By Paul Casey Gotham
A glance at some of the interesting tilts on this week’s college basketball slate.
Syracuse at Pittsburgh – Today
Young coaches should cue wahtever recording device they have at their disposal. It’s the annual Panthers how-to video on running offense against the 2-3 zone. Reports are Syracuse will play without Kris Joseph who hit his head in Saturday’s win. The Orange will wake up tomorrow with a record of 18-1.
Villanova at UConn – Today
A combination of guards versus the combo-guard. Villanova’s Corey Fisher, Corey Fisher and Maalik Wayns combine for 45 points and 12 assists. UConn’s Kemba Walker gets 25 and 3. Strange, but the team whose front court plays the best will decide this one.
Michigan State at Illinois – Tuesday
Identity crises on hardwood. The Spartans have to figure out their offense. The Illini have to find a heart.
Texas A&M at Texas – Wednesday
Where does this rank among rivalries? The Aggies have been hiding in the bushes. The Longhorns are in search of consistency.
Xavier at St. Bonaventure – Wednesday
Exclusive coverage from Pickin’ Splinters. Bonaventure’s Andrew Nicholson does battle with Xavier’s front court of Jamel McLean and Kenny Frease.
Arizona at Washington – Thursday
The ‘Cats are 4-1. The Huskies are 5-1. The Pac 10 is drifting from relevancy.
Virginia Tech at Maryland – Thursday
The Hokies need a road win. The Terps are on the road to maturity. Jordan Williams leads Maryland with 18.1 points and 12.2 rebounds.
Ohio State at Illinois – Saturday
The Buckeyes have three road wins in the Big Ten. The Illini will be whistling a tune from the Wizard of Oz – “if I only had a heart.”
Tennessee at UConn – Saturday
The Vols’ oyster with actually have a “Pearl” when the ball goes up in Storrs. There’s something about Tennessee playing well when they are the hunter as opposed to the hunted.
Iona at Canisius – Sunday
Mike Glover comes to Buffalo for another Pickin’ Splinters exclusive. Rivals.com ranks Glover as one of the best power forwards in college. The Griffs host the two top teams in the MAAC in three days.
They’re bracing for Aggies vs Longhorns down here today. Not sure anyone ever imagined this one would carry quite the weight it does.
Huge bounceback game at home today for ND vs Cincy. Not saying it’s a “must win”…but okay … I’ll come out and say it’s a must win! There … you happy? Dang right, it’s a must win.