West Virginia (14) versus Virginia (10)
West Virginia is always going to be a tough team to play when it is coached by Bob Huggins. He brings a physical playing style that has earned the Mountaineers their “Press Virginia” moniker. West Virginia, however, will have their hands full with a top-10 Virginia team at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers are still good, but they have not played as great on defense as they did last year. Virginia on offense has been solid, but this will be a huge test to see where they stand on both ends of the court dealing with a pesky West Virginia team.
This Big 12 versus ACC game is set for 6:00 p.m. tonight on ESPN.
Iowa at Iowa State (4)
Iowa and Iowa State is a rivalry game that does not usually get much attention during basketball season because they are in different conferences. Plus, Iowa State has just been better in recent years. The Cyclones have a new coach at the helm, though, so it will be interesting to see how they do in a rivalry game. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes will look to upset an Iowa State team that has been the focus of all basketball talk in the state of Iowa for the past several years.
This rivalry game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on ESPN2.
Utah (25) at Wichita State
Utah defeated Wichita State last year in a nonconference game. The Shockers will be looking to get some payback from last year’s loss and a shot at redemption after a disappointing 3-4 start to the season. A victory against a good Utah team can give them confidence to help springboard their season.
The rematch can be seen at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2.
North Carolina (3) at Texas
North Carolina has had an eventful first few weeks of the season. The Tar Heels lost to Northern Iowa, then won the CBE Classic in come-from-behind fashion versus K-State, and then beat a very good Maryland team. Now, they travel down to Austin, Texas, to take on a young, talented Texas team with head coach Shaka Smart in his first season. The Longhorns have not gotten off to the start Smart was hoping for, as they are 4-3 to start the season, but all of that can turn around with a victory over the No. 3 Tar Heels.
You can catch tipoff for this game at 4:15 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.
