Here is a College Basketball Midweek Preview Week 9 of the best games of the week. This includes Big 12 matchups of Texas Tech at Baylor, Iowa State at Kansas and an SEC clash of Auburn at Alabama.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech is coming off a statement win against Kansas without Terrance Shannon Jr. and Kevin McCullar. First off, their ability to slow down the dynamic offense of Baylor will be a difficult task. Now, the energy and scoring of Clarence Nadolny will be needed for Texas Tech. Bryson Williams has emerged inside and will need to produce against the Baylor bigs. If Kevin McCullar returns this will give Texas Tech a major boost on the offensive end brining stability to the offense. Texas Tech’s ability to handle the Baylor defense will be key throughout.
Baylor
Baylor has proven up to this point in the season that they are the best team in the country. Now, this starts with the backcourt play of James Akinjo being a very good distributor and Adam Flagler becoming a go-to scorer for Baylor. Additionally, having the depth of L.J. Cryer and Jonathan Tchatchoua off the bench shows the capabilities of Baylor as a whole. The versatility on the wings with Kendall Brown and Jordan Sochan adds to their transition game and defensively.
Baylor’s ability to be elite on both ends with the play of James Akinjo will lead Baylor to the win over Texas Tech.
Matchup to Watch: Bryson Williams vs Jonathan Tchatchoua
Prediction: Baylor 77 Texas Tech 68
Iowa State
Iowa State is coming off a loss to Oklahoma and has another tough road game at Kansas. Now, it will start with their ability to defend Kansas in the half court. Being able to slowdown the scoring of Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun. The backcourt for Iowa State must be great with Tyrese Hunter and Izaiah Brockington. If others can step up for Iowa State they will have an opportunity on the road at Kansas.
Kansas
Kansas is coming off a loss on the road at Texas Tech looking to bounce back against Iowa State. First off, David McCormack must be reestablished for Kansas to open up the rest of their offense. Additionally, the play of Christian Braun and Ochai Agbaji has been elite needing that to continue. As well as, having the versatility of Jalen Wilson being consistent is key for Kansas. Remy Martin must continue to fit within the Kansas offense and have his moments when necessary.
Kansas will have a major bounce back performance against Texas Tech being led by Remy Martin in this game.
Matchup to Watch: Tyrese Hunter vs Remy Martin
Prediction: Kansas 75 Iowa State 65
Auburn
Auburn is playing as well as any team in the country and arguably has the best offense in college basketball. This starts with the versatility and skill level of Jabari Smith. As well as having one of the toughest guards in the country with K.D. Johnson on both ends. The shot making ability of Wendell Green and Allen Flanigan adds to the depth of Auburn. Also, the front court of Jaylin Williams and Walker Kessler has been extremely good for Auburn. The pace of Auburn makes them one of the best teams in the country.
Alabama
Alabama has a major opportunity to show what kind of team they are despite their inconsistencies. Now, the play of Jaden Shackleford sets the tone with his shot making ability. As does the play of Jahvon Quinerly who’s pace and finishing is key for Alabama. The play of Keon Ellis is going to be key defensively and being elite in transition for Alabama. The bench play of J.D. Davison and Noah Gurley will need to be good for Alabama to have a chance in this game.
Auburn will go on the road and come away with a great win over Alabama being led by K.D. Johnson.
Matchup to Watch: Jaden Shackleford vs K.D. Johnson
Prediction: Auburn 88 Alabama 84
Images Courtesy of, CJ Moore, Lawrence Journal-World
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