I counted 96 games. That's what you do during 2:00 am baby feedings. You count shit. Sometimes literally. Anyway, with that many games there's always going to be a few that catch your interest and here are some games that have caught mine.
Minnesota vs. Michigan State 11 central.
These two clubs squared off a little over a week ago and the Gophers lost a close one 60-53. But if you watched the game, it looked like Minnesota outplayed MSU on their home floor. The Gophers outrebounded Sparty and had one more field goal, but only shot 7 free throws to the fighting Izzo's 21. If you're expecting Michigan State to get the same sorts of calls today, you're probably mistaken. It's not dissimilar to The General pulling a stripper's phone number. It's fool's gold brother. Look for the Gophers to get the outright win.
Iowa State vs. Kansas 1 pm.
This is a trap game for the Jayhawks and I'd be concerned as a Hawk fan because Iowa State has some athletes in their front court. Gilstrap, Brackins, and Laron Dendy are solid glass eaters that won't be overwhelmed on the backboards. Justin Hamilton gives the Cyclones five 6-11 fouls and Jamie Vanderbeken is another 7 foot type body that showed well in the Dawson Creek charity game. The question for ISU is how to contain Sheron Collins. If it were me I'd roll the dice and try to make him a jumpshooter and hope Craig Brackins' better is better than Collins' better. An off the court issue for KU is Tyshawn Taylor's winter of discontent , and it might be a distraction the kings of the sunflower state. The Oread Boom Kings have their own take about the state of Kansas basketball here. ISU has a shooters chance in this one especially if Collins has an off night.
Texas @ UCONN 3 pm.
If this game is played like a typical Big East game circa 1985, Texas will get beat while Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, and Pearl Washington do just enough on offense to win a 63 to 60 tilt. If Texas can channel its inner Tom Penders, BMW gets it done in convincing fashion.
Virginia @ Wake Forest.
Virginia and more importantly Tony Bennett, Jr., college basketball's Will Muschamp, has been laying in the weeds for about a week while preparing for the Deacs. WFU, on the other hand, was blown out by Duke and got a huge upset in Chapel Hill knocking off a wildly overrated Heel's club. It was a rollercoaster week and I'm not sure the Demon Deacons will be ready physically or emotionally for this one. As for X's and O's, if Virginia can control Wake point guard Ish Smith, they'll win. I suspect Bennett will have something for him today, and the Wahoos will roll.
Duke @ Clemson 7 pm.
After blowing out the Tigers a couple weeks ago at Cameron Indoor, the Devils are about to find out that the Clemson press is an entirely different animal at home. Duke doesn't have the type of guards that strike fear in a fullcourt pressure team, but the Devil's Kyle Singler and his ball handling at the 4 spot is an interesting weapon too unleash in your press offense. Look for the Tigers to account for this press breaking nuance this week and get the W at home against Duke.
What games will you be watching today and why?