No. 5 Kentucky vs. Arizona State: UK -13
This is the perfect kind of test for these young Wildcats, and John Calipari has said as much. The Sun Devils will throw our Savon Goodman on the inside who is one of the most physical players in the country, while point guard Tra Holder can be a bulldog as well. For UK, the key is to keep Alex Poythress as engaged as he was last time out, setting a season high with 21 points and 13 rebounds. ASU may be hot, but they’re not ready to walk into Rupp Arena and knock off UK, are they?
Prediction: Kentucky 77, ASU 62
No. 25 Utah vs. Wichita State: WSU -2.5
Now that the Shockers have point guard Fred Van Vleet, it’s easy to see why this line is what it is. However, when we look at the matchup, something immediately jumps out: WSU has no one that will be able to deal with Utah center Jakob Poeltl, and the emergence of Jordan Loveridge’s three-point shot has the Utes feeling good. Being played in Wichita certainly helps, but this is an experienced Utah team led by one of the most under appreciated coaches in the country.
Prediction: Utah 69, Wichita State, 67
No. 3 North Carolina vs. Texas: UNC -6
These Tar Heels sure do look ready for the prime time, as the return of Marcus Paige has people in Chapel Hill talking about a title once again. Given their frontcourt strength, and the fact that UT’s primary strengths are inside (besides Isaiah Taylor), UNC looks to matchup quite favorably here. So why the credit for Texas by the line? We’ll see how Joel Berry can slow down Taylor, but this looks like another statement game for the Heels.
Prediction: UNC 84, Texas 70
No. 12 Xavier vs. No. 23 Cincinnati: Xav -5
This is by far the best game of the day and is one of the country’s best hoops rivalries. First, let’s hope for no fights or gang signs being flashed on media row. When it comes to the game itself, the big question here is whether or not the Bearcats will be able to score enough points to keep up with Xavier. Trevon Bluiett has established himself as a real threat at the small/power forward spot, creating mismatches every night. I look for a big night from him. But can XU hang with Cinci on the boards and in the paint? That’s the question for them.
Prediction: Xavier 68, Cincinnati 64
