College Hoops Weekend Preview

There’s only one ranked matchup on a rather weak college basketball betting schedule this weekend. That lone matchup is No. 17 Memphis at No. 19 Georgetown, but also peaking our interest is a showdown of undefeated teams between Butler and No. 21 Ohio State.

The Memphis Tigers should be very well-rested to say the least heading into Saturday’s game against Georgetown. The Tigers’ last game was on December 2, which gives them an 11-day layoff between games. That last contest could barely even be called a game, actually, as the Tigers destroyed Marist 100-61 as a 27-point favorite on the college basketball odds. Tyreke Evans poured in 24 points for Memphis, while Shawn Taggart had a huge game at both ends of the court with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks.

The Hoyas are also coming off a big blowout victory. Georgetown faced Savannah State in a total laugher on Monday which they won 100-38. DaJuan Summers, Austin Freeman, and Jessie Sapp all netted 14 points in the blowout. Georgetown should get a better test against Memphis, which is their second game of the season against another ranked team. The Hoyas’ first ranked matchup was against Tennessee and resulted in their only loss so far this year.

Georgetown and Memphis met up last December as well when the Tigers easily knocked off the Hoyas 85-71 as a 5-point home favorite.

Butler and Ohio State are also meeting up for the second year in a row, and the Buckeyes should be out for a little payback. The Bulldogs crushed the Buckeyes 65-46 as a 6-point favorite last season.

Both the Bulldogs and Buckeyes enter Saturday’s matchup undefeated, with Butler sitting at 8-0 and Ohio State 5-0. Butler’s latest win came on Tuesday night when they upset Bradley 87-75 as a 1-point road underdog. Freshman Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack each had 20 points in the win, and Mack also added eight rebounds and six assists.

The Buckeyes have been off since December 6, the night they upset Notre Dame 67-63 as a 2-point underdog. Evan Turner unleashed 28 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Buckeyes to the victory, as the only other Ohio State player to score in double digits was B.J. Mullens with 11 points.