Monday's Pregame Beat

6:30 pm: UTEP vs. Oklahoma: Oklahoma has really been struggling this season, mainly their star Willie Warren has yet to really play like a star. He isn't shooting the ball well and he isn't passing well, either, which is a bad combination when you were considered by many to be the best combo guard in the country. That said, Oklahoma still has a chance to be a player in the Big XII. But UTEP is good as well. Derrick Caracter, who has two double-doubles in three games since joining the team, adds an extra dimension to this team, and should be able to contain Tiny Gallon. But the two guys you want to tune in to see if you are an impartial observer are Randy Culpepper and Arnett Moultrie. Culpepper is one of the most dynamic guards in the country, while Moultrie could end up being an NBA draft pick.

8:30 pm: La Salle vs. Oklahoma State: Interesting match-up here. It is not that often that a match-up between a mid-major and a major program results in the mid-major being the bigger team. But that is the case here, as Oklahoma State is very perimeter oriented. The two big guys on the Pokes - Marshall Moses and Matt Pilgrim - are right around the 6'7"-6'8" range, while La Salle boasts 6'11" Aaric Murray in the middle. OK State makes up for their lack of size by scrapping on the glass, playing with pace, and with the three. If you haven't seen James Anderson play yet, you'll be in for a treat.

9:00 pm: Cornell @ St. John's: St. John's looks like they have have the pieces to compete in the Big East this season, and they aren't even at full health yet as Justin Burrell and Anthony Mason are currently sidelined. Cornell will be a nice test for them. This is a senior laden team that plays smart basketball and can shoot it from three.

Other notable games:

• 7:00 pm: Drexel @ Kentucky
• 7:30 pm: North Carolina A&T @ Miami FL
• 8:00 pm: Appalachian State @ Dayton
• 8:00 pm: Arkansas-Pine Blue @ Kansas State
• 8:05 pm: North Dakota State @ Wichita State
• 8:30 pm: UC Santa Barbara @ Arizona State
• 9:00 pm: Lipscomb @ Arizona