really fun one in Kent!
Kansas beats Baylor by 18. Peterson with 26, Bidunga with a 23 point double double. I’m starting to think adding an NBA player made the Bears WORSE.
Dayton beats Loyola, and Ball State beats Ohio.
DePaul is off to a 3-4 start in Big East play, which doesn’t seem great, but for the Blue Demons, that’s amazing progress. Normally, they start like Marquette has… 1-7. This is Marquette’s worst start in Big East play ever.
Saturday’s Monumental Slate
I am covering two games today:
Ohio State vs. UCLA – 1:00, CBS, Columbus, OH
Northern Kentucky vs. Robert Morris – 7:00, ESPN+, Highland Heights, KY
Both of these games will have content throughout the day!
Early (12-1:30 tip off)
UConn @ Georgetown | Noon, FOX
The Huskies are a 1 seed right now and the Hoyas are currently well off the bubble. UConn is favored by 12.5.
Minnesota @ Illinois | Noon, BTN
Illinois is currently in the 3 seed area. Minnesota is well outside of the bracket, but at least under consideration for now. The Gophers need to stack some wins to get in the dance.
Virginia @ SMU | Noon, ESPN2
SMU continues to impress this year, currently in the tournament on the 8/9 line, which is above expectations. However, they’re going to face off with an extremely talented and physical Virginia Team who is fighting for a protected seed.
Kentucky @ Tennessee | Noon, ESPN
Rivalry Matchup, UK vs. UT, massive tournament implications! Tennessee comes in a bit underwhelming on the year, however, this is an opportunity to grab some momentum. For UK, they used a Laettner-esque buzzer beater to beat LSU this weekend.
Butler @ Seton Hall | Noon, TNT
Butler, once a bubble team, is now well off the bubble. However, Seton Hall is now pretty firmly in the bracket, currently protected in the 8/9 area. This is a must-win game at home for the Pirates.
Notre Dame @ Virginia Tech | Noon, ACCN
Notre Dame is clearly out of the tournament, however, Virginia Tech remains extremely bubbly. This is a game the Hokies have to win.
Georgia Tech @ NC State | Noon, The CW
The Wolfpack seem to have found some sort of life recently, and are currently projecting as a 9-10 seed. They’ll have their patience tested as Georgia Tech likes to play rockfights. NC State should win big.
Elon @ Hofstra | 12:00, CBSSN
Not a tournament matchup, however, this is huge in the CAA. Elon is 3-2, while Hofstra is 4-1. A Pride win and they’re rocking in CAA play!
Alabama @ Oklahoma | 1:00, SECN
The Tide travel to Norman to battle the bubble destined Sooners! Oklahoma is desperate for a good win, and this would qualify! It’ll be really interesting to see if Alabama can get their offense rolling here against a poor Sooner D. Alabama is a 3/4 seed currently.
UCLA @ Ohio State | 1:00, CBS
I will be in Columbus for this one! This is a monumental bubble battle and a key Big Ten matchup. Ohio State is favored by 3.5; both teams are on the outside of the projected field lookin in currently.
Buffalo @ Miami (OH) | 1:00, ESPN+
19-0 incoming for the Redhawks?! They should win, but Buffalo is solid, so this could be good!
Afternoon Slate (2:00-3:30 Tipoff)
Iowa State @ Cincinnati | 2:00, Peacock
Iowa State, fresh off their first loss of the year will now have to take on a competitive Cincinnati team. I expect ISU to win big, however, the talent is there for UC to compete. ISU is a 2 seed currently.
Florida @ Vanderbilt | 2:00, ESPN
UF is currently rolling, and has jumped up to a 5 seed. Vanderbilt is coming off their first loss of the year, but is yet to lose at home. This is a high-level matchup that should have a ton of eyes on it.
Bradley @ Illinois State | 2:00, ESPN2
Bradley is 6-2 and towards the top of the MVC. Illinois State thought they’d be really good this year especially in the MVC, but they’re just 4-3. Here’s a chance to change the momentum.
TCU @ Utah | 2:00, TNT
TCU will look to avoid a landmine in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Frogs are currently out of the field, but in the bubble picture!
