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Saturday's Elite Eight
January 13, 2017
A look at the day's top eight college basketball matchups, ranked in order of most attractive.
SATURDAY, JAN. 14
Matchup Records Skinny Projection
Florida State
Overall: 16-1 SU, 10-5 ATS
ACC: 4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS
Totals: 8-7 O/U
North Carolina
Overall: 15-3 SU, 8-8 ATS
ACC: 3-1 SU, 1-2-1 ATS
Totals: 6-11 O/U
Florida State at North Carolina, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
A victory here would put the Seminoles two games up on every team in the ACC except Notre Dame, so continuing their unprecedented run in league play with a road upset here would put them on the fast track for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with two months left until Selection Sunday. FSU comes off one of the finest wins in program history, an 88-72 rout of Duke where they shot 57.5 percent in the second half, beating Duke in all phases. This is no fluke. The ‘Noles have a lottery pick in leading rebounder and shot blocker Jonathan Isaac, a 6-10 forward that grew eight inches in high school like Anthony Davis did and retained his guard skills. Xavier Rathan-Mayes has had a quiet season but led the way against Duke with 21 points, while top scorer Dwayne Bacon (17.8 ppg) is often flammable. Sophomore Terance Mann has played his best of late, and 7-footer Michael Ojo leads a stable of capable role players. The Tar Heels have a veteran team with considerably more big-game experience and will be in their comfort zone at home, but they’ve got injury concerns. Backup center Tony Bradley, a freshman standout, will be sidelined by concussion, a big blow softened only slightly be the fact Theo Pinson has returned after missing most of the season healing from a broken foot. Borderline first-round pick Justin Jackson (17.7, 4.9) and Kennedy Meeks (12.9, 9.7) will have to do the heavy lifting up front. UNC is perfect at the Smith Center this season, improving to 5-2 ATS after last Sunday's 107-56 rout of NC State. The Heels lost only once at home last season and won in Tallahassee 106-90 in its highest-scoring game.
North Carolina 85
Florida State 81
Saint Mary's
Overall: 15-1 SU, 8-4-1 ATS
West Coast: 5-0 SU, 3-2 ATS
Totals: 5-8 O/U
Gonzaga
Overall: 16-0 SU, 11-2 ATS
West Coast: 4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS
Totals: 7-6 O/U
Saint Mary's at Gonzaga, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Although they likely worked on some details of the game plan for this colossal WCC matchup, neither the Zags nor Gaels were caught looking ahead on Thursday night. Gonzaga hung a 93-55 beating on Loyola Marymount to remain the nation’s lone unbeaten, while Saint Mary’s was even more impressive in a 74-33 win at rested Portland. They led 37-9 at the break. The rematch will be held in Moraga on Feb. 11, and there’s probably going to be another in the WCC Tournament. Saint Mary’s won both regular-season meetings a year ago to win the title, but lost in the conference tourney championship game. Not surprisingly, the ‘Zags were able to speed up the pace in that final, while the other two were lower-scoring. Saint Mary’s employs the second-slowest tempo in the country and can lock you down defensively. Tune in for the point guard battle between Nigel Williams-Goss and Emmett Naar, but stay for the big man wars between SMC’s Jock Landale, Dane Prineau and Evan Fitzner against Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins. Gonzaga lost four games at home last season, a rarity in Spokane, so this one will be personal as they attempt to remain perfect. Gonzaga has beaten eight consecutive opponents by double-digits. Saint Mary's has done the same in nine straight since a 65-51 home loss to Texas-Arlington on Dec. 8. It should be noted that the only times this season that Gonzaga failed to cover the spread, the game went 'under.'
