No. 3 Maryland vs. Georgetown
The Hoyas aren’t exactly off to a hot start thanks to an upset loss at the hands of Radford, which came as bad news to a program hoping to challenge for the Big East title. But they couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to get things back on track than a match-up against the Terrapins. The match-ups to watch here are at the wings, where the Hoyas trot out Isaac Copeland and LJ Peak, one of which will likely be guarded by Maryland’s Jake Laymen. If freshman Diamond Stone can at least compete with GU’s size underneath, that should allow Laymen to take advantage and Melo Trimble to focus on his duties against D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera.
Prediction: Maryland 81, Georgetown 65
No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 5 Duke
This is our first heavyweight bout of the season, with two national title contenders facing off looking much different than they did on opposite sides of the Final Four bracket a year ago. Both are now more guard-heavy, though that’s not to say there isn’t low post talent to be seen on the floor. The winner should be decided by whoever shows the ability to string together three stops in a row late in the game, while also hitting their free throws. Regardless of outcome, I’d bet that this game tells us more about the winner than the loser.
Prediction: Duke 74, Kentucky 70
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Michigan State
Another big time match, but this one built a bit more on blue collar style than the flash that Duke and Kentucky can bring to the table. The Jayhawks are led by veterans all over the floor, while the Spartans are relying on a combination of experience and new coming talent to find their way through the season. The frontcourts could end up being a wash, but it’s in the backcourt that the most compelling dynamic exists. Can the Spartans keep up with Frank Mason III and Wayne Seldon?
Prediction: Kansas 79, Michigan State 72
No. 12 Arizona vs. Boise State
Transfer forward Ryan Anderson has looked everything that head coach Sean Miller said he could be. Boise State, on the other hand, has looked dodgy at best, losing to Montana and then allowing 81 points to Northern Arizona. So, while no one is actually expecting the Broncos to beat the Wildcats, it could be a chance for BSU to show the nation why they were considered to be SDSU’s closest competition in the Mountain West. For Arizona, it’s a chance to continue showing people why they are the Pac-12’s favorite.
Prediction: Arizona 86, Boise State 72
No. 6 Virginia vs. Bradley
Did anyone expect the Cavs to have already dropped one this season? To George Washington? This is not a bad program, at all, for Virginia to get back on the horse with. If they’re to get back on track this year, now is the time to do it. At some point, UVA is going to need to find offensive options outside of Malcolm Brogdon if they want to fulfill their potential.
Prediction: Virginia 83, Bradley 64
