Preview Roundups
March 10, 2013
VCU at Temple 12:00 PM ET
No. 21 Virginia Commonwealth needs to land a tough win at Temple on Sunday to clinch at least a share of the Atlantic 10 regular-season title. The Rams have won three straight to keep the pressure on Saint Louis on top of the tightly-wound standings. Temple is suddenly the hottest team in the conference. The Owls are 13-3 at home and bring a six-game win streak into this contest.
Wisconsin at Penn St. 12:00 PM ET
Two consecutive losses knocked No. 21 Wisconsin out of the Big Ten title race. On Sunday, the Badgers will try to avoid finishing their regular season on a season-high, three-game skid when they visit lowly Penn State. Wisconsin lost at home to Purdue and at No. 12 Michigan State to drop to fifth in the conference and needs a win in its final game to have a chance at a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
Illinois at Ohio St. 12:30 PM ET
When No. 13 Ohio State met a ranked Illinois team on Jan. 5, the Illini enjoyed their largest margin of victory against a ranked opponent since 1964. But when the Buckeyes host Illinois on Sunday, they will have a chance to avenge that loss and earn a share of their fourth consecutive Big Ten title. Ohio State began the season 11-2, but endured one of its worst shooting performances against the Illini in a 74-55 road loss.
Virginia Tech at Wake Forest 2:00 PM ET
Wake Forest looks to snap a three-game losing streak and gain momentum heading into the ACC tournament when the Demon Deacons host Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale Sunday. Wake Forest has dropped 11 of its last 14 games, including a 66-65 loss to the Hokies on Jan. 19. After an 81-66 loss to North Carolina State on Tuesday, the Demon Deacons are tied for 10th in the conference.
Indiana at Michigan 4:00 PM ET
No. 2 Indiana has already secured the top seed in next week’s Big Ten Tournament, but a win Sunday at No. 8 Michigan could wrap up the Hoosiers' first outright conference title since 1993. However, a loss to the Wolverines could open the door for as many as four teams – including Michigan – to share the regular-season crown. The Hoosiers hold a one-game lead over Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan.
Northwestern at Michigan St 6:00 PM ET
Michigan State can possibly claim a piece of the Big Ten title when it hosts Northwestern in the regular-season finale Sunday. The No. 12 Spartans need No. 2 Indiana to lose earlier in the day at No. 8 Michigan to put themselves in position to share the championship with a win. Michigan State is coming off four straight games against ranked opponents. The Spartans ended a three-game losing streak with a win Thursday against No. 21 Wisconsin.
Maryland at Virginia 6:00 PM ET
Teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble battle it out in their ACC regular-season finale Sunday. Virginia, which looked like it had played its way into March Madness with a 73-68 home win over then No. 3-ranked Duke, now likely needs to put together a small win streak in the ACC tourney after losses at Boston College and Florida State. Maryland, which has dropped three of its past five games since a 83-81 upset of the Blue Devils, is probably in the same situation.