We are only three weeks away from the selection Sunday i, people. Four! It is 22 days from Saturday. Just over 500 hours. 32,000 minutes (and changes). But who counts, right?
The creeping deadline means that conference matches will come across the country as the teams go on to play for the NCAA Tournament, and that the game will get a notch for every game from here on out. That’s why Saturday’s game, with March Madness almost upon us, should be a nice starter to get your colleagues whistling before next month.
On trial, six top-10 teams put the court, four of which are on the way, along with critical showdowns in the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, Big East and – OK, you understand: everywhere.
To get the juices going for the big day ahead, our staff did the legwork to pick up straight and make up for the spread for Saturday’s big games below.
UConn at number 10 Villanova
Last chance:
Villanova Wildcats -6.5
When: 13:00 | Where: Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania
TV: Jackals | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
UConn can really use a win of this magnitude to move itself safely to the right side of the tournament. And after welcoming James Bouknight back this week, who returned with a bang from his injury, I’m going to give the Huskies confidence in this place. Villanova is the better team with the better record, but UConn is another team with Bouknight and badly needs this one. It could be a good chance to kick Nova while it’s down after taking a surprisingly sudden loss to Creighton last Saturday. Forecast: UConn 78, Villanova 74. – Kyle Boone
Kentucky at number 19 in Tennessee
Last chance:
Tennessee Volunteers -7.5
When: 13:00 | Where: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (free)
OTT: CBS Sports App (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)
Forecast: Tennessee is the better team, but Kentucky is playing at a higher level than during the first event just two weeks ago. The volunteers have to win, but it may be closer than most people think. Forecast: Tennessee 71, Kentucky 67 – David Cobb
15 Texas Tech at No. 23 Kansas
Last chance:
Kansas Jayhawks -1.5
When: 14:00 | Where: Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
During Kansas’ four-game winning streak, only one win – Oklahoma State – came against a team that won more than one game in Big 12 play. So the line is a bit misleading. Still, it looks like KU will find out its defense as the season goes on. So if it’s a defensive battle like the last time these two teams met, I like the Jayhawks to make the season a success. And that is indeed how I think this one can shape. Forecast: Kansas 71, Texas Tech 67. – Kyle Boone
13 West Virginia at No. 12 Texas
Last chance:
Texas Longhorns -3
When: 15:00 | Where: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas
TV: ABC | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Between COVID interruptions and bad luck in close games, Texas’ 10-1 start to the season after a rocky month turned into a total of 13-5. But a week-long confidence after two consecutive wins should be time to help it hold on to one of its biggest games of the regular season. At full strength, I like the Longhorns here to get the season on the mountaineers. Talented, deep and experienced enough to give West Virginia a right pace where its strengths lie. Forecast: Texas 80, West Virginia 74. – Kyle Boone
5 Illinois in Minnesota
Last chance:
Illinois fights Illini -4.5
When: 15:30 | Where: Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: Jackals | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
As a home team this season, Minnesota is 9-4-1 against the spread and a perfect 4-0 ATS as a home dog. So, no, I can not bring myself to blur the Golden Gophers here. Not even against an Illini team that won six straight. Illinois, an alarming warning has been issued. Norlander and I are driving in a troubled choice in Minnesota. Forecast: Minnesota 74, Illinois 71. – Kyle Boone
7 Virginia by Duke
Last chance:
Virginia Cavaliers -2
When: 20:00 | Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
The loss of Jalen Johnson to Duke is a hard blow, but the Blue Devils looked good – even, dare I say, good! – during their recent win by two matches. In addition, they absolutely need this one to maintain a long chance at the tournament. After defeating UVA in the hands of the state of Florida, I’m convinced Duke can give the Cavaliers a game. Forecast: Duke 69, Virginia 67. – Kyle Boone
So who wins every college basketball game today? And what underdogs get beautiful upset? Visit SportsLine now to choose for each match, everything from the unbiased model that simulates 10,000 matches each match, and find out.