Rutgers @ Wisconsin | 2:00, BTN
Wisconsin is hosting a Landmine here. Badgers are currently slotted as a 9 seed.
Bucknell @ Colgate | 2:00, ESPN+
This is a key Patriot league matchup, as Colgate has a game in hand over Bucknell right now, and will look to get to 5-1 in league play.
Iowa @ Indiana | 2:00, FOX
Bubble battle!! This matchup at Assembly Hall is vital for both team’s tournament hopes. Currently both are either last 4 in or first 4 out.
St. Thomas-Minnesota @ North Dakota State | 2:00, Summit Network
Battle of undefeated teams in the Summit League! Winner claims the spot in Monday’s Bracket update!
East Tennessee State @ Samford | 2:00, CBSSN
ETSU is 4-1 in conference play and is looking to get out to a huge lead in the SoCon. Samford is trying to keep pace at just 2-3 right now. Huge matchup in the SoCon!
Miami @ Clemson | 2:15, The CW
Suddenly, this is a matchup between two tournament teams, both of whom will look to improver their resume a good bit on Saturday. Clemson comes in projecting as a 5/6, while Miami is an 8/9.
Utah State @ Grand Canyon | 2:30, FS1
The Aggies are rolling this year, and are clearly the most impressive team in the MWC. However, playing at GCU is never easy, and this will be a fun, back and forth affair.
Quinnipiac @ Merrimack | 3:00, ESPN+
This isa huge MAAC matchup. Quinnipiac is 6-1 and leading the conference, but Merrimack is just 1 game behind them currently.
Missouri @ LSU | 3:30, SECN
Bubble battle!! This is, yet another bubble battle. Missouri is currently just out of the field, while LSU is barely hanging in the field. Both teams need a good SEC win and this presents great opportunity for both!
Evening Slate (4:00-6:30 Tips)
Arizona @ UCF | 4:00, ESPN
This battle between two tournament teams feels like a 1 vs. 8/9 type of matchup, just in January. UCF’s home court has already gotten Kansas this year, can the Knights kill the Wildcats?
Michigan @ Oregon | 4:00, NBC
Oregon doesn’t have Bittle or Shelstad. Wolverines should win by a ton here, as Oregon hasn’t looked great all year.
Nebraska @ Northwestern | 4:00, BTN
Can the Huskers remain undefeated, or will the wildcats play spoiler? I expect that Nebraska gets to 18-0, but this game could be closer than some expect. Nebraska, with a win, could find themselves on the 1 line come Monday.
UNC @ Cal | 4:00, ACCN
The Tar Heels are coming off a loss where they just couldn’tt close against a surprisingly good Stanford team. However, this Cal squad is no pushover. Wilson and Co. will need to come ready or this trip out west could be bad. UNC currently a 5/6, while Cal is out.
Arkansas @ Georgia | 4:00, ESPN2
Arkansas is coming off a dominant performance in their win over South Carolina, and they’re looking to keep pace at the top of the SEC. UGA just suffered an ugly buzzer beating loss at home to Ole Miss. Arkansas is looking to move toward the protected seed line, while UGA looks to stabilize, but a 9 currently.
Indiana State @ Murray State | 4:00, ESPN+
The top of the MVC right now, the Racers have raced out to a 7-0 start in conference play. Indiana State has been disappointing, but has proven they can upset some teams.
Richmond @ St. Louis | 4:00, CBSSN
This one’s interesting. I expect St. Louis to win, but this is the kind of matchup that could be very close for SLU.
Lamar @ Nicholls | 4:00, ESPN+
Nicholls is 7-1 in Southland play! Can they extend that out to 8-1 and really take the lead on the conference?
UT Arlington @ Utah Valley | 4:00, ESPN+
Key WAC matchup here! Both teams are 4-1 in conference play and will look to make it 5-1 in Orem on Saturday night.
Arkansas State @ Troy | 4:30, ESPN+
This matchup should be close, and is a battle to stay close in the Sun Belt. Troy is 5-1 currently while Arkansas State is just 1 game back at 4-2.
