(1) Gonzaga vs (3) Iowa
This game will feature two teams who have the best offenses in college basketball. Now, the matchup to focus on in this game will be between Luka Garza and Drew Timme. These are two of the best bigs in college basketball and establishing post position throughout will be important to win their matchups. The perimeter matchups in this game will be loaded with Gonzaga’s guard setting up others and Iowa’s guard’s ability to score. Therefore, the 3-point shooting of Jordan Bohannon and C.J. Frederick will be a major factor for Iowa to win in this game. Additionally, the defensive pressure by Jalen Suggs and Joel Ayayi will be a major test for the Iowa backcourt. The most important player in this game could be Joe Weiskcamp with Gonzaga not having a true wing to match up with him. The defense will be crucial in this game and both teams must focus on that end of the floor to win this game. Overall, the ability for Gonzaga to get more stops than Iowa will lead them to a marquee win.
Matchup to Watch: Luka Garza vs Drew Timme
Prediction: Gonzaga 82 Iowa 78
(23) Louisville at (12) Wisconsin

It will be a major test for Louisville on the road at Wisconsin and they need their backcourt to be dynamic in this game. Furthermore, Carlik Jones and David Johnson provide so much for Louisville with scoring, passing and rebounding. Therefore, they will need to be at their best with the injuries to the frontcourt of Louisville. Dre Davis has emerged as another scoring option and can be an x-factor in this game. The Wisconsin guards of D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison bring consistency. Next, for Wisconsin Micah Potter and Nate Reuvers must take advantage of the limitations of Louisville’s frontcourt. The important player for Louisville will be Jae’Lyn Withers stepping up against the veteran frontcourt. Louisville has very good potential when healthy, but the Wisconsin frontcourt will be too much in this game.
Matchup to Watch: David Johnson vs D’Mitrik Trice
Prediction: Wisconsin 74 Louisville 67
Kentucky vs (22) North Carolina
This game is critical for Kentucky to get a win and move to 2-4 instead of 1-5 on the season. This will be a difficult game for the frontcourt in this game with North Carolina’s interior presence. Therefore, Olivier Sarr will need to continue to play at a high level and be very effective in the mid-range and on the boards. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson will need to step in this game providing that energy and ability to rebound. The perimeters in this game are very inexperienced and have shooting limitations for both teams. The matchup of R.J. Davis and Caleb Love against Terrance Clarke and B.J. Boston will be intriguing. As for North Carolina’s frontcourt, they must impose their physicality and dominance on the boards with Garrison Brooks, Day’Ron Sharpe and Armando Bacot giving Kentucky a long game. The shooting in this game will be something to monitor especially from three. Overall, the ability for North Carolina to control the glass will outlast Kentucky in a competitive game.
Matchup to Watch: Kentucky’s Rebounding vs North Carolina
Prediction: North Carolina 80 Kentucky 74
(9) Creighton at UConn
UConn has not been able to live up to the preseason expectations this far due simply because of the lack of games. However, this will be a massive opportunity to see where UConn is at against Creighton. Furthermore, the point guard battle in this game will be sensational with James Bouknight and Marcus Zegarowski. Additionally, Tyrese Martin is an important player for UConn giving them a true wing scorer and could match up with Denzel Mahoney. Next, the versatility in the frontcourt for Creighton will be a challenge for UConn to match up with. Furthermore, Christian Bishop’s ability to slip and have lob opportunities at the rim will be key for UConn to contain. Also, Mitch Ballock can be a game-changer with his 3-point shooting and will need UConn to contain him. The player for UConn who can be a major factor in this game is Andre Jackson with his athleticism to match up with the Creighton forwards. The versatility and scoring will be too much for UConn to match up within this game.
Matchup to Watch: Marcus Zegarowski vs James Bouknight
Prediction: Creighton 80 UConn 72
(13) Illinois at (19) Rutgers
Steve Piekell has this Rutgers team playing at a very high level right now. The growth of Ron Harper Jr. has been tremendous with his scoring ability and overall toughness he plays with. Jacob Young has brought very good stability to the backcourt with Geo Baker’s absence. The frontcourt of Rutgers has played very well with Myles Johnson and Cliff Omoryui. They will have a major test against Kofi Cockburn who’s playing extremely well. Next, the backcourt battle of Baker against Ayo Dosunmu will be very intriguing with their scoring ability. The freshmen of Adam Miller and Andre Curbelo for Illinois are game-changers who can have a tremendous impact. The ability for Rutgers to get more from Montez Mathis and Paul Mulcahy will be important in this game. Also, for Illinois Trent Frazier needs to play at a higher level giving a consistent scorer next to Ayo Dosunmu. The ability for Rutgers to throw many different defenders at Ayo Dosunmu will be really important in this game. The defensive identity of Rutgers and Geo Baker getting back to form will lead Rutgers to a win over Illinois.
Prediction: Rutgers 72 Illinois 68
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