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Last week brought upsets, close calls, come from behind victories, and overtime thrillers. Arizona, the previous number one team in the nation, dropped its first game on a last second shot by Cal while Duke took Syracuse into overtime before dropping the game at the end. If this coming week is half as exciting as last week, all I can say is buckle up and enjoy the ride. On to the national picks:
National Picks:
16 Iowa State vs 19 Oklahoma State
On Monday at 9 pm EST ESPN will televise the Cyclones trip to visit the Cowboys. Both teams are reeling a bit as Iowa State has lost 4 of 6 and Oklahoma State has lost 3 of 5. The real disadvantage comes for the Cyclones as they have lost their last 3 road games and will be playing away from their home crowd. The Cowboys home crowd didn't help much on Saturday as they dropped their home game to unranked Baylor. With a two game losing streak, Oklahoma State will be set on ending it before it hits three. Even with the game being on the road, don't be surprised when the Cyclones walk out with the win.
Winner: Iowa State
10 Michigan vs 17 Iowa
ESPN 2 will pick up the Wolverines visit to Iowa on Saturday at 2 pm EST. Michigan is coming off their first loss in conference play and should beat Nebraska in their next outing. Iowa will be coming off a game against Ohio State and will want to increase their position in the conference. With the game being played at home, Iowa will have the advantage and will not disappoint their home fans.
Winner: Iowa
9 Michigan State vs Wisconsin
On Sunday CBS will pick up the games by showing the Spartans at the Badgers at 1 pm EST. Michigan State is coming off a loss to Georgetown and have now lost 2 of 3. On the other hand, Wisconsin is in a full blown tailspin as they have lost 5 of 6. Even with the game being played at home, the struggling Badgers shouldn't be any match for the visiting Spartans and will continue to have the Big Ten losses adding up.
Winner: Michigan State
WCC Picks:
Santa Clara vs BYU
On Thursday, ESPN will televise the Broncos visit to the Cougars at 11 pm EST. Santa Clara is on a six game losing streak and would love to change that in Provo. BYU is in second place in the conference standings and would like nothing better to beat up on the second half of their conference schedule. BYU should take out the Broncos by double digits at home.
Winner: BYU
Saint Mary's vs Pepperdine
In the first game on Saturday, Root sports will show the Gaels and the Wave at 4 pm EST. Saint Mary's is coming off a huge loss to BYU and will be looking to get the bad taste out of their mouth. Pepperdine has lost 3 of 5 but are coming off a win. With the possibility of third place being on the line, both teams will fight hard for this game but the Gaels should prove to be too much.
Winner: Saint Mary's
23 Gonzaga vs Memphis
On Saturday at 9 pm EST on ESPN the Bulldogs will jump out of conference play and pay the Tigers a visit. Memphis is coming off a loss to SMU and would like to put another win on the tournament resume. Gonzaga has built a six game win streak that have included wins over BYU and San Francisco. Gonzaga will come in as the underdog but may surprise the Tigers in the end.
Winner: Gonzaga
San Francisco vs BYU
At the same time on Saturday, BYUtv will televise the second place Dons when they travel to play the second place Cougars. Both teams will be fighting to stay near the top of the WCC and a win in this game will go along way in making this happen. BYU is playing extremely well at home and will continue to do so in this game and should come out with a win.
Winner: BYU
In what should be another thrilling week of games, what will you be watching?
