Here is a College Basketball Week 11 Preview, with a focus on the midweek games. This includes Big Ten matchup of Michigan State at Illinois, PAC-12 matchup of Arizona at UCLA and a Big East clash of Providence at Xavier.
(10) Michigan State at (24) Illinois
Michigan State
Michigan State has the opportunity to keep building towards the ability to win the Big Ten regular season title against Illinois. Furthermore, the point guard combination of A.J. Hoggard and Tyson Walker has elevated the play of the Michigan State offense. The improved play of Joey Hauser has added to to their offense and rebounding capabilities. Additionally, Max Christie is the key for Michigan State to elevate to the next level with his shot making ability. Michigan State will need to contain Kofi Cockburn in this matchup with Marcus Bingham stepping along with Malik Hall.
Illinois
If Illinois is going to beat Michigan State it will need Kofi Cockburn to do it. Therefore, his health will be imperative in this matchup. Now, the guard play of Illinois must play at a high level with the sharp shooting of Trent Frazier and Alfonso Plummer. Andre Curbelo is key here, as Illinois will be needing him to be an efficient player off the bench and showcase his playmaking ability. The play of Damonte Williams will also be very important because of his defensive ability on Max Christie.
Illinois with Kofi Cockburn will come away with a major win over Michigan State at home being led by their backcourt.
Matchup to Watch: Trent Frazier vs. Tyson Walker
Prediction: Illinois – 68, Michigan State – 62
(4) Arizona at (7) UCLA
Arizona
Arizona has the opportunity to showcase their level and potential against UCLA on the road. First off, the guard play of Arizona has been sensational with Benedict Mauthrin with his scoring and play making ability. Kerr Kriisa’s shot making ability will be very important. Next, the interior play of Arizona has been very good with Christian Koloko and Oumar Ballo emerging with an interior presence. Furthermore, Azuolas Tubelis has the ability to stretch the defense and brings a skill level for Arizona. The offensive capabilities for Arizona are at an elite level and will look to keep that going against UCLA.
UCLA
UCLA has the ability to reestablish themselves as the premier team in the league against Arizona. Now, it begins with the offensive ability of Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez. Continued, the level of play for Tyger Campbell will be important on both ends throughout this game. Having a third offensive option for UCLA is important with Jules Bernard and David Singleton. The interior play for UCLA must be very good with Myles Johnson and Cody Riley. The UCLA defense must play at a high level against Arizona throughout to win this game.
Arizona’s offensive firepower will be on display and will lead them to the road win over UCLA.
Matchup to Watch: Benedict Mauthrin vs. Johnny Juzang
Prediction: Arizona – 77, UCLA – 73
(17) Providence at (21) Xavier
Providence
Providence is off to a tremendous start in Big East play and will look to continue that on the road at Xavier. First off, the play of Nate Watson is the key because of his dominance inside and consistency for the Providence offense. Al Durham provides consistency on both ends with his solid scoring and defense on the basketball. The depth of having Jared Bynum and Ed Croswell has been a very effective part to Providence’s success. The health of A.J. Reeves is vital because he adds another element for Providence offensively with his scoring ability.
Xavier
Xavier has a tremendous opportunity against Providence to get back on track. The front court play for Xavier must be great against Nate Watson needing Zach Freemantle and Jack Nunge to use their ability to stretch the floor. Next, the play of Paul Scruggs is key with his ability to attack and distribute to others. Also, Colby Jones must be efficient and solid on both ends for Xavier throughout. The shot making of Adam Kunkel off the bench can be very impactful for Xavier.
Xavier is going to a very good win at home against Providence being led by Colby Jones and Adam Kunkel.
Matchup to Watch: Nate Watson vs. Zach Freemantle/Jack Nunge
Prediction: Xavier – 73, Providence – 67
Images Courtesy of 247 Sports, TOM BREW
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