Can Kentucky redeem itself and other questions to respond to with
Every year, men’s college basketball waits for its rely on go into the general public awareness after college football ends. Now it’s here once again. The 2022-23 conference season is currently stressful. And college basketball’s finest action will unfold in the weeks ahead as we head towards the conference and NCAA tournaments.This weekend’s slate of
games features key matchups that could impact NCAA competition seedings, conference championship races and the futures of a couple of top coaches. Here’s what to enjoy, and why.The main event Kentucky(10-6, 1-3 SEC)at No. 5 Tennessee
( 14-2, 4-0 SEC) might quicken John Calipari’s divorce from the school Noon ET, Saturday, ESPN Waldo wasn’t this lost. Throughout Tuesday’s 71-68 home loss
to South Carolina– the same South Carolina team that lost to George Washington by 24 points previously this season– a Kentucky fan was eliminated after he showed a”Please Go to Texas” indication focused on John Calipari. The fast response from the building’s security personnel was the most aggressive defense Rupp Arena had seen in weeks.Right now, Kentucky is not a lock to make the NCAA tournament, although it will get multiple chances
to protect quality wins at home in the weeks ahead. But the rift between Calipari and the fan base is growing. With the opening at Texas and reports the Longhorns have interest, perhaps he’ll walk.Editor’s Picks 2 Related Saturday’s game is another test of Kentucky’s ceiling. Injuries to Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin have actually been a concern for a program
that faces a Tennessee group with Final Four capacity. This is a bad rebound match for Kentucky. Opponents have realized Wood Award winner Oscar Tshiebwe has a hard time defensively in pick-and-roll scenarios. Opposing teams have actually made 56%of their shots on pick-and-pop circumstances when Tshiebwe has actually guarded the shooter, per Synergy Sports information. The Vols, led by Santiago Vescovi(12.9 PPG, 2.2 SPG ), are ranked first in adjusted defensive performance on KenPom. This could be a blowout and another indication that Calipari’s best years at Kentucky– in spite of the upcoming arrival of D.J. Wagner and a top-ranked recruiting class– are behind him.Prediction: Tennessee 74, Kentucky 63 3 others to view
Jerome Tang’s increase continues with No. 11 Kansas State (15-1, 4-0 Huge 12) at No. 17 TCU (13-3, 2-2 Huge 12)
2 p.m. ET, Saturday, ESPN2
Last season, Kansas State won 14 games overall. This season, Kansas State has actually won 16, with a nine-game winning streak that includes four triumphes versus top-30 groups on KenPom. Tang has already changed the culture at Kansas State halfway through his first season as head coach. Markquis Nowell is averaging 27.7 PPG and 10.0 APG in Huge 12 play. Those aren’t typos. A roadway win over a TCU squad that has surrendered a 54% clip inside the arc so far in league play would guarantee Tang’s group a piece of the Huge 12 lead getting in next week, and offer his project for conference and nationwide coach of the year honors another boost.Prediction: Kansas State 73, TCU 70
No. 14 Iowa State (13-2, 4-0 Huge 12) intends to take the Huge 12 lead at No. 2 Kansas (15-1, 4-0 Huge 12)
4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Big 12/ESPN+
When Tyrese Hunter left for Texas after winning Huge 12 freshman of the year honors in 2015, Iowa State faced concerns about its future. Then T.J. Otzelberger included transfers Osun Osunniyi (8.1 PPG) and Jaren Holmes (13.1 PPG, 37% from the 3-point line) from St. Bonaventure to group with returning veterans Gabe Kalscheur (11.8 PPG) and Caleb Grill (11.1 PPG). Kansas, nevertheless, is going after another national title. With Jalen Wilson and freshman star Gradey Penis on the floor together this season, the Jayhawks have shot 43% from beyond the arc and 52% from within, per hooplens.com. The winner of this game is guaranteed a share of first place in a strong league entering next week.Prediction: Kansas 75
, Iowa State 70
No. 25 Marquette (14-4, 6-1 Big East) at No. 12 Xavier (14-3, 6-0 Big East) is a crucial matchup in the Big East title race
12 p.m. ET, Sunday, FOX
After losing crucial players from last season, the Golden Eagles were chosen to finish ninth in the Big East in the preseason. However second-year head coach Shaka Smart had other plans. Kam Jones (16.1 PPG) is having a breakout sophomore season, and Marquette led the country with a 60.1% clip inside the arc. Sean Miller’s Musketeers are top 10 nationally in 3-point portion (41%). With the veterans who returned from last season’s NIT champion team and UTEP transfer Souley Boum (17.7 PPG), Xavier– tied with Providence for top place in the Big East– has actually produced a 10-game winning streak.Prediction: Xavier
86, Marquette 83