1. Pittsburgh (17-4, 5-3 Big East) at Louisville (16-4, 4-3 Big East), 7 p.m. on ESPN
Over the last few weeks, Pitt has inched its way towards the top of the Big East standings. The Panthers, who are only 1.5 games out of first place, have won four games in a row, and this week they play huge games against Louisville and Syracuse.
Meanwhile, Louisville is in the midst of a three-game losing streak, in which two of the losses have been to unranked opponents.
Statistically, both of these teams are among the best with Pittsburgh at No. 6 in KenPom and Louisville at No. 4.
The matchup between Pitt freshman Steven Adams and Louisville junior Gorgui Dieng has the potential to be one of the best of the week.
My pick: Louisville
2. Delaware (8-11, 3-3 CAA) at Drexel (8-11, 4-3 CAA), 7 p.m. on NBC Sports
In the preseason, Delaware and Drexel were expected to be the top two teams in the CAA.
With a dynamic scorer in Devon Saddler and a dominant post player in Jamelle Hagins, people expected this to be the best Blue Hen team under Monte Ross. After struggling in non-conference play, the Blue Hens started 3-0 in the CAA but have since lost their last three.
And after being snubbed from the NCAA tournament last season, Drexel returned most of its team for a second try at the conference championship. The Dragons also struggled in non-conference play, but thanks to wins in their last three games they are now only one game out of second place.
Both teams are still trying to salvage their season, and the loser will have a tough time staying in the CAA title race.
My pick: Drexel
3. Kansas (18-1, 6-0 Big 12) at West Virginia (9-10, 2-4 Big 12), 9 p.m. on ESPN
Kansas has been fantastic in Big 12 play, although it has had close calls against Iowa State, Texas, and Kansas State.
West Virginia has struggled in its first Big 12 season. The Mountaineers sit in seventh place only two games out of third, but their only conference wins came over Texas and Texas Christian, the two worst teams in the conference.
The Jayhawks should win this one pretty easily, but it is worth watching just to see a pair of potential first-team All-Americans, Ben McLemore and Jeff Withey.
My pick: Kansas
