Weekend Picks

(6) Duke vs (7) Xavier (East Rutherford, NJ)

Defense will win this game. Sean Miller and Mike Krzyzewski are known for preaching defense. On paper Duke looks like the better but make no mistake, Xavier will be ready to play. It will be interesting to see what happens in the post. Xavier freshman center Kenny Frease has good size and is the x factor in this game. His battle with Brian Zoubek in the post could tip the balance of the game. Unfortunately for Xavier, Duke is playing well and is hitting on all cylinders.

Duke 81 vs Xavier 72

(9) Louisville vs Minnesota (Glendale, AZ)

Rick Pitino's team has been steamrolling the competition since their loss to Western Kentucky. Minnesota is a feel good story with their renaissance under the guidance of Tubby Smith. The Golden Gophers are undefeated but they face a tall task with mismatch forward Earl Clark. Clark should carry Louisville and will help create space on the perimeter for Jerry Smith, Edgar Sosa, and company.

Louisville 85 vs Minnesota 73

(19) Michigan State vs (5) Texas (Houston, TX)

Tom Izzo's Spartans have been underwhelming this year because of injuries to frontcourt players Goran Suton and prized freshman Delvon Roe. This has been a trying season but once they get healthy, MSU will be dangerous. Kalin Lucas on AJ Abrams will be a track race and if MSU loses Abrams in transition, then he could get 30. Dexter Pittman is going up against a thin frontcourt and is confidence has only been getting better.

Texas 79 vs Michigan State 70

Temple at Kansas

Normally this would be a Kansas rout but the world is rethinking Temple, especially after their domination of Tennessee last weekend. Guard Dionte Christmas is a marked man and will see a litany of defenders. If Kansas contains Christmas, then sophomore Cole Aldrich will be able to work in the post and collect a double double. Easier said then done, Temple will keep it close but Sherron Collins will win it for the Jayhawks.

Kansas 78 vs Temple 73

Arizona at UNLV

During a day of basketball throwdowns, this game is under the radar but could prove to be a classic. UNLV was the popular it team going into the season. Arizona was written off because of the program's turmoil and change after Lute Olsen's departure. UNLV is the home team and Wink Adams is a great talent but is in a tough matchup with Nic Wise. Chase Budinger will own the wing and budding star Jordan Hill will control the post. Or Arizona could continue their Jekyell and Hyde act and lose this game. I think the confidence because of the Gonzaga win will last.

Arizona 75 vs UNLV 73

(22) Davidson vs (13) Purdue (Indianapolis, IN)

I had a chance to see Stephen Curry play in the Jimmy V Classic two weeks ago. He was absolutely fantastic and won the game when he needed too. Purdue has more talent than West Virginia and they will put Chris Kramer on Curry and hope for the best. The rest of Davidson will have to deal with E'Twuan Moore and Robbie Hummel. In the post, the chiseled Andrew Lovedale will push around JaJuan Johnson but won't do the same against Nemanja Calasan. Purdue just has too much.

Purdue 78 vs Davidson 72

(2) Connecticut vs (8) Gonzaga (Seattle, WA)

Talent and more talent will be on the floor in Seattle. Jeremy Pargo goes up against AJ Price, Austin Daye against Jeff Adrien and Josh Heytvelt against Hasheem Thabeet. UConn junior Stanley Robinson is back from exile and may be a game or two away from being a factor. These two teams, no matter who wins or loses, will both be Final Four contenders in March. Pargo showed his weakness is a trapping zone. UConn will be all over him. Gonzaga will counter with scoring power and tough D. This could be the game of the day.

Gonzaga 84 vs Connecticut 83

(11) Syracuse at (23) Memphis

This game is actually easier to pick because of the recent news regarding Syracuse. Junior guard Eric Devendorf is suspended for the game and sophomore star Jonny Flynn is a game time decision with a hip injury. Without their starting backcourt, it will be a tall task for the 'Cuse to pull one out on the road. Memphis gets a quality win but with an asterisk.

Memphis 82 vs Syracuse 74

BYU at (20) Arizona State

Even if BYU, I don't think it would be an upset. They are on the cusp of being a Top 25 team and feature a star in forward Lee Cummard. Cummard will be locked in a scoring battle with NBA talent James Harden. The role players will decide this game and I like Jeff Pendergraph, Ty Abbott, and three point threat Rihards Kuksiks better than Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavernari.

Arizona State 78 vs BYU 70

UPSET OF THE WEEKEND

(3) Pittsburgh at Florida State

The Seminoles have height, a lot of height. Pitt's main inside threat, the uber talented DeJuan Blair, is a shade over 6-7. The Seminoles will use this size and hope that they can stop or at least contain the other part of the Pitt trio in Levance Fields and the pump fake king Sam Young. Freshman Chris Singleton will say hello to the country with a tremendous performance. If they win, consider Florida State a team that will finish in the top five of the ACC.

Florida State 68 vs Pittsburgh 66

Last Week: 4-1
Season: 4-1