The weekend's top college basketball games
Whether you are snowed in or out and about, many of this season's most promising men's college basketball teams are going head to head this weekend.
Here are three to watch:
No. 1 Oklahoma (15-2) at No. 15 Baylor (15-3)
Noon ET Saturday, ESPN2
The Sooners already dropped a road game at Iowa State since assuming the mantle of No. 1, a result that also left Baylor alone at the top of the Big 12 standings — for now. An Oklahoma win would create a huge logjam in the highly competitive league. The Bears, of course, would like to create a bit of separation. They've been on a five-game roll since absorbing a 28-point thrashing at Kansas. It helps that Baylor has a senior-laden lineup, including scoring leader Taurean Prince, PF Rico Gathers and PG Lester Medford. They'll all have to contribute to keep pace with the Sooners' Buddy Hield. OU is even harder to outscore if Hield's back-court mate Jordan Woodard is on target from three-point range.
No. 5 Maryland (17-2) at No. 10 Michigan State (16-4)
6:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN
The Spartans' current three-game skid is puzzling to say the least, mainly because it began after their best player returned to the lineup. Nevertheless, this showdown between do-everything swingman Denzel Valentine and Maryland's Melo Trimble should be much more entertaining than watching the snow come down. Defensive breakdowns have been troublesome for MSU, wich bodes well for Terrapins' freshman big man Diamond Stone. The Spartans also need G Bryn Forbes to rediscover his shooting touch.
No. 17 Providence (16-3) at No. 4 Villanova (17-2)
1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Speaking of highly competitive leagues, the Big East has been a thrill ride throughout the first half of the conference schedule. Villanova has managed to keep its record clean despite numerous close calls, including Wednesday night's Houdini act at Seton Hall. The Friars haven't been as fortunate on a couple of occasions but did get by Butler last time out. The matchup at point guard between the Wildcats' Ryan Arcidiacono and the Friars' Kris Dunn, two of the best in the nation, will be worth watching on its own. Ben Bentil, the most frequent recipient of Dunn's assists, might have his hands full in the post with Villanova's Daniel Ochefu. The Wildcats are adept at finding the open wing. Most often that is Josh Hart, but he's not their only finisher.