Texas Tech vs (1) Louisville
Texas Tech has an opportunity to get back on track with this high-level matchup against Louisville. They will need Jahmi’us Ramsey to be healthy to give them that additional scoring and defense on the perimeter. Also, Davide Morretti will need to take advantage of the mismatch against Darius Perry and Fresh Kimble. In addition, Chris Clarke will need to have a major presence in guarding Jordan Nwora and the interior of Louisville. They will be getting big-time shots made by Terrance Shannon and Kyler Edwards.
With Louisville, they are the best team as of right now and that starts with Jordan Nwora who is dynamic on offense and is capable of defense. Next, Steven Enoch has been a major force inside for Louisville and will have a good matchup inside. Further, the play of Darius Perry and Fresh Kimble will be key in being in control of ball-handling duties. Also, Ryan McMahon will need to make big shots to stretch the Texas Tech defense. Furthermore, Dwayne Sutton and Malik Williams add additional toughness and consistency for Louisville. Louisville will impose their talent and consistency on Texas Tech in this matchup.
Prediction: Louisville 65 Texas Tech 55
(4) Maryland at Penn State
Maryland is coming off a close win to Illinois and now has to go on the road to Penn State. Next, the battle inside for Jalen Smith will be important against Mike Watkins who is playing at a very high level. Furthermore, Donta Scott will play a major role in guarding Lamar Stevens and keeping him contained. Also, the backcourt of Maryland has the ability to impose their talent in this game. Anthony Cowan’s veteran prescience will be vital as he needs to continue his success. Furthermore, the versatility of Darryl Morsell and Eric Ayala will be a major help on both ends in this game.
Penn State is coming off a beat down from Ohio State. In order for Penn State to win this game, they will need big games from Mike Watkins and Lamar Stevens. Furthermore, Myles Dread will need to have a very solid game against the Maryland backcourt. In addition, it will take a very solid defensive approach from Penn State containing their perimeter. As well as, getting production off the bench in Izaiah Brockington. Maryland has let teams hang around and will get upset by Penn State.
Prediction: Penn State 69 Maryland 65
(18) Butler at (11) Baylor
These two teams have been very impressive to start off the season. First off with Butler, their team has been very solid all around. The play of Kamar Baldwin leads the way offensively and is a veteran to play through. In addition, Aaron Thompson is really good on the perimeter defensively and is making shots. Further, Bryce Golden and Bryce Nze must keep up the production and help contain Freddie Gillespie and Tristan Clark. The key in this game could be the play of Jordan Tucker and Sean McDermott making key perimeter jumpers.
For Baylor, their success has started with the backcourt. This is led by Jared Butler who has played extremely well on both ends with the help of MaCio Teague and Davion Mitchell. The emergence of Freddie Gillespie has been key for Baylor as Tristan Clark hasn’t been himself yet. The depth of Baylor will be key with Mark Vital and Devonte Bandoo. Baylor has more depth and scoring that will prevail in them against Butler.
Prediction: Baylor 73 Butler 66
Iowa at Iowa State
The battle for the state of Iowa will be an offensive showdown. To start with Iowa, their start has been all about Luka Garza who has played as an All-American to this point. Joe Wieskcamp must start to shoot the ball way better to be that great scorer. In addition, Jordan Bohannon will need to have a very solid game and his counterpart Tyrese Haliburton will be hard to match his production. Also, Connor McCaffery will need to be good on the boards alongside Luka Garza. As well as, getting production from the bench with Ryan Kriener and Joe Toussaint.
For Iowa State, Tyrese Haliburton is the show for Iowa State with his ability to score and distribute greatly. The perimeter alongside him with Prentiss Nixon and Rasir Bolton must make shots and contain Iowa’s perimeter. In addition, the frontcourt must show up against Luka Garza starting with Michael Jacobson and Solomon Young. Further, the x-factor could be George Conditt who brings really good energy for the interior. Iowa State, will get the job done with the better backcourt and containing Garza.
Prediction: Iowa State 84 Iowa 80
Connecticut at Indiana
This game will be key for the growth of both of these programs need it. To start with Connecticut, the perimeter has played well this season with Christian Vital and Alterique Gilbert being their best versions. Further, Tyler Polley has been a key spark to the wing with his shot-making and defense. Now, the key for Connecticut in this game will be containing Trayce Jackson-Davis. Therefore, John Carlton will need to play at his best in containing his production along with Akok Akok. The bench could be key as well with the scoring of James Bouknight.
For Indiana, the Justin Smith and Trayce Jackson-Davis will be vital on the interior on both ends. Now, the scoring of Devonte Green will be vital as they need the scoring from the perimeter. As well as, Al Durham and Armaan Franklin will need to provide scoring and defense to match the play of Tyler Polley. The scoring and consistent role play of Connecticut will give them the edge against Indiana.
Prediction: Connecticut 71 Indiana 67
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