Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thursday's Pregame Beat: Battle out west headlines a slow night

Ed. Note: Quick Pregame Beat today. 'Twas a busy day.

10:30 pm: No. 25 Arizona @ No. 20 Washington: The Wildcats and the Huskies square off in one of the biggest games in the Pac-10 this season. Washington is widely considered the best team in the Pac-10, and has been all season long. Isaiah Thomas is coming off the best game of his career, where he went for 27 points and 13 assists, and is so comfortable in his new role as the Huskie's point guard that he is already predicting that he'll break the school's single game assist record of 16.

That said, Arizona has a star in their own right in Derrick Williams. The 6'8" power forward has really developed as a sophomore, going from a guy that did most of his damage around the rim to a player with range out to the three point line and the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. For anyone that enjoys watching talented big men do battle, this game is a must-watch.

Washington has more talent up and down their lineup, but Arizona needs this win more. They are 15-3, but the most impressive result on their resume right now is a close loss to Kansas. This one should be fun.

9:00 pm: Virginia Tech @ Maryland: Eventually, someone is going to emerge as the second best team in the ACC. My money is on Maryland. This is a big game for both sides, but I don't think the Hokies are going to be able to handle Jordan Williams inside, assuming he can stay out of foul trouble. It should also be interesting to see how the Maryland back court handles the talented Malcolm Delaney.

7:30 pm: Detroit @ Cleveland State: Norris Cole vs. Ray McCallum? Yes please.

Other Notable Games:

  • 7:00 pm: Indiana @ No. 17 Wisconsin
  • 7:00 pm: Florida @ Auburn
  • 7:00 pm: Western Carolina @ Charleston
  • 7:00 pm: Austin Peay @ Tennessee Tech
  • 7:00 pm: Coastal Caroline @ UNC-Asheville
  • 7:00 pm: Chattanooga @ Wofford
  • 9:00 pm: Louisiana Tech @ Utah State
  • 9:00 pm: Gonzaga @ Santa Clara
  • 10:00 pm: Arizona State @ Washington State
  • 10:30 pm: Cal @ UCLA
  • 10:30 pm: Stanford @ USC

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