Gonzaga 65
Saint Mary's 63
Duke
Overall: 14-3 SU, 7-9 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 7-9 O/U
Louisville
Overall: 14-3 SU, 10-5 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 3-12 O/U
Duke at Louisville, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Blue Devils lost three straight in January last season, but ultimately rallied in a down year to follow up a national championship with a Sweet 16 appearance. They haven’t lost consecutive games since, but are in danger of doing so after a bleak effort in Tallahassee became the first setback since Jeff Capel took over for Mike Krzyzewski as he recovers from back surgery. Duke is 0-2 on the road in league play and in danger of falling under .500 in the conference this deep in for the first time since 2007, so we’ll see how resilient this group can be without Coach K. Currently, controversial guard Grayson Allen is taking the bulk of the criticism for his on-court extra-curriculars, but he’s actually being a good teammate by taking most of the heat off the true key to Duke’s success going forward, the continued emergence of freshmen Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles. With senior big man Amile Jefferson sidelined by a bone bruise in his foot, the kids must lead the charge. Duke can’t beat Louisville solely with Allen, Luke Kennard and Matt Jones firing from the perimeter. The Cards are too sound defensively and generate miscues with their pressure. Forward Deng Adel overcame a concussion and has been the x-factor of late, while guards Quentin Snider and Donovan Mitchell have been sound. Rick Pitino complained that his team isn’t “fundamentally sound” after it allowed Pitt to nearly come all the way back from a 24-point second half deficit thanks to Jamel Artis’ 43 points. It might help the ‘Ville to have suffered that near-collapse since it should ensure they’ll be locked in for the 40 minutes it’s going to take to win this one. This will be the only meeting barring an ACC Tournament matchup. Duke is 2-1 against the Cardinals since they joined the conference. The over has prevailed in its last four games.
Duke 78
Louisville 77
Xavier
Overall: 13-3 SU, 9-6 ATS
Big East: 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS
Totals: 7-8 O/U
Butler
Overall: 14-3 SU, 10-5 ATS
Big East: 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS
Totals: 6-7-2 O/U
Xavier at Butler, 2 p.m. ET, FS1
This is a huge game for the Bulldogs, who are in danger of falling two games back of Big East’s beasts if they falter at home. Fortunately, they’re 10-0 in Indianapolis, which includes a 9-0 mark at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. They’ll need a little home cooking to come into play against a Musketeers squad looking to avoid their fourth road loss in five games, having also remained perfect at home. Xavier is hoping to bounce back from a 79-54 loss at Villanova where it shot 29 percent and missed 26 of 32 3-pointers. The Muskies shot 57 percent in a 74-57 victory at Hinkle last season, handing Butler its last lost in its building, and has a three-game winning streak in the series. Butler hasn’t lost two straight since last January, a stretch of 30 games, and has shown off its resiliency by bouncing back from losses with takedowns of Creighton, Georgetown, Texas Tech, Cincinnati and Providence. That’s impressive. The key matchup here features terrific wings Kelan Martin (16.8, 5.5) and Trevvon Bluiett (17.3, 5.9), two of the top players in the Big East, squaring off. Both come off bad games, but Bluiett got the better of their duels last season as Martin shot just 33 percent against Xavier’s defense, averaging just 13 points. Martin is slumping in conference play, averaging just 12.0 points on 30 percent shooting.
Butler 73
Xavier 65
UCLA
Overall: 17-1 SU, 11-7 ATS
Pac-12: 4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS
Totals: 10-7-1 O/U
Utah
Overall: 12-4 SU, 7-6 ATS
Pac-12: 3-1 SU, 3-0-1 ATS
Totals: 8-6 O/U
UCLA at Utah, 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12N
Although Arizona and Oregon remain undefeated in Pac-12 play, these teams are right behind them and will look to keep pace in what should be a fun atmosphere in Salt Lake City. UCLA responded to the challenge of playing in Boulder’s altitude with a 104-89 thrashing of Colorado, riding Bryce Alford’s 37-point night and nine 3-pointers. The Bruins set a program-record with 19 3-pointers on just 31 shots. UCLA averages 93.4 points per game and owns the country’s second-highest shooting percentage. They’ll run up against one of the better defenses in the league in the Utes, which held USC to 36.7 percent shooting in Thursday’s 86-64 loss. Utah took advantage of the Trojans missing 12 layups and lacking rhythm, but also impressed by making nine straight shots just before halftime to put the game away. They shot a season-best 9-for-17 from beyond the arc, so we’ll see if they can stay hot against a team they won’t be able to slow down as effectively with their zone. Utah will need to score to pull off this upset, but do have quality size in bigs David Collette and Kyle Kuzma that should be able to generate some matchup problems. Utah has athletes in Lorenzo Bonam, JoJo Zamora and Devon Daniels that should be active on the perimeter, but they’re going to have to make shots. Shooter Sedrick Barefield would be a valuable x-factor if he can get it going. Despite their gaudy offensive numbers, the ‘under’ is actually 4-3 in UCLA’s last seven, but both teams have seen the ‘over’ thrive in their last two contests.
