This week was wild. On Monday alone, there was bonus basketball in the Northeast Conference, a Division II over Division I victory, and clutch late free throws across multiple games. Buzzer beaters were aplenty throughout the week, too.
What does this weekend of college basketball hold at the mid-major level? Read last week’s edition for clarity on the format of this series. All times are Eastern time.
Saturday lunch: Jacksonville Dolphins (12-7, 6-1 ASUN) @ Queens University Royals (12-8, 5-2 ASUN)
The Dolphins (KenPom 157) are off a 6-1 start in ASUN play, the best in team history since the 2008-09 season. Jacksonville is on a roll to the tune of six straight wins, largely on the back of Robert McCray V. He is the only player on the team with a double-digit average score and was the high-scorer for his team in eight straight games before Thursday.
He’ll have to work extra hard for rebounds against Queens University (KP 212), which leads the conference in rebounds per game. The Dolphins and Royals are first and second in the ASUN in rebounding margin. This game will be determined on the boards. Who can get second chances and who can snuff them out?
When and where: 1 p.m. on ESPN+
Saturday mid-afternoon: New Mexico Lobos (16-4, 8-1 Mountain West) @ UNLV Rebels (11-8, 5-3 Mountain West)
Richard Pitino’s Lobos (KP 53) have bounced back from a hiccup against San Jose State and currently sit atop the Mountain West. Utah State looms next weekend, but for now it’s about taking care of business in Sin City. No wonder New Mexico is doing so well with Donovan Dent’s 18.9 points per game and Nelly Junior Joseph averaging a double-double.
UNLV (KP 99) is not to be taken lightly, though. The Rebels have had their ups and downs in the calendar year alone. They just lost to Wyoming and also lost back-to-back games to Boise State and Colorado State by 22 points each. Conversely, they picked off San Diego State in the Viejas Arena and are one of two teams with a win against Utah State. This game will be nationally televised and for good reason, this top 100 showdown will be one to watch.
When and where: 3 p.m. on FOX
Saturday evening: Saint Mary’s Gaels (17-3, 7-0 WCC) @ Washington State Cougars (15-6, 5-3 WCC)
It will feel like March inside the Beasley Coliseum. Washington State (KP 94) needs wins and needs them badly. The Cougars have lost three of five, dropping a game to Pacific (KP299) and losing to Santa Clara by 28. This Washington State team has scorers aplenty, the only problem is two of their top four scorers have not played this calendar year.
They host Saint Mary’s (KP 25), who looks like a million bucks. The Gaels have a +179 point differential in conference play and have only lost three regular season conference games in the last three seasons. They are all but a shoo-in for March barring a collapse. As a team, they allow 60.6 points per game, the best of its conference counterparts and seventh in the nation. This is the final boss of the West Coast Conference.
When and where: 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
Saturday nightcap: CSU Northridge Matadors (13-6, 5-3 Big West) @ UC San Diego Tritons (16-4, 6-2 Big West)
This is the second Big West litmus test for the Matadors (KP 132), who failed the first one against the Anteaters. To this point, CSU Northridge has not beaten a team with a higher KenPom rating than its own. It hopes to change that with help from forwards Marcus Adams Jr. (team-high 15.7 PPG) and Keonte Jones (12.9 PPG, 9.0 rebounds per game).
The Matadors are up against the lights-out UC San Diego defense. What once felt like a guaranteed top two finish in the Big West does not appear to be that simple anymore. The Tritons are only a half-game ahead of UC Davis for second and only a game ahead of CSU Northridge and UC Riverside (the latter of whom put up 85 points en route to an upset win). It will be New Zealand product Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones’ job to lead the way, he and his 19.1 PPG.
When and where: 10 p.m. on ESPN+
Sunday lunch: UAB Blazers (12-7, 5-1 American) @ #24 Memphis Tigers (15-4, 5-1 American)
UAB (KP 106) has had a very weird year, along with the rest of the conference. The Blazers lost an opening night buy game to Vermont and blew a 27-point second half lead to Arkansas State. Whatever speech head coach Andy Kennedy gave after that game must have done wonders. Since that Arkansas State game, the Blazers are 7-1 and Yaxel Lendeborg has reawakened (18.2 PPG in January).
Memphis (KP 40) has a very strong resume, perhaps one strong enough to warrant an at-large bid to the big dance. Conversely, the Tigers also have a buy game loss to Arkansas State and had a setback against Temple not too long ago. As long as PJ Haggerty (22.1 PPG, second in the nation) keeps producing the way he is, there will be little to fear in Memphis.
When and where: 1 p.m. on ESPN2
Sunday mid-afternoon: Navy Midshipmen (6-14, 3-4 Patriot) @ Army Black Knights (11-8, 5-2 Patriot)
One of the most storied collegiate rivalries is set to play out at Christl Arena in what will be a test of resilience, particularly for Army (KP 292). Star guard Jalen Rucker suffered an injury in Army’s game against Boston and did not play against Holy Cross on Wednesday. Josh Scovens was the one who stepped up in that game, who will it be this time?
Perhaps Austin Benigni (17.5 PPG, 4.3 assists per game) will be the star that shines brightest for both teams. Navy (KP 289) broke a four-game skid against Boston and is in dire need of a real stretch of winning. The Midshipmen’s longest winning streak this season is two games. Perhaps a win over Army is the spark they need?
When and where: 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
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