Wed, Nov. 18th in College Basketball

24 hours of college basketball is over, and while I didn't pull an all-nighter like I was hoping (real life intervened... geez) I was still able to catch a lot of games and write down some observations. That includes Kansas actually looking inept offensively, Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers pretty much willing Michigan State to victory, UCLA and Georgetown struggle, and a couple of MAAC teams that should have some very good battles come conference season. They will all be blogged, don't worry, but for now let's talk about today, which is a pretty slow day in college hoops. Don't fret... Thursday's looking real good.

Game of the Night:

Butler @ Northwestern: Butler gets tested again early in the season. Butler already has had one scare against a much weaker Davidson team but now draws a pesky (albeit hurt) Northwestern team with annoying 1-3-1 trap zone and the always fun to watch Princeton offense. NW is down a couple wings with Kevin Coble and Jeff Ryan out for the season, but will still play hard and compete, and their defense is so unique that it's a pain to play against. They may struggle to score, however, and Butler should win a slow-paced game.

Pick: Butler 64, Northwestern 52

Others to watch:

Utah vs. Utah St. - Fun rivalry game between two mid-majors, one that should be good (Utah) and one that could be very good (Utah St.).

Oakland vs. Wisconsin - Oakland could be a decent team in the Summit this year... okay, fine, just watch Texas blow out Western Carolina. That's the best I got tonight.