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College Basketball has had an eventful week, to say the least. Duke basketball star Zion Williamson, the game’s most exciting player and probable No. 1 overall pick, made headlines by injuring his knee in what was a freak shoe incident when his Nike sneaker exploded just over 30 seconds into the Blue Devils’ game against the rival UNC Tar Heels.
To add on, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim was part of an unfortunate road accident where he struck and killed a pedestrian following a game against Louisville.
However, March continues to creep closer and teams need to keep their focus on the court and not the media.
With this, let’s dive into five games to watch this weekend.
No. 5 Tennessee at No. 13 LSU
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsbXHYZgCF5/
Date: February 23, 2019
Time: 12 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
Tennessee’s tenure at No. 1 didn’t last long as they dropped to No. 5. However, the Vols still come into the game as the team to beat. The Volunteers have an overall record of 24-2 and sit on top of the SEC with a conference record of 12-1. As for the Tigers, they sit right behind the Volunteers for second in the SEC with a conference record of 11-2. LSU is currently ranked the No. 13 team in the nation and have an overall record of 21-5. The Tigers have only lost twice at home this season and look to continue their dominance with their first matchup this season vs Tennessee.
No. 16 Florida State at No. 8 North Carolina
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuMoLVkHv0h/
Date: February 23, 2019
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Channel: CBS
The Tar Heels are coming off a statement win over No. 1 Duke. Needless to say, the Blue The Tar Heels come into the game ranked No. 8 in the nation with an overall record of 21-5. They are currently ranked third in the ACC with a conference record of 11-2. As for the Seminoles, they are currently on an eight-win streak which got them the ranking of No. 16 in the nation. They hold an overall record of 21-5 and sit fifth in the ACC standings with a conference record of 9-4.
With Florida State in breathing distance of the Tar Heels ACC ranking, Saturday’s game can have major tournament implications.
No. 1 Duke at Syracuse
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt8z076guHZ/
Date: February 23, 2019
Time: 6 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
Both of these teams have received quite a lot of press attention this past week. For Duke, freshman Zion Williamson suffered a minor knee sprain when his foot exploded through his shoe. As for Syracuse, this past Wednesday, head coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a pedestrian with his car who was walking on the interstate highway following the Louisville game. It’s recently been reported that Boeheim will still coach the game on Saturday and will not face charges.
As for Williamson, he has been ruled out for the game and is currently listed as day-to-day.
Duke still remains the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and currently holds an overall record of 23-3. They are also tied for first in the ACC and have a conference record of 11-2. Syracuse comes into the game unranked, but beat Duke earlier in the season, 95-91. They currently have an overall record of 18-8 and are ranked fourth in the ACC with a conference record of 9-4.
Both teams will have to ignore the media attention to fight in a classic ACC battle.
No. 12 Kansas at No. 14 Texas Tech
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuFccEOgZy0/
Date: February 23, 2019
Time: 8 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
The Jayhawks previously defeated Texas Tech, 79-63, on February 2, but Kansas will now travel to the Red Raiders’ home in Lubbock on Saturday. Kansas comes into the game ranked No. 12 in the nation with an overall record of 20-6. For Texas Tech, they are ranked No. 14 in the nation with an overall record of 21-5.
Both teams are tied for second in the Big 12 with conference records of 9-4, causing major standings implications in the game. The Raiders have only lost once at home this season, but Kansas looks to change this over the weekend.
No. 10 Michigan State at No. 7 Michigan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuKtjuWjVi5/
Date: February 24, 2019
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Channel: CBS
The Big 10 rivalry includes John Beilein’s Wolverines and Tom Izzo’s Spartans. Both of these iconic programs are tied for the top spot in the Big 10 with conference records of 13-3. The Spartans are currently ranked No. 10 in the nation with an overall record of 22-5. As for the Wolverines, they are ranked No. 7 in the nation with an overall record of 24-3.
Michigan is undefeated at home this season, but whenever the Spartans come to town they always put up a fight.
