I'm feeling much better today and am ready for an evening of roundball. There's a good list of bubblicious televised action tonight. Michigan looks for another big win for its resume, Texas and Kentucky are both at home, looking to end losing streaks, and there's a big matchup in the ACC off Tobacco Road.
Michigan State @ Michigan (ESPN, 7 EST) - Looking at their results for the season, this is precisely the type of game the Wolverines should be up for. The Spartans really don't have much of a shot at the top line right now, and if they drop this one, line two could become a longshot as well. This is the only meeting of these two teams this year.
Virginia @ Florida State (FS Florida, FS South, NESN, Comcast Mid-Atlantic+, 7 EST) - The Seminoles are rising fast in the ACC, but they can't be tripped up by a dreadful Cavalier side. FSU won the two teams earlier meeting this season, 73-62.
Marquette @ Villanova (ESPN2, 7:30 EST) - If you thought at the beginning of the season that these two teams would be in the top five of the Big East standings at the approximate halfway point, please stand up.
OK, I don't believe you.
Nova scheduled the minimum number of games at the Wachovia Center this year so they could play there during the opening weekend of the tournament. Just a few weeks ago, that appeared to be serious wishful thinking. While it's still not likely, the Wildcats have given themselves a chance with their play over the past three weeks. For football fans who just may be joining us, the Golden Eagles beat 'Nova at the Bradley Center on New Year's Day.
Oklahoma State @ Texas (Big 12/Full Court, 8 EST) - The Longhorns have shockingly lost three straight, with each of their opponents benefiting from the marquee win. Losing to the Cowboys, whose computer profile illustrates why I take computer profiles with several grains of salt, would take even more luster off Texas's profile and those previous three upsets.
Florida @ Kentucky (ESPN, 9 EST) - Yet again, the Gators have to go on the road to face a divisional rival that is desperate for a win. Just a few weeks ago, it looked like UK was going to run away with the SEC title. Now, the Gators may have a better claim to the favorite's role. That may change again tonight.
Clemson @ Boston College (FS Florida, FS South, NESN, Comcast Mid-Atlantic+, 9 EST) - Both teams are looking to bounce back after weekend losses. The Tigers let FSU come back on them and the Eagles were blown out by Wake Forest.
TCU @ UNLV (the mtn., 10 EST) - After starting 4-1 in the MWC, the Horned Frogs have dropped four straight. Surprisingly, the Rebels are only a game ahead of them in the standings after they've dropped two in a row. While UNLV's overall profile is superior to TCU's, they need to get back on track in the conference to be on the right side of the bubble.