TSR 1/22/20 CBB Picks

Takeaways

1-The fight during last night’s Kansas and Kansas State “Sunflower Showdown” was something unlike we have ever seen in college basketball, perhaps only rivaled by the Malice at the Palace. The amount of suspensions will impact the Big 12 race, especially with De Sousa for Kansas.

Today's Games

1-Michigan vs Penn State (7:00, BTN)

Nick: Michigan—Isaiah Livers is the key here, as his injury has hampered this team. Even still, the B1G defends its home court.

Sam: Michigan-- The Wolverines are safely in the tournament but this is still a game they want/need to win. If Livers comes back tonight, I see a win with rather ease.

Zach: Michigan- Both Top 25 teams at one point in the season, Michigan wins this game at home, and only for that reason

2-Iowa vs Rutgers (9:00, BTN)

Nick: Rutgers—This Scarlet Knights team is really good. I think that they go on the road and score a big win. It will need a great guard game however to overcome Luka Garza down low. I think Ron Harper Jr is the key to winning this game.

Sam: Iowa-- Rutgers has been one hell of a story this year, but I’m just not ready to put faith in the Scarlet Knights on the road.

Zach: Iowa- Top 25 matchup at Carver-Hawkeye, I see Iowa doing the same thing they did to Michigan 

3-Tulsa vs Memphis (9:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Memphis—I don’t see this being too close, unlike ZT

Sam: Memphis-- As ZT mentioned, Achiuwa is just a load. 

Zach: Memphis- This will be a closer game than most expect. Precious Achiuwa is the deciding factor for me

4-Seton Hall vs Providence (8:30, FS1)

Nick: Seton Hall—Home game. Myles Powell. The Big East title sprint is in full stride for the Pirates.

Sam: Seton Hall-- Pirates could get some separation in the Big East race with a win here

Zach: Seton Hall- Too good and at home, easy work for the Pirates

5-DePaul vs Creighton (9:00, CBSSN)

Nick: Creighton—DePaul got out to a hot start...then fall flat on their face. Although they did beat Butler, I think that was more of a fluke than the normal.

Sam: Creighton-- I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again… I LOVE its backcourt.

Zach: DePaul- Wow have they fell off...maybe they’ll get back on track with this one

6-Virginia Tech vs North Carolina (7:00, ACC)

Nick: North Carolina—VT should win this game, but that’s usually when Roy Williams turns things around. Though, they’ve never been this bad...

Sam: Virginia Tech-- Tar Heels can’t seem to do anything right.

Zach: Virginia Tech- Landers Nolley and the Hokies pile on to the miserable season UNC is putting together

7-Auburn vs South Carolina (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Auburn—Sorry Catie...this one isn’t at home.

Sam: Auburn-- Tigers are reeling a bit… this is one they need.

Zach: Auburn- I would be very surprised if South Carolina pulled off another big SEC upset

8-Rhode Island vs Duquesne (7:00, ESPN+)

Nick: Duquesne

Sam: Rhode Island

Zach: Rhode Island

9-Xavier vs Georgetown (6:30, FS1)

Nick: Georgetown—Mac McClung’s phenomenal season has been overshadowed in the league by other high volume guards (Howard, Powell, Baldwin, etc.), but he is the real reason the Hoyas are in any conversation for the NCAA Tournament.

Sam: Georgetown-- Xavier has been struggling big time and just can’t figure out how to shoot the basketball.

Zach: Xavier

10-Notre Dame vs Syracuse (7:00, ESPN2)

Nick: Syracuse—The Zone causes fits, and this ND team isn’t an elite shooting bunch.

Sam: Notre Dame

Zach: Notre Dame