As March inches closer, contenders start to separate from the pack. Winning now is vital for teams positioning in the bracket. Bubble teams feel the stress of needing to win or else their bracket hopes may be crushed.
With this, let’s dive into the top games to watch this weekend.
No. 19 Wisconsin at No. 7 Michigan
Date: February 9, 2019
Time: 12 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Wisconsin handed Michigan its first loss of the season on January 19th. Since then the Wolverines have only lost one other game and are ranked the number seven team in the nation. They come into the game with a 21-2 record and look to seek revenge against their Big 10 rivals. As for Wisconsin, they enter the game with some momentum. They are currently on a six-game win streak and have climbed their way back into the rankings. They are currently ranked the number 19 team in the nation and have a record of 17-6. It will be interesting to see if Michigan can avenge themselves at home this Saturday.
No. 14 Villanova at No. 10 Marquette
Date: February 9, 2019
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Marquette is coming off a stifling loss to St. Johns and are looking to redeem themselves against the Villanova Wildcats. Villanova comes into the game as possibly the hottest team in the country right now. The last time the Wildcats have lost was December 15th to Kansas. Since then they have gone undefeated and sport a record of 19-4. They also have climbed back to the number 14 ranking. Marquette comes into the matchup with also a 19-4 record but sits two games behind Villanova in the Big East standings. However, Marquette is ahead in the AP rankings coming in at number 10 in the nation. This will be the first matchup of the season against these two teams and they will battle it out at the Fiserv Forum arena in Milwaukee.
No. 16 Louisville at No. 22 Florida State
Date: February 9, 2019
Time: 4 p.m.
Channel: ESPN 2
This ACC matchup will take place in Tallahassee, Florida at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Louisville comes into the game confident after a win against number 11 Virginia Tech. They are currently the number 16 team in the nation and are also fourth in the ACC rankings. Florida State, on the other hand, is currently on a four-game win streak and is ranked the number 22 team in the nation. Their record is 17-5 but sit two spots behind Louisville in the ACC standings. This is also the first time these teams matchup this season.
No. 2 Duke at No. 3 Virginia
Date: February 9, 2019
Time: 6 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
The marquee matchup of the weekend. How many times have we seen these two iconic programs matchup against each other? In their most previous battle, the Blue Devils came out on top in a close 72-70 win. Since beating them Duke has gone undefeated and is on a six-win streak. They are also ranked the number two team in the nation and have a record of 20-2. The Virginia Cavaliers are also on a win streak themselves. They haven’t lost in the last four games and only have one loss on the season to you guessed it, Duke. They come in ranked as the number 3 team in the nation and have a 20-1 record. Not to mention that both of these teams are tied with the best record in their conference.
No. 25 Cincinnati at No. 12 Houston
Date: February 10, 2019
Time: 4 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
Houston looks to continue its dominant season at home against Cincinnati. Houston comes into the game ranked the number 12 team in the nation with a 22-1 record. Their only loss came from Temple on January 9th since then they have proceeded without a loss. Cincinnati, on the other hand, comes into the game ranked the number 25 team in the nation. They sport a record of 20-3 and are tied with Houston for the top spot in the conference. This is the first time both these teams will matchup this season.