UCLA 85
Utah 80
Notre Dame
Overall: 15-2 SU, 6-3-2 ATS
ACC: 4-0 SU, 3-0-1 ATS
Totals: 7-4 O/U
Virginia Tech
Overall: 13-3 SU, 7-5-1 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
Totals: 7-4-1 O/U
Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, 2 p.m. ET, WatchESPN
Notre Dame has opened ACC play with four consecutive wins, marking the first time in school history that it has done so in either the Big East or this league. Remember, Fighting Irish basketball remained an Independent until 1995, so this streak doesn’t date too far into their marvelous history but remains impressive. They’re looking to improve to 5-0 in the top league in the country by winning their first three road games, having squeaked past both Pittsburgh and Miami. Notre Dame largely controlled Thursday’s win over the Hurricanes before falling behind and rallying to rescue the result. Steve Vasturia, who beat Pitt with big shots in OT, helped put the game away after V.J. Beachem’s huge bucket. Junior Bonzie Colson (15.9, 10.8), one of the nation’s premier power forwards, was held to a season-low eight points and Notre Dame still won, so this group will be confident going into Blacksburg. The Hokies are 24-6 at home over the last two seasons and rank among the top 26 in the country in scoring, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage. They’ve been explosive at home, coming in undefeated. The over is perfect in Virginia Tech’s games in the new year. Notre Dame is 3-0-1 against the number in ’17. Guard Seth Allen returned from a head injury suffered in Tech’s first league loss at NC State that kept him out of the FSU setback, so they’re happy to have his stabilizing presence back in the lineup for this key game they hope to capture in order to climb back above .500 in the conference.
Virginia Tech 84
Notre Dame 79
Baylor
Overall: 15-1 SU, 7-4 ATS
Big 12: 3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 3-7-1 O/U
Kansas State
Overall: 13-3 SU, 8-3-1 ATS
Big 12: 2-2 SU, 2-1-1 ATS
Totals: 5-7 O/U
Baylor at Kansas State, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The Bears opened the week No. 1 for the first time in school history but were then thumped by West Virginia. The result was fairly predictable given the environment in Morgantown and the pressure the Mountaineers put on teams, taking them out of their comfort zone. Although termed an “upset,” West Virginia was a 5.5-point favorite and covered easily in an 89-68 rout, but Baylor should be more in their element here despite K-State opening as a slight favorite too. This game should be played at a more deliberate pace, which allows Baylor to exploit its length in the post and out on the perimeter. Prior to their trip to Morgantown, the Bears had surrendered more than 63 points only once. It will be interesting to see whether they’ll be able to clamp down on a Wildcats offense that has scored at least 65 in all but of their games. Coming off a 66-65 loss at Texas Tech that it blew down the stretch, K-State is perfect in Manhattan this season, but has feasted on a relatively light home schedule and held serve as definitive favorites against Texas and Oklahoma. Wesley Iwundu (12.3) leads five double-digit scorers in a balanced attack that could have success against Baylor by moving the ball around patiently. D.J. Johnson and Dean Wade will get their chance to prove they can hang with two of the elite bigs in the conference in Johnathan Motley and Jo Lual-Acuil. The Wildcats knocked off Buddy Hield-led Oklahoma at home when it was ranked No. 1 last season, but lost to Baylor by 10 points in Manhattan and in double-OT in Waco.
