By: William Smythe

You need not wait long after Saturday for blockbuster matchups. Now dubbed as “Super Tuesday,” the spread of tonight’s games will further pit top-25 teams against each other in a dash towards conference tournaments. It’s already been a wild post-weekend frenzy: No. 3 Kansas already picked up a massive 73-68 road win over TCU last night, while the lowly Georgetown Hoyas finally ended their skid of 22 consecutive road game losses with a win over a similarly porous Butler. 

With March on the horizon, let’s preview some of the biggest contests tonight.

No. 9 Baylor @ No. 14 Kansas State, 7 PM

Scott Drew’s troops are finally realizing their potential. Some could pawn off Baylor’s demise as a result of a massive frontcourt exodus from last season, yet the backcourt just keeps them humming along. The Bears have only suffered two losses in their past 12 games – on the road to both no. 10 Texas and no. 5 Kansas – and have welcomed forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua back from injury.

The frontcourt is rebuilding, while the three-headed backcourt monster of senior Adam Flagler (16.0 ppg), freshman Keyonte George (16.0 ppg) and junior L.J. Cryer (14.9 ppg) has brought the Bears back to life in recent weeks.

Kansas State hasn’t shared a similar ascendancy. The Wildcats have lost four out of their last six and haven’t won on the road since January 7th against Baylor. Luckily, they’re staying in Manhattan tonight.

Despite a three-point loss to Texas at home five games ago, Jerome Tang’s unit has done a fine job of defending their turf in the nation’s premier conference. Once again expect the tandem of point guard Markquis Nowell (16.9 ppg, 7.5 apg) and forward Keyontae Johnson (17.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg) to shoulder the load.

Prediction? Kansas State eekes one out in an offensive showcase. 

No. 11 Tennessee @ No. 25 Texas A&M, 7 PM

I’m not at all sure where I fall on the issue of Tennessee. They boast one of the nation’s most efficient defenses – holding teams to 56.7 ppg (good for third in the country) – and recently topped then-no. 1 Alabama in Knoxville. Keep in mind that they beat the Tide by nine after twice losing to unranked opponents in Missouri and Vanderbilt.

Much like the Virginia Cavaliers, everything depends on the offensive side of the ball. The Volunteers have suffered from scoring droughts in their losses – two of which also came against an unranked Kentucky – and haven’t always complemented their defense even in their wins. 

There’s a Palpable Buzz Williams in the air in College Station, with the Aggies having won five straight and currently holding a 12-2 record in SEC play – good for second behind Alabama. The nation’s quietest ascender has the chance to put the nation on watch with a home date against the Volunteers.

The key for Williams’ crew? Transfers. Michigan State’s Julius Marble (9.3 ppg), Duke’s Henry Coleman III (9.9 ppg) and Virginia Tech’s Tyrece Radford (13.3 ppg) have rounded out the starting lineup alongside sophomore sensation Wade Taylor IV (15.6 ppg). The Aggies won’t fold easily in College Station, yet the unstoppable force of the Tennessee defense will likely yield a low-scoring, defensive output tonight.

Prediction? Tennessee claws their way to victory, uses depth to their advantage

No. 10 Marquette @ No. 19 Creighton, 8:30 PM

Creighton is – after all – human. The Bluejays slipped up in Big East play after riding an eight-game win streak – falling to Providence in overtime (in the ‘Dunk, though). Still, one can’t help but think that Greg McDermott’s team is one of the nation’s best and may be worthy of a top-ten label despite their record.

The starting core is intact – with Kalkbrenner back and guarding the rim – and the Omaha effect has certainly come into play: the Bluejays haven’t lost at home since the “beginning of the end” – a 10-point loss to Nebraska in December. December!

Before the season, no one could have convinced me that Shaka Smart’s Golden Eagles would be flying high and controlling their destiny in the Big East over the likes of Xavier, Creighton and UConn. Lo and behold, Marquette is staving off the competition with a 13-3 conference record and holds a one-game lead in the Big East. If you want to talk about ramifications, this game sure has some.

The Golden Eagles need to steal one away from Creighton in Omaha – rewriting a script that has them struggling against the upper Big East teams on the road. It’ll be difficult, but a balanced attack and an efficient three-point shooting unit will certainly give them a chance.

Prediction? The Bluejays carry the Golden Eagles away in this one, get a share of the Big East

Other matchups:

No. 13 Miami @ Virginia Tech, 7 PM: The ‘Canes have been hurtling through the ACC – having won their last six. Despite Tech’s capability at home – including wins over Virginia, Duke, Pittsburgh and North Carolina – Miami hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, with a backcourt locked and loaded from three-point range and a frontcourt bruiser in Norchad Omier anchoring the low post. The ‘Canes will continue their streak in Blacksburg.

No. 8 Texas vs. No. 23 Iowa State, 9 PM: The Cyclones have been pitiful on the road this season (2-7 in Big 12 away games). Expect the Longhorns to take care of business in Austin.

No. 17 Indiana @ Michigan State, 9 PM: The Spartans aren’t a top-25 team but have the making of one when they play in East Lansing. A 63-58 win over a tough Maryland team last week gives me reason to believe that they can upend the Hoosiers – especially if the combination of Malik Hall, Mady Sissoko and Joey Hauser can contain Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis (20.5 ppg, 11.3 rpg).