Saturday Marquee Matchups with Playoff Spots on the Line

This past week has been the most eventful of the 2018-19 college hoops season. I will argue that point against anyone.

We saw CINCY finally get their shot against Houston and UVA win in Chapel Hill. Maryland preserved their NCAA tourney hopes by knocking off the red hot Boilermakers while LSU escaped Rupp with a victory against a top-5 Wildcats team. Oh yeah … there was this game too.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of good matchups still upcoming this weekend. I know, it’s almost too much to take in … almost.

I am in the process of creating my third set of NCAA tournament bracket predictions. Many of my big decisions are hinging on the outcomes of the following games. As we get down to the final weeks of the regular season, each game becomes absolutely crucial.

The selection committee members are human. We humans tend to remember the details of what just happened a whole lot clearer than we remember what happened 3 months ago. For many teams, it is do or die time!

Super Saturday

#24 Maryland @ #6 Michigan – 12:00pm ET

The Terrapins were sliding through the month of January. They only beat the bad teams and were slowly losing position in the rankings. A huge win against #12 Purdue put them smack in the 7-seed conversation.

There is a big difference between being a 7-seed and being a 5-seed. A win in Ann Arbor against the Wolverines will set the Terps up nicely come March. Of course, Michigan at home following a loss will be Maryland’s toughest test this season.

Baylor @ #15 Texas Tech – 2:00pm ET

Baylor’s meteoric rise impressed me so much that I penciled them in as a 10-seed in my second bracket after they stayed off my tournament radar in the first edition. I saw big things in the Bears’ future … then they lost 2 straight.

This is a true bubble game for Baylor. Win on the road at #15 Texas Tech and you are likely safe, barring any major upsets. Lose and suddenly 3 out of your 4 previous games are Ls late in the season – not good.

#23 Iowa St @ #18 Kansas St – 4:00pm ET

It’s November and I tell you that a team from Kansas is going to win 9-straight conference games and sit atop the Big 12 on Valentine’s Day. I’m obviously talking about the Jayhawks, right? Amazingly, it is the Wildcats of KSU that are torching the conference.

They’ve knocked off Texas Tech, Kansas, Baylor, and Texas in the past 3 weeks! Can the Cyclones put a stop to this madness? KSU escaped victorious from Ames back in January, netting a go-ahead layup with 5 seconds remaining.

Iowa St is seeking revenge from that heartbreaker plus is loaded with a bit of extra fuel as they just dropped a contest to TCU their last time out. If Iowa St wants to ensure they are favored in their First Round game, they need a big W here.

#1 Tennessee @ #5 Kentucky – 8:00pm ET

The perfect dessert to end your day of college hoops gluttony.

I have been salivating all week waiting for this showdown. I’ve brought this matchup into the conversation each time I’ve had to explain why I gave Kentucky a 1-seed and Tennessee a 2. I believe Kentucky wins this heavyweight fight. C’mon ‘Cats! Make me look smart!