There are few things better than Saturdays in February with dozens and dozens of college hoops games running all day. Today, there are 141 D-I games on the docket. Some of which, like Tennessee Tech at Tennessee-Martin, will probably come and go without anyone really noticing, but others might change the outcomes of conference titles, conference tournaments and that great thing we call Madness. So, here are a few of the 141 that you might want to try and catch, if you can:
Pittsburgh at Villanova
The national game of the day is on the Main Line in prime time on ESPN. A rematch of one of the greatest Elite Eight games ever from two years ago, pits two of the top four Big East teams and two top ten national teams.
Temple at Dayton
While America is most concerned with the Big Five team that hosts Pitt, BSB will be focused on their Big Five team on the road in a very tough place to win. The Owls are back in the national rankings, and the Flyers have been struggling, but Dayton is not exactly a place you go into expecting to come out with a W.
Ohio State at Wisconsin
I am predicting that the undefeated season ends here. The Badgers have been off-the-charts good at home under Bo Ryan. Look up their home winning percentage under Ryan one day – you will be amazed.
Tennessee at Florida
Not sure if anyone has taken notice, but the Gators are very, very good this year. Billy Donovan probably has the SEC’s best team, but Tennessee is not far behind, especially with Bruce Pearl back at the helm.
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Two other really good teams in the SEC East do battle today, as Kentucky (the 9th youngest team in the nation) visits the strangest gym in America to take on an often overlooked Vandy team, coming off a nice win over ‘Bama Thursday night.
North Carolina at Clemson
Will the Tar Heels be affected by their collapse in the second half at Cameron? Don’t look now, but Clemson has emerged as the ACC’s 4th best team, which surprisingly probably will not equate to a tournament berth without big wins like this one would be.
Baylor at Texas
The Bears are starting to play better and are making a late run towards the tournament. Texas might be the best team in the country right now. This is a great setting for a suddenly rejuvenated in-state rivalry.
San Diego State at UNLV
The Aztecs take their 24-1 record to the Thomas & Mack Center, which is never an easy place to play. The Rebels have been grossly overshadowed by SDSU and BYU this year and could very much use a big win like this to put a stamp on their season.
Southern Mississippi at Memphis
Larry Eustachy is back with S.Miss and they are competing for the top spot in Conference USA. Memphis has all the talent to be a tournament team, but have not really put it together. This should be an interesting “show us where you are” kind of game for both teams.
Wichita State at Northern Iowa
After a slow start to conference play N.Iowa is starting to play like the Sweet 16 version of the Panthers last year. With all due respect to Missouri State, the Shockers are probably the best team in a decent Valley this year, but UNI is not far behind.
St. Mary’s at San Francisco
For a late night treat, see if you get the Gaels versus the Dons. Surprisingly, since Gonzaga is not involved, this game pits the top two teams in the WCC. If USF can pull off the upset, they will be tied for first and have wins over Gonzaga and St. Mary’s in their pockets.
Wright State at Valparaiso
Valpo holds a slim lead in the Horizon League, but three teams, including Wright State are breathing down their necks. Valpo already beat WSU in Dayton, so they will be trying to complete the sweep and take another step towards homecourt advantage throughout the Horizon League tournament.
Coastal Carolina at Winthrop
CCU is four wins away from completing a perfect regular season in the Big South and this one is probably the toughest game they have left. Winthrop has not been nearly as good as their teams of the past, but they are still never an easy team to beat on their home floor.
IPFW at Oakland
The top two teams in the Summit League square off. Oakland, who holds a three-game lead, has already beaten IPFW in Indianapolis. The Golden Grizzlies can actually become the first team in the country to clinch at least a share of their conference regular season title if things go right for them on Saturday.
Northern Colorado at Montana
UNC, fresh off a win at Montana State, could open up a two-game lead if they can complete the sweep of the Montana schools. On the other hand, the Grizzlies, with a win, will draw even with UNC in the Big Sky.
Texas Southern at Jackson State
Far and away the best two teams in the lowly SWAC square off on Saturday. Texas Southern won the first meeting, in Houston, but JSU can regain first place if they earn the season split.