Baylor 76
Kansas State 67
Georgia
Overall: 11-5 SU, 6-6 ATS
SEC: 3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS
Totals: 5-7 O/U
Florida
Overall:13-3 SU, 10-4 ATS
SEC: 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS
Totals: 8-6 O/U
Georgia at Florida, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida have separated themselves as the class of the SEC, but the Dawgs have a shot to crash the party despite opening as a double-digit underdog entering this trip to Gainesville. Georgia was extremely impressive in a 69-47 win at Ole Miss and has the potential to go on a run, but needs to show that it can hang with the top teams in the league since they’ve lost games to Clemson, Kansas and Marquette already in addition to opening 2017 with a 67-61 home loss to the Gamecocks. Forward Yante Maten and guard J.J. Frazier are two of the conference’s top talents, so the potential is there. The Gators, ranked third nationally in RPI, will look to snuff out Georgia’s aspirations by winning their seventh straight and are perfect at home in the newly renovated and renamed Exactech Arena at O’Connell Center. Florida has won their first three games there, averaging 82.3 points in taking down Little Rock, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Guards Kasey Hill and Ke’Vaughn Allen have formed the best backcourt in the league outside of Lexington. Thus far, the Gators have eluded an SEC-wide trend that has seen road teams go 17-7 against all other schools. Georgia’s Mark Fox is 3-9 against Florida and has never won in Gainesville, a feat that has eluded the Dawgs since 2002. Maybe they’ll appreciate the renovation, but it will take a double-double from Yaten, who most avoid foul trouble, to pull off an upset. Frazier will also need another guard to step up and take some pressure off him, so keep an eye on sophomore freshman Turtle Jackson or freshman Jordan Harris as a potential x-factor.
Florida 73
Georgia 69
January 13, 2017
A look at the day's top eight college basketball matchups, ranked in order of most attractive.
SATURDAY, JAN. 14
Matchup Records Skinny Projection
Florida State
Overall: 16-1 SU, 10-5 ATS
ACC: 4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS
Totals: 8-7 O/U
North Carolina
Overall: 15-3 SU, 8-8 ATS
ACC: 3-1 SU, 1-2-1 ATS
Totals: 6-11 O/U
Florida State at North Carolina, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
A victory here would put the Seminoles two games up on every team in the ACC except Notre Dame, so continuing their unprecedented run in league play with a road upset here would put them on the fast track for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with two months left until Selection Sunday. FSU comes off one of the finest wins in program history, an 88-72 rout of Duke where they shot 57.5 percent in the second half, beating Duke in all phases. This is no fluke. The ‘Noles have a lottery pick in leading rebounder and shot blocker Jonathan Isaac, a 6-10 forward that grew eight inches in high school like Anthony Davis did and retained his guard skills. Xavier Rathan-Mayes has had a quiet season but led the way against Duke with 21 points, while top scorer Dwayne Bacon (17.8 ppg) is often flammable. Sophomore Terance Mann has played his best of late, and 7-footer Michael Ojo leads a stable of capable role players. The Tar Heels have a veteran team with considerably more big-game experience and will be in their comfort zone at home, but they’ve got injury concerns. Backup center Tony Bradley, a freshman standout, will be sidelined by concussion, a big blow softened only slightly be the fact Theo Pinson has returned after missing most of the season healing from a broken foot. Borderline first-round pick Justin Jackson (17.7, 4.9) and Kennedy Meeks (12.9, 9.7) will have to do the heavy lifting up front. UNC is perfect at the Smith Center this season, improving to 5-2 ATS after last Sunday's 107-56 rout of NC State. The Heels lost only once at home last season and won in Tallahassee 106-90 in its highest-scoring game.
