Thursday, Dec. 31st in College Basketball

Cincinnati made a big statement on their home court Wednesday, beating a very good UConn team 71-69. The Bearcats took over the lead in the middle of the 1st half and held that lead for the rest of the game, resisting a late run by the Huskies to pick up an important conference win. Deonta Vaughn and Lance Stephenson combined for 38 of Cincy's 71 points and ran the break very well. If Cincy's offense can play like this more often, they have a good chance at making a run out of the middle of the Big East and into a tournament spot. For UConn, Kemba Walker struggled, going only 3-11 from the floor with 4 turnovers (although he did hit a big three to tie the game at the end).

Illinois trailed for most of the game vs. Northwestern, but a second half charge led to a tie game and a very exciting final 10 minutes of regulation. In overtime, Illinois took the early lead and held on for the win 89-83. Mike Tisdale had 31 and Mike Davis had 20, but it was D. J. Richardson's play in the 2nd half that sparked the Illini and helped them break the pesky NW 1-3-1 zone. Illinois lives and dies by the play of their freshman.

Great games to close out the new year. Here's what's coming up tonight:

Game of the Night:

Tennessee @ Memphis: I was tempted to go with the Ohio St/Wisconsin game, but I decided to go with the rivalry game instead. While it may not have as much draw as a Calipari-Pearl matchup, this game definitely has some interesting storylines. Memphis hasn't had many big games yet this year outside of almost taking down the number 1 team in the country in November, but has Syracuse and Gonzaga later in the season besides this game. Elliot Williams has been outstanding since transferring to Duke. Meanwhile, Tennessee only has two losses, one to undefeated Purdue, but has played a fairly easy schedule otherwise. This will be a good measuring stick for both teams. While Memphis is at home, Tennessee is the more complete team and should have the advantage in this one.

Pick: Tennessee 83, Memphis 76

Others:

Michigan @ Indiana: Big win for IU. On a related note, how far has Michigan plummeted? I mean, I guess there are worse losses than a close loss at Indiana, but they're at .500 now. They're not even on the bubble, and it's a pretty big bubble right now.

Ohio St. @ Wisconsin: Not as exciting now that Evan Turner is still out, but should still be a good matchup.

Oklahoma @ Gonzaga: More competitive than it appeared to be a month ago.

Green Bay @ Butler: Watch out for Green Bay. They beat Wisconsin earlier in the year and will give Butler all they can handle today.

Oregon @ Washington St.: The Ducks haven't done much of anything this year. I swear I'll stop talking about them if they don't win this one.

Richmond @ Wake Forest: Two under the radar teams. Should be entertaining.