Games to Watch: 2/6/08

Maryland @ Boston College (ACC): Both of these teams are currently outside the bubble and have alot of work to do to make the field of 65. Maryland is red hot right now, though, and winning this game on the road would be a big boost for them. Prediction: Maryland 82, Boston College 73

Charlotte @ Dayton (A-10): At 3-4 in the A-10, Dayton is reeling right now and needs to hang in there until Chris Wright comes back from injury. Charlotte has been up and down this year, so this is a hard game to predict. Prediction: Dayton 65, Charlotte 61

Texas @ Oklahoma (Big 12): Texas is a lock to make the dance and is now playing to make the pod system. Oklahoma is in good shape, but could definitely use another quality win to improve their position. This should be a good, close game. Prediction: Oklahoma 74, Texas 72

UConn @ Syracuse (Big East): UConn is rolling right now. They've won 5 in a row against quality competition. Syracuse is right on the bubble and is beginning a difficult stretch of games that will make or break their season. Prediction: UConn 67, Syracuse 59

Vanderbilt @ Georgia (SEC): This is a must-win for Vandy. A loss here against a sub-100 RPI Georgia team would drop the Commodores to 3-5 in the SEC. With their remaining schedule it would be tough to come back from that hole and get a bid. Prediction: Vanderbilt 74, Georgia 64

Notre Dame @ Seton Hall (Big East): Notre Dame is rolling right now but tends to struggle away from home. This is a big chance for Seton Hall to pick up a quality win and put themselves in position to grab a bid. Prediction: Seton Hall 78, Notre Dame 71

Wisconsin @ Iowa (Big 10): Michigan State and Ohio State have both gone to Iowa City this year and lost. Could Iowa pull off another stunner? I think Wisconsin matches up much better with Iowa than those two teams and wins this one handily. Prediction: Wisconsin 62, Iowa 46

And the big one: Duke @ North Carolina (ACC): Both of these teams are fighting for 1 seeds, and the two matchups between these squads will be huge in determining their rankings on selection Sunday. When at full strength, I don't think Duke is on the same level as UNC, Kansas, Memphis, or UCLA, but North Carolina will be without Ty Lawson tonight. That is a huge blow for the Tarheels. Prediction: Duke 92, North Carolina 87