(11) Butler at St. John’s
Butler will look to begin Big East play with a big road win at St. John’s. The play of the backcourt has been exceptional with Kamar Baldwin and Aaron Thompson becoming one of the best backcourts in the country. Further, the tone is set on the defensive end with the on-ball pressure given by Thompson. Sean McDermott must continue to show the ability to score the basketball, more than just as a shooter. Bryce Nze has continued to produced well inside and will be a key player against St. John’s. The play of Derrik Smitts elevating could give St. John’s trouble inside.
As for St. John’s, L.J. Figeroua must lead the way and has a great matchup against the Butler wings to have a big game. Also, Julian Champagne will have a major impact in this game is responsible for containing Baldwin with his size. In addition, Nick Rutherford will need to have a solid game as well to keep the Butler backcourt contained. The spark for St. John’s can be Rasheem Dunn who has the ability to get hot. The defensive mentality of Butler will be too much for St. John’s to handle.
Prediction: Butler 61 St. John’s 54
Georgetown at Providence
Now, with Georgetown, they have found ways to win even with limited depth. The play of Yurtseven sets the tone with his scoring ability inside to attract the defense. As well as, the fire and passion that Mac McClung consistently brings are vital to their success with his scoring. Further, the play of Terrell Allen has been exceptional for Georgetown with his defense, leadership and ability to score his prescience will be key against Alpha Diallo. In addition, the versatility of Jamorko Pickett will be important in this game against the Providence front line. Providence is desperate for a good start to Big East play and will find a way over Georgetown.
Prediction: Providence 63 Georgetown 58
Marquette at Creighton
The scoring between Marquette and Creighton will be electric in this matchup. To start with Creighton, the backcourt play with Marcus Zegarowski and Tyshon Alexander has been phenomenal with their ability to score the basketball. Next, the emergence of Denzel Mahoney off the bench has been a major boost for Creighton. In addition, Mitch Ballock will have an opportunity to stretch the defense against the Marquette wings. Also, the play of Damien Jefferson will be crucial against Theo John inside. Creighton’s defense will need to do a solid job containing Markus Howard.
As for Marquette, they might need 40 points from Markus Howard to win this game against Creighton. The defense of Marquette will be crucial in containing the backcourt of Creighton. Also, they must dominate inside to have a chance with John and Ed Morrow. Also, the wings will need to play well on both ends with Jamal Cain and Sacar Amin. The explosive defense of Creighton’s offense at home will be too much for Marquette.
Prediction: Creighton 88 Marquette 80
Illinois at (14) Michigan State
I llinois will have a massive opportunity to come away with a huge Big Ten win against Michigan State. The play of Ayo Dosunmu will be vital with him setting the tone offensively and defensively with containing Cassius Winston. Furthermore, Illinois needs to have a big performance from Kofi Cockburn and Giorgi Bazhanishville against Michigan State’s front line. Also, Trent Frazier will need to be able to make big shots in this game. The bench factor in this game for Illinois will be Alan Griffin with his size to match up against Aaron Henry.
Michigan State must send a message with this win to the Big Ten. Cassius Winston must start to play like the player of the year he is capable of being. Along with, Aaron Henry elevating his game on both ends to give Michigan State that production needed badly. Continued, Xavier Tillman needs to have a great game against the physicality of Cockburn. As well as, getting additional scoring from Rocket Watts and Kyle Ahrens to help out Winston. Michigan State will come through to get a big win over a solid Illinois team.
Prediction: Michigan State 75 Illinois 68
(4) Oregon at Colorado
Colorado has a great opportunity to get a great win over the PAC 12 favorites in Oregon. First off, the point guard play of McKinley Wright will need to be great against Payton Pritchard for Colorado to win. Also, the versatility will be huge for Tyler Bey against an Oregon perimeter that has great size. Next, D’Shawn Schartwz will need to score at a high level and play good defense against Chris Duarte limiting his outside shooting. In addition, Evan Battey will need to have a massive game against the size of Oregon inside. In addition, the bench of Colorado will need to match the production from Oregon.
As for Oregon, Pritchard will need to lead the way for Oregon in this matchup. As well as, Chris Duarte will need to make perimeter jumpers on a consistent basis. In addition, Anthony Mathis has the ability to stretch the defense on a consistent basis. The interior for Oregon needs to have a big game with Chandler Lawson, CJ Walker and Francis Okoro having big games. Colorado will get a big game from their backcourt and beat Oregon.
Prediction: Colorado 79 Oregon 76
Images Courtesy of, 247 Sports, Basketball Society, Providence College Athletics
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