Week one included some exciting moments and crazy upsets and week two should be no different. The Gavitt Games highlight what should be a very entertaining week of hoops.
Note: Only games scheduled, confirmed can be included in this list, possible games in multi-team events will not be included
Tuesday, Nov. 14: Wisconsin @ Providence; 6 p.m. ET on FS1
Following the Monday night Gavitt Games, the first game of note on Tuesday is Wisconsin traveling to Providence to face Kim English’s men. The Badgers took a loss to Tennessee last Friday night, but the Badgers held tough and only lost by 10 to the top-10 team. This could mean Greg Guard’s team is extra hungry for a victory here, not wanting to take a second loss in the young season. Providence, though, is a very solid team led by Bryce Hopkins. Wisconsin is led by Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl and is a very experienced team top to bottom. This game has the makings to be a very tight one and the experts agree, giving Providence just a 1.5 point advantage.
Tuesday, Nov. 14: No. 9 Duke vs. No. 18 Michigan State; 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
This year’s Champions Classic begins with Duke and Michigan State squaring off at the United Center in Chicago. Both of these teams are coming off losses at home, Duke to then-12th-ranked Arizona and Michigan State to James Madison. This means that this game will be even more critical with both teams trying to avoid their second loss in as many weeks. This matchup is as star-studded as any could be with both starting fives being littered with talent. Tyson Walker and Kyle Filipowski both dominated in each team’s defeat, so it should be up to the complementary players to get out of the loss column. Tyrese Proctor and Malik Hall should be x factors for Duke and Michigan State, respectively. This one should be great, as most Champions Classic games are, but the experts pick Duke in slight fashion.
Tuesday, Nov. 14: No. 4 Marquette at No. 23 Illinois; 8 p.m. ET on FS1
Another great game in the Gavitt Games includes fourth-ranked Marquette traveling to Champaign to take on 23rd-ranked Illinois. The Golden Eagles and Illini both look to get their first quality win in what should be a very close game. Marquette is led by returnees Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones and coached by Shaka Smart. After a disappointing round of 32 exit last year, they are trying to put together a Final Four squad this year. Illinois does not have the same expectations, but is looking to improve with Brad Underwood looking for another Big Ten title. The Illini are led by Terrance Shannon and Coleman Hawkins, both looking to add to already solid careers. This game is definitely one to look forward to as the Illini could easily knock off highly-ranked Marquette.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 17 Kentucky; 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
The finale of the Champions Classic has No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks facing the 17th-ranked Wildcats of Kentucky. Kansas is the consensus national championship favorite and has a star-studded roster including Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson and returnees DaJuan Harris and Kevin McCullar Jr. Kentucky is headlined by veteran Antonio Reeves and freshmen Rob Dillingham and Justin Edwards. Because of all the talent on the floor, this one is sure to be a game to remember. While both teams are solidly in the Top 25 and have talented rosters, Kansas is the favorite here and most experts believe the Jayhawks may win by double digits.
Friday, Nov. 17: Maryland at No. 21 Villanova; 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1
Another solid inclusion in the Gavitt Games is a clash between Maryland and Villanova from the Pavilion on the Villanova campus. The Wildcats are in the rankings and are looking to pick up a solid win against the Terps. Maryland has had a nightmare start to the season, with two losses to mid-major opponents already. This one becomes incredibly important as avoiding a third loss in the early season is key. The Terps do have a solid roster led by Jahmir Young and Julian Reese. The Wildcats may be too much, though, as Justin Moore is looking like a star to begin the season. Villanova is the popular selection here, but a hungry Maryland team may pull off the victory.
Sunday, Nov. 19: No. 9 Uconn vs. Indiana; 1 p.m. ET on ESPN
Defending champion UConn faces its first high-major opponent in Indiana when the two teams meet at Madison Square Garden as a part of the Empire Classic. Indiana has looked very weak to start out the season with two close wins to inferior small-school opponents. Xavier Johnson and Kel’el Ware lead the Hoosiers, but the second unit has looked very suspect. UConn is led by returnees Tristan Newton and Donovan Clingan who have already proven their talents on the biggest stage. Because of early-season results, this game may not be as enticing as it looked before, but it should be a solid one. Given that, though, the Huskies are big favorites and some think this one could end in a blowout.
Elms' Essentials: Week 12