Lindenwood @ UT Martin | 4:30, ESPN+
Battle for the lead in the conference! The winner of this game will be my AQ on Monday’s update!
Wofford @ Furman | 5:00, ESPN+
Wofford is a game behind perennial favorite Furman right now, and the Terriers will look to turn that into a tie in the standings today in Greenville.
Purdue @ USC | 6:00, Peacock
Does Purdue continues to dominate? Do they let USC keep it close like they did Iowa? If they do, this is an upset opportunity in LA!
Duke @ Stanford | 6:00, ACCN
This is a really exciting matchup. Duke has played up and down this year, and Stanford is solid, especially at home. They’ve already gotten wins over Louisville and UNC this year.
Michigan State @ Washington | 6:00, BTN
Expect the Spartans to roll here. They’re pushing to the 2 line.
Wake Forest @ Florida State | 6:00, ESPN2
Wake Forest needs to go on a run, and this is the kind of game they cannot afford to lose if they’re gonna make a run at the tournament in March.
Texas A&M @ Texas | 6:00, ESPN
Texas is having an awesome two weeks. Can Sean Miller and co. keep it going? Winner of this matchup will be a 9/10 in the next projection, while the lower will be right on the cut line.
South Carolina @ Auburn | 6:00, SECN
Must-win for Auburn at home here. This South Carolina team just isn’t a loss you can afford as a team fighting to make the tournament.
Nighttime Tips (7:00-9:30)
Saint Mary’s @ Santa Clara | 7:00, ESPN+
The best game of the weekend in the WCC, this matchup is extremely intriguing. Right now, SMC is 6-0, while SC is 6-1. Winner of this is clearly right in the race with Gonzaga for tops in the conference! Santa Clara has to win this to have a tournament hope.
Bellarmine @ Eastern Kentucky | 7:00, ESPN+
This is a fun, regional matchup between two schools in Kentucky!
Robert Morris @ Northern Kentucky | 7:00, ESPN+
These two played on 12/29/25 with NKU winning by 2 after a furious comeback in the 2nd half. This one should be good! I’ll be at this one as well!
BYU @ Texas Tech | 8:00, ESPN
Game of the day! This features two elite teams in what should be an elite environment. TTU favored by 2.5 right now! BYU win = 2 seed, TTU win = 3 seed.
Louisville @ Pittsburgh | 8:00. ESPN2
Louisville has been on a steep skid recently. This is an opportunity to get away and beat a lesser opponent on their home court.
New Mexico @ San Diego State | 8:00, CBSSN
UNM is currently a 10/11 seed, while SDSU is right on the edge of the bracket. The winner will be a 10 seed, while the loser will be either last 4 in or first 4 out.
St. John’s @ Villanova | 8:00, Peacock
Villanova is favored by 1.5 here. Both teams are currently 6 seeds. The winner likely jumps up to a 5, especially SJU if they get a road win here. Loser will stay a 6.
Ole Miss @ Mississippi State | 8:30, SECN
Egg Bowl! There might be some long term bubble implications, but for now, both teams have a good deal of work to do to get there.
Hawai’i @ UC Santa Barbara | 9:00, ESPN+
This Is a key Big West matchup, with Hawaii currently 2 games ahead of the Gauchos. A UCSB win here and things will heat up, quick out West.
Montana @ Montana State | 9:00, ESPN+
Battle of the two state schools in MT, both of whom are 3-1 on the year and looking to grasp the Big Sky top spot!
Idaho @ Weber State | 9:00, ESPN+
Another matchup that should be very interesting in the Big Sky on Saturday night. Weber State looks to get to 5-1 in conference play here.
Late Night (Tip after 9:00)
Gonzagaa @ Seattle | 10:00, ESPN+
Seattle took Gonzaga to OT in Spokane. Now, they get them at their place. Gonzaga is also without Huff for the next 4-8 weeks, so that’s 17ppg they have to come up with. This is going to be very telling about how GU rebounds without their star big.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma State | 10:00, CBSSN
OKST has to win this one, this isn’t a good ink, but this is a bad loss if they lose. Currently the Cowboys are right on the edge of the bubble, but 1-3 in the Big 12 is starting to cast a shadow on their year.
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