College Hoops Weekend Preview

The regular season for college basketball is beginning to heat up with conference play right around the corner, the major programs are getting in a few more games before the new year starts against tough non-conference opponents. This weekend boasts big games in New York City, Los Angeles and Cowboys Stadium.
3 GAMES TO WATCH:
(7) Duke v. (15) Gonzaga 4:00, CBS
Game played @ Madison Square Garden
The Blue Devils make their annual trip to Madison Square Garden for a big non-conference game in their home away from home in New York City. The Blue Devils are 8-1 with their only loss to Wisconsin. Led by the guard play of Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith, both who are averaging over 16 points a game, Coach K's team have consistency in the backcourt to feed Kyle Singler, Brian Zoubek, and Mason Plumlee. On the other bench, coach Mark Few has the Zags poised for another March run which is being led this season by G Matt Bouldin. If the Zags come to play, which they should, expect this to be a great showcase of guard play.
Prediction: Duke 78, Gonzaga 71

(22) Kansas State @ Alabama
Frank Martin's Wildcats have been the surprise team in the nation this season and they face a crucial road test in Tuscaloosa Saturday night. At 9-1, the Wildcats have played a fairly easy schedule with their only loss coming to the Tide's SEC West rival, Ole Miss. The Tide are rolling even after a loss to Purdue last weekend and will look to use their home court advantage. Mikhail Torrance and JaMychal Green will both have to step up to lead the home side to victory.
Prediction: Alabama 62, K-State 49

(10) North Carolina v. (2) Texas 2:00, ESPN
Game played at Cowboys Stadium
Since every other football stadium hosts at least one big game in its bid to host a final four, Jerry Jones has brought a great game to be the first basketball game at the $1 billion stadium. After a heartbreaking loss to John Wall and Kentucky two weeks ago, the Tar Heels rebounded with an easy win over Presbyterian 103-64 in their last game. The Longhorns are rolling through teams but they have not played the caliber of opponents that UNC has. The key to this game will be the depth of each team off the bench. Texas has five players that average ten points a game and the Tar Heels boast only three. For North Carolina to win they must get production from players like Tyler Zeller, Larry Drew II and Will Graves to have a chance at challenging Texas' depth.
Prediction: Texas 71, UNC 65

UPSET ALERT:
(20) Texas Tech @ Wichita State, 8:05
The Red Raiders are off to an undefeated start and will face the first big test of the perfect record in Wichita. The Shockers are 8-1 with their only loss coming to Pitt in November. Wichita State is now one of the mid-majors that teams do not want to schedule because of the great results they have got out of the MVC so give credit to Texas Tech for scheduling this game the home crowd will be too much.
Prediction: Wichita St. 81, Texas Tech 60

As the season draws closer to conference play, we will see who is prepared the most this weekend through these tough non-conference games.