North Carolina 85
Florida State 81
Saint Mary's
Overall: 15-1 SU, 8-4-1 ATS
West Coast: 5-0 SU, 3-2 ATS
Totals: 5-8 O/U
Gonzaga
Overall: 16-0 SU, 11-2 ATS
West Coast: 4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS
Totals: 7-6 O/U
Saint Mary's at Gonzaga, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Although they likely worked on some details of the game plan for this colossal WCC matchup, neither the Zags nor Gaels were caught looking ahead on Thursday night. Gonzaga hung a 93-55 beating on Loyola Marymount to remain the nation’s lone unbeaten, while Saint Mary’s was even more impressive in a 74-33 win at rested Portland. They led 37-9 at the break. The rematch will be held in Moraga on Feb. 11, and there’s probably going to be another in the WCC Tournament. Saint Mary’s won both regular-season meetings a year ago to win the title, but lost in the conference tourney championship game. Not surprisingly, the ‘Zags were able to speed up the pace in that final, while the other two were lower-scoring. Saint Mary’s employs the second-slowest tempo in the country and can lock you down defensively. Tune in for the point guard battle between Nigel Williams-Goss and Emmett Naar, but stay for the big man wars between SMC’s Jock Landale, Dane Prineau and Evan Fitzner against Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins. Gonzaga lost four games at home last season, a rarity in Spokane, so this one will be personal as they attempt to remain perfect. Gonzaga has beaten eight consecutive opponents by double-digits. Saint Mary's has done the same in nine straight since a 65-51 home loss to Texas-Arlington on Dec. 8. It should be noted that the only times this season that Gonzaga failed to cover the spread, the game went 'under.'
Gonzaga 65
Saint Mary's 63
Duke
Overall: 14-3 SU, 7-9 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 7-9 O/U
Louisville
Overall: 14-3 SU, 10-5 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 3-12 O/U
Duke at Louisville, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Blue Devils lost three straight in January last season, but ultimately rallied in a down year to follow up a national championship with a Sweet 16 appearance. They haven’t lost consecutive games since, but are in danger of doing so after a bleak effort in Tallahassee became the first setback since Jeff Capel took over for Mike Krzyzewski as he recovers from back surgery. Duke is 0-2 on the road in league play and in danger of falling under .500 in the conference this deep in for the first time since 2007, so we’ll see how resilient this group can be without Coach K. Currently, controversial guard Grayson Allen is taking the bulk of the criticism for his on-court extra-curriculars, but he’s actually being a good teammate by taking most of the heat off the true key to Duke’s success going forward, the continued emergence of freshmen Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles. With senior big man Amile Jefferson sidelined by a bone bruise in his foot, the kids must lead the charge. Duke can’t beat Louisville solely with Allen, Luke Kennard and Matt Jones firing from the perimeter. The Cards are too sound defensively and generate miscues with their pressure. Forward Deng Adel overcame a concussion and has been the x-factor of late, while guards Quentin Snider and Donovan Mitchell have been sound. Rick Pitino complained that his team isn’t “fundamentally sound” after it allowed Pitt to nearly come all the way back from a 24-point second half deficit thanks to Jamel Artis’ 43 points. It might help the ‘Ville to have suffered that near-collapse since it should ensure they’ll be locked in for the 40 minutes it’s going to take to win this one. This will be the only meeting barring an ACC Tournament matchup. Duke is 2-1 against the Cardinals since they joined the conference. The over has prevailed in its last four games.
