Monday's Pregame Beat: Can Kansas State remain hot?

9:00 pm: Kansas State @ No. 8 Texas: These are two teams currently headed in opposite directions. That vaunted Texas defense we were all talking about? Yeah, that went out the window in the past two weekends as the Longhorns were beaten by Nebraska and then torched while blowing a 22 point lead at Colorado.

Kansas State is currently on a four game winning streak that has, for all intents and purposes, gotten them into the NCAA Tournament field. Jacob Pullen is averaging 29.0 ppg during that stretch, but its been the passionate and inspired play by the other four players on the floor that has really made the difference for Kansas State.

Tonight will be interesting, as well as a gauge for where both teams currently stand. Kansas State has struggled on the road this season, and Texas is always tough at home. The key to this game may end up being none other than Dogus Balbay. The Texas point guard is arguably the best on-ball defender in the country. Can he slow down the red-hot Pullen?

7:00 pm: No. 19 Villanova @ No. 7 Notre Dame: Villanova is essentially in a free fall right now. The Wildcats have lost at home to Syracuse and St. John's in the past week, and looked far from impressive in both games. There is plenty of talent on the Villanova roster, but they just don't seem to be able to figure out how to get all of the pieces to fit together. Notre Dame, on the other hand, is terrific when playing at home. They are experienced and play very well together.

7:00 pm: Morgan State @ North Carolina A&T
8:30 pm: Coppin State @ Norfolk State
9:00 pm: Jackson State @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff
9:00 pm: Cal St. Bakersfield @ Gonzaga
9:05 pm: Northern Colorado @ Idaho State