Top 10 Teams in Important Conference Showdowns

This weekend college basketball has a number of good matchups featuring teams in the top-25. The conference schedules are winding their way to an end with conference tournaments starting within three weeks.

Nevertheless, there are some interesting conference games featuring top ranked teams.

No. 16 Baylor vs. No. 8 Kansas

Kansas was able to escape Waco on January 7 with a 56-55 victory over Baylor. However, Baylor was able to grab 17 offensive boards in the game, but scored just 13 second chance points.

The game was tight the whole way and the same should be true for Saturday in Kansas. The Jayhawks dominated Baylor in the paint in January 7, scoring 34 of their 56 points near the rim.

The Baylor strength in offensive rebounding will keep the close in this game, but few beat Kansas at home.

Pick: 69-93

No. 6 Villanova vs. No. 18 Butler

One of the most important Big East games of the season pits the Wildcats at the Bulldogs. If Butler can win, it would tie Villanova for first place in the conference. A loss and Villanova extends its lead at the top of the conference to two games.

Villanova in the first head-to-head meeting with Butler was able to control Roosevelt Jones and beat the Bulldogs.

Butler also shot just 62% for the free throw line in the first game against Villanova. Both teams enter the game on winning streaks, which will make for a highly competitive game.

Pick: Villanova 63-62

No. 4 Duke vs. Syracuse

This is not the usual epic matchup between Duke and Syracuse. This game still means a great deal to Duke. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim and his players will not play in the postseason because of NCAA issues and a self-imposed ban from March Madness or the NIT.

Therefore, for Syracuse, the battle for the bubble has burst and only pride is what matters now.

Duke is much more talented with Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones. Even though the game is not as important as previous ones in this series, look for an all out battle. Boeheim will have the Orange ready for Duke as it is a pride factor for him going up against Duke’s head coach Mike Krzyzewski, which will push his players for a good result against one of the best teams in the country.

Pick: Duke 69-64