On Sunday two NFL teams advanced to Super Bowl 48 and that mean that there are no worthwhile football games until February 2nd. This also means that there a no games to take away from college basketball. Last week there were a number of top 25 upsets that took place and yet others could be in the making this week. Conference standings have been in flux, and BYU has moved into second place in the WCC. Teams are now fighting for positioning or a spot in the big dance and here are some games to keep an eye on this week.:
National Games:
Creighton vs #4 Villanova
Monday evening at 7pm EST on FOX Sports 1, Villanova will host Big East opponent Creighton. Villanova sits atop the Big East with no conference losses while Creighton will need to take this game to stay in the race. Villanova is looking to improve their seeding in the tournament, and should add another win to their resume. With only one loss on the schedule, they should pull away early in the second half.
Winner: Villanova
#24 Baylor vs #8 Kansas
Later Monday evening, at 9pm MST on ESPN the game of the week should take place. With Baylor losing their last two game, and 3 out of 4, they are looking to put a stop to the skid and show that they belong among the best. Kansas has won their last four games, with three of them against ranked teams. Since the game is at home for the Jayhawks, they should be favored, and should come out with a win as they continue to creep up the polls.
Winner: Kansas
Colorado vs #1 Arizona
On Thursday night, at 9pm EST on ESPN2, the Buffaloes will travel to take on the top tanked Wildcats. Colorado has lost 2 of 3 but can still be dangerous. Arizona will look to continue their undefeated season while solidifying their path to the tournament. With the game being played in the McKale Center, the Wildcats should be too much to handle for the struggling Buffaloes.
Winner: Arizona
#21 Michigan vs #3 Michigan State
On Saturday, at 7pm EST on ESPN, the Wolverines will travel to the home of the Spartans. If both teams win their first games of the week, as expected, then this will be a game played with first place in the Big Ten on the line. Michigan State has played extremely well and are one of the top five teams in the country. All this means nothing when this rivalry clashes. Even though the game is being played at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, the Wolverines will come to play and could pull out the shocking win.
Winner: Michigan
WCC Games:
BYU vs Portland
On Thursday at 10pm EST the Cougars will continue their road trip and face Portland on Root Sports. With BYU in sole posession of second place in the WCC, the Cougars will be looking to keep their winning streak alive while positioning themselves for a long-shot berth to the big dance. With a hiccup here, the Cougars could be looking at the NIT. Keep an eye out for a complete breakdown of this game later in the week.
Winner: BYU
Pepperdine vs Saint Mary's
Although the game isn't being televised, this could be the best match-up of the night for the WCC. The game pits the 3rd and 4th place teams in the conference and will play a part in their WCC tournament seedings. With a win the Waves could take over third, or even jump into second, depending on the other games. The Waves have lost 3 of 5 so the Gaels will be facing a struggling team, and the home court will give them a decided advantage.
Winner: Saint Mary's
BYU vs Gonzaga
In the WCC game of the week, ESPN2 will broadcast the battle between the 1st and 2nd place teams in the WCC. The game will be at 8pm EST and will be the fourth, and final, game for the Cougars on their current road trip. Thus far they have been successful in keeping pace with the Bulldogs but the home crowd and a very talented home team will look to send the Cougars home with a loss. Although the game will be close, the Bulldogs should be able to pull out the game in the end and force the Cougars back to the bubble.
Winner: Gonzaga
What games did we miss? What games will you be watching? Lets us know so we can turn on the games and enjoy another week of college basketball.