Games to Watch: 2/9/08

Marquette @ Notre Dame (Big East): Marquette is a solid tournament team for now, but they have been faltering lately. Notre Dame is on a tear at 8-2 in Big East play, and almost never loses at home. Prediction: Notre Dame 79, Marquette 67

Boston College @ Duke (ACC): Boston College has fallen way off the bubble and probably needs to go 6-2 in their last 8 to have a chance at a bid. Duke is riding a 10 game winning streak, and they should be able to make it 11. Prediction: Duke 86, Boston College 68

Texas A&M @ Missouri (Big-12): Texas A&M stumbled a bit early in conference play, but now appears to have righted the ship. Missouri has already beaten Texas and Kansas State at home this year, so this is by no means an easy W for the Aggies. Prediction: Texas A&M 74, Missouri 70

Miami (FL) @ Virginia Tech (ACC): Miami played very well in the non-conference slate but has come out flat in ACC play. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has played themselves into NCAA consideration and will have a strong case for a bid if they can get to 10 conference wins. Prediction: Virginia Tech 69, Miami 61

Georgia @ Florida (SEC): Florida badly needs a win to stop the bleeding, and Georgia is just the team to do it against. Prediction: Florida 75, Georgia 63

Texas @ Iowa State (Big 12): Trap game for the Longhorns. Iowa State is a very difficult team to play on the road, and it would not shock me if the Cyclones pulled the upset. Prediction: Texas 67, Iowa State 64

USC @ Washington State (Pac-10): This is suddenly a huge game for the Cougars, who have lost 4 of their last 5. USC, on the other hand, has won 6 of their last 7. This game will tell alot about where these teams stand at this point in the season. Prediction: Washington State 65, USC 62

Georgia Tech @ UConn: If Georgia Tech wants to salvage what little hope they have of making the dance, then they must win this game. UConn is one of the hottest teams in the country and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Prediction: UConn 77, Georgia Tech 68

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina (SEC): This is a big chance for Vanderbilt to stabilize their position by picking up a road win in SEC play. Prediction: Vanderbilt 67, South Carolina 62

Mississippi @ Arkansas (SEC): Ole Miss is reeling and badly needs a win to right the ship, while Arkansas has vastly improved their position after blowout wins vs. Mississippi State and Florida. Prediction: Arkansas 71, Ole Miss 64

Oregon @ California (Pac 10): Cal is barely in right now, and must win if this game if they are to remain in my bracket. Oregon is on the outside looking in right now, but is capable of playing themselves onto the bubble. Prediction: Oregon 68, California 67

Baylor @ Kansas (Big 12): This is one of the few games tomorrow in which both teams are solid NCAA squads. This is a matchup nightmare for the guard-oriented Bears, though, and the fact that Kansas is at home doesn't help much either. Prediction: Kansas 85, Baylor 65

Georgetown @ Louisville (Big East): Gamenight will be in Louisville to broadcast this game. Both of these teams are locks to make the dance, so this will be a big win for either team. Louisville is finally healthy again and should be dangerous for the rest of the year. Prediction: Louisville 68, Georgetown 63

Purdue @ Wisconsin: Purdue still has terrible computer numbers, but the 9-1 Big 10 record is more than enough to offset that. Wisconsin's only Big 10 loss came to the Boilermakers a few weeks ago, and they will try to return the favor tonight. Prediction: Wisconsin 66, Purdue 58