The Alley - Oop

We are just one week away from conference tournaments starting and the beginning of March Madness. George Mason is coming off a disappointing loss at Northeastern and because of that no longer has a chance at a regular season CAA title. However, they can still earn the #2 seed, whatever that get's them, if they can win at Richmond on Saturday. The Tar Heels go to Charlottesville on Saturday and are just looking to keep their momentum heading into next week's chance for revenge at Durham against Duke.

Saturday, February 25

George Mason (23-7, 14-3) at VCU (24-6, 14-3)

VCU and their fans will be jacked for this game. Any normal GMU/VCU game has a pretty intense atmosphere, but add in the revenge factor for VCU and how they lost to Mason the first time these teams played and the Siegel Center will be rocking. Mason has had their struggles on the road, losing to such "luminaries" as Delaware and Northeastern away from Fairfax. VCU very much buys into the team concept as they don't have a single standout player. Their leading scorer is G-F Bradford Burgess who is coming off an atrocious game against UNCW where he shot just 1-12, finishing with 5 points. Their best all around player is Juvonte Reddic, their second leading scorer and their leading rebounder. Mason's guards will be tested by Darius Theus, who played well against Mason two weeks ago.

Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the last game and I expect to a similar defensive battle in this game. Mason's best player Ryan Pearson was a monster in the first game, but he has had his struggles on the road, so it is imperative that he plays to his capability. Mason was also helped by a huge game from Vertrail Vaughns, which isn't something they can always count on. Turnovers have been a major sore spot for Mason, especially in the last few games and that is an area that VCU will happily exploit as they are tremendous at causing turnovers. The inexperience in the backcourt for Mason with Bryon Allen and Corey Edwards can become painfully apparent at times, especially in tight, late game situations. They were able to get away with it against VCU but it doomed them against Northeastern.

I think VCU will control this game but Mason will hit enough shots to keep within striking distance. However, I am not confident in Mason's ability to handle the Siegel Center crowd and I think turnovers will again be a problem. Mason will lose this one and head into the CAA Tournament as a three seed and on a two game losing streak.

Prediction: VCU 68, George Mason 62

Top 10

Friday, February 24

#10 Marquette (23-5, 12-3) at West Virginia (17-11, 7-8)

Marquette is starting to get some buzz as a possible Final Four team come March. They have prolific scorers in seniors Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder. However, the Mountaineers have a potential conference player of the year on their side, Kevin Jones., as well as the dangerous Darryl Bryant. The Mountaineers are coming off an embarrassing loss at Notre Dame, and are desperate for a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. I like the desperate team.

Prediction: West Virginia 59, Marquette 56

Saturday, February 25

Vanderbilt (20-8, 9-4) at #1 Kentucky (27-1, 13-0)

Kentucky just keeps on rolling and finding ways to win. They were trailing at Mississippi State for most of the game, but seemed to turn on a switch and ran away with the victory. They should get a test from Vanderbilt. Vandy has been a bit of a disappointment but they have two very talented players in John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor. Kentucky was able to hold both of them below their scoring average in the first game, and since the Wildcats are unbeatable at home, it would be foolish to pick against them.

Prediction: Kentucky 76, Vanderbilt 69

#2 Syracuse (28-1, 15-1) at Connecticut (17-10, 7-8)

Jeremy Lamb saved UCONN's season for the time being with his buzzer beater to defeat lowly Villanova on Monday. They will need more heroics from him to have a chance against dominant Syracuse. The Huskies hung around for most of the game against the Cuse in the first meeting before getting blown out late. I expect a similar scenario to unfold in Storrs.

Prediction: Syracuse 72, Connecticut 65

#3 Missouri (25-3, 12-3) at #5 Kansas (23-5, 13-2)

Two top 5 teams doing battle and possibly the last Border War makes this the game of the weekend. Kansas was in control the entire game at Mizzou, before the Tigers came roaring back to pull out the victory. Missouri is coming off a surprising home loss to Kansas State in what was clearly their worst performance of the season. The Jayhawks have won five in a row and seem to be peaking at the right time. There will be too much Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson in this one for the Tigers, I expect an emphatic Kansas win.

Prediction: Kansas 77, Missouri 65

Virginia Tech (15-13, 4-9) at #4 Duke (24-4, 11-2)

It is appearing that next Saturday's game in Durham between Duke and Carolina will be for the ACC regular season title. Duke has two very easy games before that against lowly Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. The Hokies are scrappy so they might make this game interesting for a half, but not much more than that.

Prediction: Duke 78, Virginia Tech 65

Nebraska (12-14, 4-11) at #6 Michigan State (23-5, 12-3)

Michigan State has surprised many, myself included with the type of year they have had. They have won six games in a row and have seen Draymond Green turn into the leader they needed him to be for this season to be successful. The outcome will never be in doubt against sorry Nebraska.

Prediction: Michigan State 71, Nebraska 55

#7 North Carolina (24-4, 11-2) at Virginia (21-6, 8-5)

North Carolina has played well during a recent tough stretch of the schedule and earned some impressive road victories. They attempt to add another one to the list Saturday afternoon at UVA. In the first game between these teams Virginia controlled the pace and led early, but eventually they wilted and Carolina ran away with it. Virginia is a terrible offensive team so the only chance they have is if Carolina is not hitting shots and Virginia maximizes the shot clock and slows the game down. They are in the mold of their coach Tony Bennett who preaches hard nosed defense. It is quite the contrasting styles when these two play each other. When the Cavs are scoring it is mostly being done by Mike Scott, who is also the team's leading rebounder.

Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall is coming off a career game against NC State. He poured in 22 points and also added 13 assists. When he plays at such a high level it makes Carolina perhaps the best team in the nation. Each Carolina starter scored in double figures in that game, but the lack of depth remains a concern. UVA will cause Carolina some frustration with their style of play but they just don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with a team like the Tar Heels.

Prediction: North Carolina 66, Virginia 58

Villanova (11-16, 4-11) at #8 Georgetown (20-6, 10-5)

Georgetown was flat out embarrassed at Seton Hall on Tuesday losing by 18. Jay Wright has seen things crash and burn at Villanova where the Wildcats have lost six of their last seven games. Their last two losses were heartbreakers in overtime where they blew big, early leads. Georgetown never seems to really blow anyone out so it will be another tough loss for the Wildcats in this one.

Prediction: Georgetown 59, Villanova 56

Sunday, February 26

#15 Wisconsin (20-8, 9-6) at #9 Ohio State (23-5, 11-4)

Based on their record 15 seems a little high for Wisconsin to be ranked. If rankings were based on watchability then Wisconsin would be about 300th. The Badgers have lost their last two road games, and traveling to Columbus wouldn't appear to be the place to finally pick up a win. The Buckeyes have had some struggles of their own recently, and in losses the offense becomes really stagnant. However, when they are firing from all cylinders the Buckeyes can score with the best of them, led by Jared Sullinger. Wisconsin will attempt to slow the game down and have Ohio State play an ugly brand of basketball, but I like the Buckeyes to show their toughness and pull out the victory.

Prediction: Ohio State 70, Wisconsin 66

Last Week: 8-3
Overall: 8-3