Duke 78
Louisville 77
Xavier
Overall: 13-3 SU, 9-6 ATS
Big East: 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS
Totals: 7-8 O/U
Butler
Overall: 14-3 SU, 10-5 ATS
Big East: 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS
Totals: 6-7-2 O/U
Xavier at Butler, 2 p.m. ET, FS1
This is a huge game for the Bulldogs, who are in danger of falling two games back of Big East’s beasts if they falter at home. Fortunately, they’re 10-0 in Indianapolis, which includes a 9-0 mark at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. They’ll need a little home cooking to come into play against a Musketeers squad looking to avoid their fourth road loss in five games, having also remained perfect at home. Xavier is hoping to bounce back from a 79-54 loss at Villanova where it shot 29 percent and missed 26 of 32 3-pointers. The Muskies shot 57 percent in a 74-57 victory at Hinkle last season, handing Butler its last lost in its building, and has a three-game winning streak in the series. Butler hasn’t lost two straight since last January, a stretch of 30 games, and has shown off its resiliency by bouncing back from losses with takedowns of Creighton, Georgetown, Texas Tech, Cincinnati and Providence. That’s impressive. The key matchup here features terrific wings Kelan Martin (16.8, 5.5) and Trevvon Bluiett (17.3, 5.9), two of the top players in the Big East, squaring off. Both come off bad games, but Bluiett got the better of their duels last season as Martin shot just 33 percent against Xavier’s defense, averaging just 13 points. Martin is slumping in conference play, averaging just 12.0 points on 30 percent shooting.
Butler 73
Xavier 65
UCLA
Overall: 17-1 SU, 11-7 ATS
Pac-12: 4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS
Totals: 10-7-1 O/U
Utah
Overall: 12-4 SU, 7-6 ATS
Pac-12: 3-1 SU, 3-0-1 ATS
Totals: 8-6 O/U
UCLA at Utah, 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12N
Although Arizona and Oregon remain undefeated in Pac-12 play, these teams are right behind them and will look to keep pace in what should be a fun atmosphere in Salt Lake City. UCLA responded to the challenge of playing in Boulder’s altitude with a 104-89 thrashing of Colorado, riding Bryce Alford’s 37-point night and nine 3-pointers. The Bruins set a program-record with 19 3-pointers on just 31 shots. UCLA averages 93.4 points per game and owns the country’s second-highest shooting percentage. They’ll run up against one of the better defenses in the league in the Utes, which held USC to 36.7 percent shooting in Thursday’s 86-64 loss. Utah took advantage of the Trojans missing 12 layups and lacking rhythm, but also impressed by making nine straight shots just before halftime to put the game away. They shot a season-best 9-for-17 from beyond the arc, so we’ll see if they can stay hot against a team they won’t be able to slow down as effectively with their zone. Utah will need to score to pull off this upset, but do have quality size in bigs David Collette and Kyle Kuzma that should be able to generate some matchup problems. Utah has athletes in Lorenzo Bonam, JoJo Zamora and Devon Daniels that should be active on the perimeter, but they’re going to have to make shots. Shooter Sedrick Barefield would be a valuable x-factor if he can get it going. Despite their gaudy offensive numbers, the ‘under’ is actually 4-3 in UCLA’s last seven, but both teams have seen the ‘over’ thrive in their last two contests.
UCLA 85
Utah 80
Notre Dame
Overall: 15-2 SU, 6-3-2 ATS
ACC: 4-0 SU, 3-0-1 ATS
Totals: 7-4 O/U
Virginia Tech
Overall: 13-3 SU, 7-5-1 ATS
ACC: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
Totals: 7-4-1 O/U
Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, 2 p.m. ET, WatchESPN
Notre Dame has opened ACC play with four consecutive wins, marking the first time in school history that it has done so in either the Big East or this league. Remember, Fighting Irish basketball remained an Independent until 1995, so this streak doesn’t date too far into their marvelous history but remains impressive. They’re looking to improve to 5-0 in the top league in the country by winning their first three road games, having squeaked past both Pittsburgh and Miami. Notre Dame largely controlled Thursday’s win over the Hurricanes before falling behind and rallying to rescue the result. Steve Vasturia, who beat Pitt with big shots in OT, helped put the game away after V.J. Beachem’s huge bucket. Junior Bonzie Colson (15.9, 10.8), one of the nation’s premier power forwards, was held to a season-low eight points and Notre Dame still won, so this group will be confident going into Blacksburg. The Hokies are 24-6 at home over the last two seasons and rank among the top 26 in the country in scoring, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage. They’ve been explosive at home, coming in undefeated. The over is perfect in Virginia Tech’s games in the new year. Notre Dame is 3-0-1 against the number in ’17. Guard Seth Allen returned from a head injury suffered in Tech’s first league loss at NC State that kept him out of the FSU setback, so they’re happy to have his stabilizing presence back in the lineup for this key game they hope to capture in order to climb back above .500 in the conference.
