This past week, ESPN's televised Bracketbuster matchups were announced, so let's get right into them and a quick look at what I think of them.
Northern Iowa at VCU: Some people are saying VCU got a raw deal on this one, but I disagree. Considering UNI's upset over Creighton on Saturday, I think that this will be a hotly contested game, and although I struggle to see either of these teams getting an at large bid, the winner of this game may have one last gasp.
Valparaiso at Loyola Marymount: This is going to be a very interesting game. Valpo has played a good amount of top teams, but is yet to win any of them. Loyola has been stuck in a conference with heavyweights Gonzaga and St. Mary's, and has struggled against them. Both teams need this one to have a shot at an at large bid come Selection Sunday, and I think that desperation will make for a good game.
Drexel at Cleveland State: Drexel can make a case that they're one of the hottest teams in basketball, now riding an 11 game winning streak. Cleveland State has been dominating the Horizon league. Drexel still doesn't have a signature out of conference win, and I think they have the most to gain of the three CAA teams in the event by beating a strong Cleveland State on the road.
Wichita State at Davidson: This is a matchup of very hot teams, as Wichita State has lost twice since November 20th: once to a ranked Creighton team and once in a triple overtime war with Drake. Davidson, meanwhile, has also won 10 of 11. Davidson has scored a win at Kansas this season, so a win here could make a strong case for an at large come March.
Buffalo at South Dakota State: This is going to be a solid matchup between two strong teams who don't really have an eye popping win between the both of them. Expect these teams to come out firing on a rare ESPN appearance.
Akron at Oral Roberts: Akron has played a great schedule, but they just can't seem to beat anyone of merit, including going 0-4 against other televised Bracketbuster teams. Oral Roberts has a win against the, at the time, #9 Xavier Musketeers, and has dominated the Summit League. This game will be close, but it's hard for me to see Oral Roberts losing.
Drake at New Mexico State: I'll be honest, I'm baffled as to how Drake is televised. They've lost 4 of 5 and are sitting in 6th place in the Missouri Valley Conference. New Mexico State has performed much better, but like many other teams here, has no signature win. For my money, this may be the blowout of the weekend.
Nevada at Iona: I'm particularly excited about this matchup. Nevada was riding a 16 game win streak before finally dropping one on Saturday, but make no mistake, they're still a dangerous team. Iona is a sexy pick to make some serious noise in the big tournament in March, so this game may be a matchup of Cinderellas, and I'm always a fan of that.
Old Dominion at Missouri State: As a George Mason person, I'm a bit offended that ODU got televised over GMU, but that nonwithstanding, this should be a good game. Both teams are very physical and I expect this one to be a hard fought, close game between two teams who are trying to hold onto that last gasp of at large consideration.
Saint Mary's at Murray State: Here's your marquee matchup. Two ranked teams in primetime. Murray State may be undefeated, but their doubters point to their easy schedule as one of the reasons why their record is unblemished. I feel they need this game to prove they're for real, so we will learn a lot about Murray State after this one.
UNC Asheville at Ohio: UNC Asheville may have the most exciting offense in basketball and it will be on full display at Ohio. I just can't see the Bobcats finding a way to stop the 4th highest scoring offense in the nation, even if it is on the road.
Texas-Arlington at Weber State: This matchup is going to feature two potential NBA stars in Lamarcus Reed III and Damian Lillard, so regardless of the outcome, it will be fun to see these two guys duke it out.
Long Beach State at Creighton: Probably the second most intriguing matchup of the weekend, I think both of these teams will be playing March regardless of the outcome of this game, so it will be fun to see a nice tune up game for these guys.
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