College Basketball Week 9 Midweek Preview

Louisville is looking for a big bounce-back win after a disappointing loss to Miami on Saturday. The backcourt will need to carry Louisville with Carlik Jones being the go-to guy. Additionally, David Johnson needs to play at a high level in this game on both sides of the floor. The emergence of Jae’Lyn Withers has been huge and will need to bring his physicality and rebounding. They will need to have consistency from Samuell Williamson and to defend the Florida State perimeter effectively. Also, depth will be very important for Louisville moving forward and in this game against a deep Florida State team.

As for Florida State, the ability to have any guy step up is huge for their success. Further, the versatility of RaiQuan Gray is massive for Florida State with his ability to bring up the ball and bringing physicality inside. The ability for Balsa Koprivica to play well will be key against Jae’Lyn Withers handling his physical play. Now, the depth for Florida State will be massive in this game against a short-handed Louisville squad. Overall, the speed and tempo of Florida State will get the big win on the road at Florida State.

Now, the defense of Baylor has been terrific and should be very prepared to handle the perimeter of Kansas. Furthermore, the ability for Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell to defend dribble penetration will be key. Continued, the ability for Baylor to defend Jalen Wilson will be important needing MaCio Teague to deliver. The overall ability for Baylor to score in a variety of ways will make them difficult for Kansas to defend them. Furthermore, the growth of Adam Flagler off the bench makes great this team even more efficient.

For Kansas, their ability to defend ball screens with Jared Butler will be a major factor in winning this game. Also, they will need David McCormick to be at his best and give Kansas easy scoring opportunities. Additionally, Jalen Wilson needs to be consistent in this game giving Kansas a go-to guy who’s tough to defend. Getting Ochai Agbaji to make a major factor on both ends and Christian Braun to make key shots will be vital. The most important player for Kansas will be Marcus Garrett defending Jared Butler throughout the game. The ability for Baylor to be very good on both ends will be too much for Kansas to handle.

Both of these two teams come into this game having shown the ability to score at a high level. As for LSU, the frontcourt size will be really important to dominate the paint with Darius Days and Trendon Watford. Continued, Cam Thomas is one of the best guards in the country and his shot-making is elite will need to be huge in this game. Next, the physicality of Ja’Vonte Smart will be really important to cause havoc on the Alabama guards. LSU’s ability to defend the high potent offense of Alabama will be vital to their chance of winning.

Moving forward with Alabama, they are playing as well as anyone in the SEC. Now, this begins with their commitment to the defensive end and buying in. Furthermore, John Petty and Herbert Jones have the ability to cause major problems for the LSU perimeter. Next, the shot-making of John Petty and Jaden Shackleford will be really important for Alabama. Next, the ability for Herbert Jones to get in the lane will be key. The ability of Alabama to defend the paint will be important for them to win this game. Along with, having Keon Ellis and Jahvon Quinerly being dynamic off of the bench. The ability for Alabama to get more stops will be the reason they will defeat LSU.

Two of the best teams in the Big Ten are going at looking keeping pace within the league. For Purdue, the play of Trevion Williams has been really good and will have a massive matchup against E.J. Liddell. Furthermore, the perimeter play will continue to be important with Brandon Newman and Eric Hunter being very confident. Continued, the three-point shooting of Sasha Stefanovic against Justin Ahrens will be momentum swingers in this game. Also, depth will be big in this game with Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey will be massive for Purdue to win this game. Offensively, Purdue is playing in a great flow and will need that to continue against Ohio State.

As for Ohio State, they will need E.J. Liddell to continue to be special on both sides of the ball against Trevion Williams. Along with, getting the consistent energy and effort from Kyle Young in a physical battle upfront. The three-point shooting of Justin Ahrens is game-changing and will be needed for Ohio State throughout. The versatility of Justice Sueing will be a major part, especially on the defensive end. Again, depth will play a big role for Ohio State to win this game with Seth Towns and Zed Key. The overall difference will be Liddell’s ability to make big plays down the stretch.

Villanova is just returning due to COVID. Justin Moore will be important with his scoring ability and his ability to defend. Continued, Caleb Daniels brings great stability for Villanova providing key shots, rebounding, and defense. The play that will be the biggest is key Jeremiah Robinson-Earl inside and his mid-range game against Seton Hall stretching their defense.

Seton Hall needs to have their best defensive performance to handle Villanova. Now, they will need to have a really good game Jared Rhoden is all aspects. As well as, Myles Cale playing with stability going against Collin Gillespie. Also, Sandro Mamukelashvili will be very important to use his size against the Villanova wings to get to the basket. The interior defense of Ike Obiagu and Tyrese Samuel could be a big factor for Seton Hall to have an opportunity to win. Overall, Villanova will be ready to go and the offense will be too much for Seton Hall to keep up with.