No. 25 Texas A&M vs. Texas
Are you ready for this rivalry to be renewed? Texas had dominated the series in the meetings leading up to 2012, when A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC and the two haven’t met since. That will chance tonight as the two face off at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas. Jalen Jones is back for the Aggies, adding to the fire power they’ve already got. But is Cameron Ridley ready to lead the Longhorns to a resume boosting win?
Prediction: Texas A&M 87, Texas 73
No. 18 UConn vs. Michigan
The Wolverines were boat raced by Xavier last weekend, while the Huskies have shown to be talented, but untested. The three-headed monster of Sterling Gibbs, Rodney Purvis, and Shonn Miller has been dynamic, and this is without Jalen Adams even fully asserting himself yet. Chris LeVert is going to need some help eventually in Ann Arbor.
Prediction: UConn 80, Michigan 73
No. 5 Kansas vs. No. 19 Vanderbilt
While the Jayhawks’ demolition of UCLA was impressive, it was the performance of Wayne Seldon that might give KU fans the most hope coming into this match-up with Vanderbilt, one of the most efficient offensive units in the country. If he continues that play, Kansas can stick with the hot shooting Commodores. If not, they could be playing catch up all afternoon.
Prediction: Kansas 84, Vanderbilt 80
No. 20 Wichita State vs. USC
It’s officially the Ron Baker show, as Fred Van Vleet will reportedly sit out the entire tournament. Here’s the dangerous thing for WSU: with USC’s upside, this could turn into a “good” loss later on in the year, or even a resume win. But it could just as well turn into a bad loss as things progress.
Prediction: USC 78, Wichita State 73
No 14 Cal vs. SDSU
So, it turns out that no, the Aztecs still can’t score consistently. That’s been their achilles heel in recent years and it hasn’t appeared to have changed this season. The Bears, on the other hand, are well balanced and look like a squad with as much grit and intensity on the defensive end as SDSU. This is a chance for Cal to let people on the West Coast know that they’re here and for real.
Prediction: Cal 74, SDSU, 65
