TSR 1/27 CBB Picks

Weekend News and Notes
1-First, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the Altobelli family after the tragic helicopter crash that occurred yesterday morning in California.

2-Secondly, we would like to thank our guest pickers Adam Glatczak and Kail Venema for joining us this weekend to share their relationship with basketball, while also predicting games. The guest pick standings can be found here.

3-After yesterday's Big Ten action was complete, Eric rejoined us for the Big Ten Power Rankings. Check out the latest version of the Power Rankings here.

TODAY'S GAMES

1. North Carolina State vs North Carolina (7:00, ESPN)

Nick: North Carolina--Sooner or later, the Tar Heels have to turn this thing around. Garrison Brooks will need a stellar game, far more than the 15.1 PPG and 9.2 RPG that he is averaging entering tonight's action.

Sam: NC State-- Does Cole Anthony finally return for the Tar Heels? Doesn’t matter either way.

Zach: NC State- The Tar Heels have been such a mess this year, and they may struggle to make the tournament if they don’t pick it up

2. Iowa vs Wisconsin (8:30, BTN)

Nick: Iowa--I think that Luka Garza is the front runner in the three-way race for Big Ten Player of the Year. Carver-Hawkeye should be electric for the 19th ranked Iowa team's performance on Monday.

Sam: Iowa-- The Badgers have been one of the few Big Ten teams to win a pair of conference games on the road, but I just don’t see how they stop Luka Garza.

Zach: Iowa- Nate Reuvers will have a tough time slowing down Luka Garza, just like everyone else that has tried.

3. Oklahoma State vs Kansas (9:00, ESPN)

Nick: Kansas--Stillwater can be a tough place to play, but Oklahoma State has struggled this season. The Jayhawks winning streak extends to five with this victory, as Azubuike steps it up after the suspension of De Sousa.

Sam: Kansas

Zach: Kansas

4. American vs Lehigh (7:00, CBSSN)

Nick: American

Sam: American

Zach: American- Shoutout to Jacob Boonyasith, repping the 616

5. Norfolk State vs Florida A&M (7:00, ESPNU)

Nick: Norfolk State--ESPNU is highlighting the undefeated leader in the MEAC against the team that took down Iowa State. It could be an intriguing game that may be the best the league has to offer on TV until the MEAC Tournament championship game.

Sam: Norfolk State

Zach: Norfolk State

6. Eastern Washington vs Northern Colorado (9:05)

Nick: Eastern Washington--All hail Rodney Stuckey!

Sam: Northern Colorado

Zach: Eastern Washington

7. Idaho vs Southern Utah (9:30)

Nick: Southern Utah--Though this game is in the Kibbie Dome, I've got to go with Southern Utah. Never doubt Todd Simon from Fowler, and a shoutout to Taylor, the first SUU alum I know.

Sam: Southern Utah

Zach: Southern Utah

8. UMKC vs Crowley’s Ridge College (8:00)

Nick: UMKC--CRC is a member of the NCCAA, and the Pioneers are 7-12 this year. They are coming off an 85-80 defeat at home against Haskell Indian Nations University, so needless to say I think this game at UMKC will be a bit tougher.

Sam: UMKC

Zach: UMKC

9. Alcorn State vs Alabama State (8:30)

Nick: Alcorn State--The Braves are in the thick of the SWAC title race, just one game back of Texas Southern and Prarie View A&M. This is a must win against a 2-4 conference team if they have any hope of getting to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002.

Sam: Alcorn State

Zach: Alcorn State

10. Coppin State vs Howard (7:30)

Nick: Coppin State--What a tough game. 5-16 Coppin State against 2-12 Howard, with a 1-11 combined MEAC record? Well Coppin State beat Loyola, so that's a decent victory.

Sam: Coppin State

Zach: Coppin State