Shutterstock
It’s here. March is finally upon us and conference tournaments are in their beginning stages. The uncertainty that surrounds college basketball rankings is considered normality for the month of March, and it is no different this time around.
Major tournament implications are on the line, and teams will fight to contend in college basketballs largest event.
With this, let’s dive into the top five games to watch this weekend.
Georgetown at No. 16 Marquette
Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Channel: FOX
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuIfFTyh0H3/
The Hoyas come into the game looking for redemption against No. 16 Marquette. Georgetown was previously defeated by the Golden Eagles, 74-71, on January 15. Marquette comes into the game looking vulnerable. They are on a three-game losing streak, but should still be considered a threat in the Big East. The Golden Eagles currently have an overall record of 23-7 and a conference record of 12-5. They also rank second in the Big East. As for Georgetown, they are unranked and have an overall record of 18-12. However, their mediocre conference record of 8-9 is good enough to them tied for third in the Big East.
Louisville at No. 2 Virginia
Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 4 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
https://www.instagram.com/p/Buqz3NuH9t8/
Louisville may be unranked, but don’t be fooled; they can compete with anyone. The Cardinals come into the game with an overall record of 19-11 and a conference record of 10-7. However, Virginia has continually dominated this season and only sport losses to Duke this season. Virginia comes into the game ranked the No. 2 team in the nation and they also have an overall record of 27-2. Their conference record of 15-2 puts them on top of the ACC, and they are also currently on a seven-game win streak. Previously, Virginia defeated Louisville, 64-52.
No. 4 Duke at No. 3 North Carolina
Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 6 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
https://www.instagram.com/p/Butjxbngq2G/
Zion being sidelined shouldn’t take away from the notorious rivalry that is scheduled twice a year in North Carolina. Duke vs. UNC continues to be a must watch even with college basketball’s most prolific player being ruled out. Duke comes into the game ranked as the No. 4 team in the nation. They currently have an overall record of 26-4 and a conference record of 14-3 which puts them third in the ACC. The Tar Heels come into the game feeling confident. They previously beat Duke, 88-72, on February 20, but as everyone already knows, the Blue Devils competed without Zion Williamson for the majority of that game. Never the less, UNC comes into the game ranked as the No. 3 team in the nation. They currently have an overall record of 25-5 and have a conference record of 15-2 which puts them second in the ACC. Buckle up this Saturday, because this classic rivalry always excites.
No. 7 Michigan at No. 9 Michigan State
Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 8 p.m.
Channel: ESPN
https://www.instagram.com/p/Buu2lyYhWcv/
When Michigan and Michigan State previously matched up, it proved to be an exciting one. However, the Spartans inevitably pulled off the 77-70 upset on February 24. Michigan State comes into the game ranked the No. 9 team in the nation. They currently have an overall record of 24-6 and have a conference record of 15-4 that puts them second in the Big 10. As for Michigan, they are currently rank as the No. 7 team in the nation. The Wolverines have an overall record of 26-4 and a conference record of 15-4 that puts them third in the Big 10.
No. 12 Houston at No. 20 Cincinnati
Date: March 10, 2019
Time: 12 p.m.
Channel: CBS
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuNHNI5A8O0/
To round off the weekend, we have the top two teams in the AAC facing off against each other. Houston comes into the game ranked as the No. 12 team in the nation. They currently have an overall record of 28-2 and a conference record of 15-2 which puts them on top of the AAC. As for Cincinnati, they are ranked as the No. 20 team in the nation. The Bearcats have an overall record of 25-5 and a conference record of 14-3 which is good for second in the AAC. Previously, Houston defeated Cincinnati, 65-58, on February 10.
