#11 West Virginia vs. Wheeling Jesuit

Saturday, December 16th 1:00 PM CT, TBA

#11 West Virginia (9-1) takes on one of the coolest named teams I’ve never heard of, Wheeling Jesuit (8-2). Wheeling Jesuit is not a D1 NCAA basketball team and honestly I’m having trouble figuring out what level they play at. I suspect Press Virginia will be far too much to handle and this will be a blowout.

100-42 West Virginia.

Oklahoma State vs. #19 Florida State

Saturday, December 16th 1:00 PM CT, FS2

Oklahoma State (7-2) travels to Florida to compete in the Metro PCS Orange Bowl Classic, taking on #19 Florida State (9-0). Oklahoma State has won every game they should but haven’t gotten a “big win” yet, with losses to Wichita State and Texas A&M. Florida State has played a lot of cupcakes, with the exception of a blowout win over then #5 Florida. I think the Cowboys would typically have a good shot in this game, but I suspect there will be distractions with both Davon Dillard and Zack Dawson being booted off the team for violating team rules. Plus, there will likely be a heavy crowd advantage for Florida State.

76-68 Florida State.

Texas vs. Louisiana Tech

Saturday, December 16th 1:00 PM CT, LHN

Texas (6-3) has been so close to great this year but has had a lot of issues sealing the deal. They had strong leads against Duke and Gonzaga before blowing them and are now coming off of a close loss to Michigan. Louisiana Tech (7-3) seems like an average mid level team. I believe the Longhorns will pick up a win here with their streaky talent.

78-60 Texas.

Oklahoma @ #3 Wichita State

Saturday, December 16th 3:00 PM CT, ESPN2

#3 Wichita State (8-1) gets its third shot at a Big 12 team after beating both Baylor and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma (7-1) seems much improved from last year’s rebuilding process. The Sooners will obviously be amped after a close, 85-83 win over then #25 USC. I think they’ll give Wichita State a close game, but the Shockers are REALLY good this year. Like national championship good. I think the Sooners will keep it interesting late but ultimately succumb to the Shockers’ offensive explosiveness.

77-74 Wichita State.

Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa

Saturday, December 16th 3:30 PM CT, Cyclones.tv

Iowa State (7-2) gets ready to take on instate rival Northern Iowa (8-2) in the Hy-Vee Classic, hosted in Des Moines, IA. Iowa State recently got an emotional win over their primary rival, Iowa, but Northern Iowa will likely prove a stronger opponent. UNI has only lost to North Carolina and Villanova, both outstanding squads. Iowa State lost early to Missouri and Milwaukee, but has turned things around since then. I think this will be a closer game than the casual observer might expect, but the Cyclones will be able to inch it out behind a strong crowd at Wells Fargo Arena.

76-75 Iowa State.

#13 Kansas @ Nebraska

Saturday, December 16th 7:00 PM CT, FS1

#13 Kansas (7-2) got punked by the PAC 12 in its past two games, losing to Washington and Arizona State. They desperately need a win to get back on track and they travel to Big 10 opponent Nebraska (7-4). The Huskers have dropped some games they probably shouldn’t have but also recently picked up a big win against then #14 Minnesota. So I think a lot of this game could depend on what Nebraska team is out to play. Kansas will do everything in their power to make it the bad Nebraska team. I’ll predict a Kansas win, but if they don’t there might be a serious argument for this being the year Kansas loses the Big 12.

72-65 Kansas.

#24 Texas Tech vs. Rice

Saturday, December 16th 7:00 PM CT, TBA

#24 Texas Tech (8-1) is quietly putting together an impressive season, with two top 25 wins and only one loss to a good Seton Hall. Rice (3-7) is just not very good. They’ve lost to just about anyone with a pulse. I think the Red Raiders will route the Owls.

94-67 Texas Tech.

Kansas State vs. Southeast Missouri State

Saturday, December 16th 7:00 PM CT, ESPN3

Kansas State (8-2) is taking on Southeast Missouri State (6-4). The Wildcats are coming off of a bad loss to Tulsa and need to get things back on track. SMSU has no good wins to speak of and a string of bad losses. Kansas State will get things back on track this weekend.

72-58 Kansas State.

#21 Baylor vs. Savannah State

Sunday, December 17th 2:00 PM CT, FSSW

#21 Baylor (8-2) is looking to keep its hot start going with a win over Savannah State (3-9). Savannah State has no good wins, getting blown out by almost every D1 team they play, the most recent being a 47 point loss to Texas A&M. Big Jo and Manu Lecomte should be too much for Savannah State to handle. Bears roll to another victory.

96-48 Baylor.