Virginia Tech 84
Notre Dame 79
Baylor
Overall: 15-1 SU, 7-4 ATS
Big 12: 3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS
Totals: 3-7-1 O/U
Kansas State
Overall: 13-3 SU, 8-3-1 ATS
Big 12: 2-2 SU, 2-1-1 ATS
Totals: 5-7 O/U
Baylor at Kansas State, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU
The Bears opened the week No. 1 for the first time in school history but were then thumped by West Virginia. The result was fairly predictable given the environment in Morgantown and the pressure the Mountaineers put on teams, taking them out of their comfort zone. Although termed an “upset,” West Virginia was a 5.5-point favorite and covered easily in an 89-68 rout, but Baylor should be more in their element here despite K-State opening as a slight favorite too. This game should be played at a more deliberate pace, which allows Baylor to exploit its length in the post and out on the perimeter. Prior to their trip to Morgantown, the Bears had surrendered more than 63 points only once. It will be interesting to see whether they’ll be able to clamp down on a Wildcats offense that has scored at least 65 in all but of their games. Coming off a 66-65 loss at Texas Tech that it blew down the stretch, K-State is perfect in Manhattan this season, but has feasted on a relatively light home schedule and held serve as definitive favorites against Texas and Oklahoma. Wesley Iwundu (12.3) leads five double-digit scorers in a balanced attack that could have success against Baylor by moving the ball around patiently. D.J. Johnson and Dean Wade will get their chance to prove they can hang with two of the elite bigs in the conference in Johnathan Motley and Jo Lual-Acuil. The Wildcats knocked off Buddy Hield-led Oklahoma at home when it was ranked No. 1 last season, but lost to Baylor by 10 points in Manhattan and in double-OT in Waco.
Baylor 76
Kansas State 67
Georgia
Overall: 11-5 SU, 6-6 ATS
SEC: 3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS
Totals: 5-7 O/U
Florida
Overall:13-3 SU, 10-4 ATS
SEC: 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS
Totals: 8-6 O/U
Georgia at Florida, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida have separated themselves as the class of the SEC, but the Dawgs have a shot to crash the party despite opening as a double-digit underdog entering this trip to Gainesville. Georgia was extremely impressive in a 69-47 win at Ole Miss and has the potential to go on a run, but needs to show that it can hang with the top teams in the league since they’ve lost games to Clemson, Kansas and Marquette already in addition to opening 2017 with a 67-61 home loss to the Gamecocks. Forward Yante Maten and guard J.J. Frazier are two of the conference’s top talents, so the potential is there. The Gators, ranked third nationally in RPI, will look to snuff out Georgia’s aspirations by winning their seventh straight and are perfect at home in the newly renovated and renamed Exactech Arena at O’Connell Center. Florida has won their first three games there, averaging 82.3 points in taking down Little Rock, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Guards Kasey Hill and Ke’Vaughn Allen have formed the best backcourt in the league outside of Lexington. Thus far, the Gators have eluded an SEC-wide trend that has seen road teams go 17-7 against all other schools. Georgia’s Mark Fox is 3-9 against Florida and has never won in Gainesville, a feat that has eluded the Dawgs since 2002. Maybe they’ll appreciate the renovation, but it will take a double-double from Yaten, who most avoid foul trouble, to pull off an upset. Frazier will also need another guard to step up and take some pressure off him, so keep an eye on sophomore freshman Turtle Jackson or freshman Jordan Harris as a potential x-factor.
Florida 73
Georgia 69
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