12-10-19 College Basketball Games to Watch
Headliner Games
*#3 Maryland at Penn St. (Big Ten) at 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
#1 Louisville vs. Texas Tech (MSG, NY; Jimmy V Classic) at 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Butler-Baylor is the one that stands out here as we get another good match-up thanks to a conference challenge. Butler is one of the few undefeated teams left at this point already in the season; Baylor probably should be undefeated if not for blowing a nice lead against Washington. The home team probably gets the “W” here, but it should be a good one. Louisville is rolling so far and Texas Tech has dropped three straight; this one should be easy for the Cards, right? Well, this one would be a big win for the Red Raiders, and Chris Beard has a knack for getting his team to play its best when counted out. I am calling the upset here! Although I do admit if freshman star Jahmi’us Ramsey does not play, Tech will have to hit on all cylinders and have someone surprising step up. Penn State got hammered by Ohio State on the road, but this team is pretty good and pretty good at home. Don’t be surprised if the Nittany Lions give Maryland its first loss.
Upset Watch Games
Brown at St. John’s at 7 p.m. (FS1)
N. Iowa at #20 Colorado at 9 p.m. (Pac-12N)
Northern Iowa is pretty good and gets Colorado coming off a tough road game at Kansas. If the Buffaloes get off to a slow start, they could drop this one to a quality Missouri Valley team. St. John’s has to watch out for an Ivy League team; they are good at pulling the occasional road upset.
Other Games to Watch
St. Joseph’s at Temple at 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Nevada at BYU at 9 p.m. (ESPNU)
S. Dakota St. at Colorado St. at 9 p.m. (MWN)
Indiana vs. UConn (MSG, NY; Jimmy V Classic) at 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
These games are some good match-ups for a slow Tuesday during exams week. IU and UConn are trying to get their programs back in the limelight. I think Indiana is the better team, but UConn may be able to channel some energy from MSG that existed when they played there back in their Big East days (which conference they rejoin next year). Nevada-BYU is a good West Coast game, as is SDSU-Colorado St. St. Joe’s and Temple should be a decent rivalry game. Enjoy!
