Saturday Schedule

A couple things to touch on before I get to today's schedule and picks. First, congratulations to the Big Ten for winning its very first Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Finally earned bragging rights for a year. I've said it all along, the Big Ten is the deepest conference top-to-bottom as far as competitiveness. The Big 12 may even be the second deepest, which is somewhat of a surprise. We all knew about Kansas and Texas, but teams like unbeaten Texas Tech have surprised people early. And there is certainly no shortage of playmakers in the league either.

Which brings me to my next point-the new poll. Vote! The Basketblog wants your input! Who will be the Player of the Year in the Big 12? There are several strong candidates that all can make a case for the award.

Also, I've got updated standings of both conferences on the left side of the blog. Remember that each color-coded team name is a link that will take you to that team's official men's basketball Web site so you can follow your favorite teams easier. Your welcome.

On to some picks:

Should be a good day for the Big Ten, all playing somewhat cupcakes and only one team not playing at home.

Grambling State @ Wisconsin-I'll go with the Badgers, hot off the upset of Duke.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Michigan-Wolverines beat the Golden Lions handily.

Penn State @ Temple-On the road, Battle leads Nittany Lions to victory.

Prairie View A&M @ Iowa-I will be personally working at this game, and am counting on personally witnessing a W to get the Hawkeyes back on track in Carver.

Buffalo @ Purdue-Boiler Up is on fiya, won't be put out by the Buffalo stampede.

Boise State @ Illinois-Football might be another story, but Orange Crush take this matchup on the hardwood.

Big 12 has four games schedule today, and a few better matchups compared to the Big Ten's sugary diet, partly due to the Big 12/Pac-10 hardwood series.

Oklahoma State @ Texas-San Antonio-Cow Pokes win on the road behind a beastly performance by stud James Anderson.

Missouri @ Oregon- Tigers will run 'n gun their way to a win in the end, but I'm very enticed by this game.

Kansas State @ Washington State-Pretty much a toss up, so I'll go with the home Cougars of Wazzu.

California @ Iowa State-Bears were the preseason pick to win the Pac 10, but the Cyclones are athletic enough to match up with them, and they always play well at Hilton Coliseum.

I'm predicting a 9-1 overall day by the Big Ten and Big 12. We'll check back later and see how I did. Have a great Saturday, hoops fans!