NCAA Basketball: Ten Pack of Games to Watch Saturday

By Matt Josephs
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The non-conference schedules are almost over for most of the schools in the country.  This weekend provides a multitude of chances for the basketball viewer to gorge on good basketball.  Here are ten to watch when your channel surfing this weekend:

1) Cleveland State (6-2) @ NC State (5-2) — The Wolfpack have put the ACC on notice so far this season.  The freshmen are getting better and the veterans are playing good basketball.  The Vikings are off to a good start this season and feature Charlie Lee who averages nearly 16 points per game.

2) Colorado (7-1) @ Kansas (6-1) — These two teams played last year and it was only a seven point win for the Jayhawks and it was mostly because of the Morris twins who had a great game.  This is now a non-conference game as the Buffs moved to the PAC 12.  They have beaten Murray State, Baylor and Colorado State.  The Jayhawks have been known to lose a game or two that they are favored in.

3) Temple (6-0) vs. Duke (8-0) — Neutral court games don’t phase Duke who has already won overseas a few times this season. The Blue Devils will be out for revenge after they lost in Philly to the Owls last season.  Temple is no pushover though and may have the guard advantage with Khalif Wyatt and Scootie Randall.  If the referees allow them to play, this game will be a fun one to watch.

4) Virginia Tech (7-0) @ West Virginia (3-3) — The Hokies undefeated start has a little validation after a win over Oklahoma State last weekend.  They have had the week off and will be ready for the Mountaineers.  West Virginia is looking to get on track as they continue to mold the offense with transfers Juwan Staten and Aaric Murray.  A VT win here would be impressive.

5) Wisconsin (6-3) @ Marquette (5-2) — This is always a heated game between the two rivals.  The Badgers have a stinker of a loss to Virginia at home and aren’t the most prolific offense.  Marquette keeps losing players and keep on winning.

6) Butler (6-2) @ Northwestern (7-2) — The Wildcats welcome the Bulldogs to town.  Rotnei Clarke is a lot of fun to watch and he’s got help in Kellen Dunham.  Northwestern is an enigma.  They win at Baylor, but have home losses to Illinois-Chicago and Maryland.  A win here would help validate themselves in the Big 10.

7) Arizona (6-0) @ Clemson (5-2) — Top ten team coming to Littlejohn Coliseum is always fun.  The Wildcats haven’t beaten anyone of substance this season and have played one road game at Texas Tech.  It’s time to show the nation something.

8) Valparaiso (6-2) @ New Mexico (9-0) — The Pit is one of the toughest places in the country to play.  The Crusaders return a ton of scorers from last year’s team and won’t be afraid by the atmosphere.

9) Illinois (9-0) @ Gonzaga (9-0) — The Zags are coming off a very impressive comeback win at Washington State.  It impresses me how they always get good opponents to come to the Kennel.  Illinois represents a great challenge for this team that figures to be dancing in March.

10) Northridge (7-2) @ Arizona State (7-1) — Two off the radar teams, but with these solid starts, they will not be there long.  The Sun Devils best win is against Arkansas while the Matadors have beaten Tulsa.  A win here would help either resume greatly.

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