Nov. 16
When: 5 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Minutemen have edged Harvard and Providence in their two games, but must find a way to beat a very talented Wolfpack team that gets scoring from basically everyone it puts on the floor. UMass has a nice club, but N.C. State is too good and can handle a few players having poor games and will advance in the Puerto Rico Tipoff.
Pick: N.C. State, 85-71.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Full Court Press: At the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, V.I., UConn should give Wake plenty of fits. The Huskies, under new coach Kevin Ollie, already own an impressive victory over Michigan State. Wake Forest struggled with Radford and will have its hands full in this game and the tournament, as a whole.
Pick: UConn, 74-56.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: At the Coaches Against Cancer tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, BYU, which has beaten Tennessee State and Georgia State, will challenge an FSU team that already has a loss on its slate. The Cougars have 11 players back from a club that went 26-9 and won a game in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. This is a significant challenge for the Seminoles, who are meshing young players with established ones.
Pick: FSU, 70-67.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Purple Paladins have lost to Columbia and beaten DII Southern Wesleyan. They get a rare chance to host the nearby Tigers in this one, so expect a great effort and for some small things to go their way. Clemson’s guards must play well to create some distance.
Pick: Clemson, 69-56.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: Without question, the early candidate for most disappointing team in the nation is the Hurricanes. They lost an exhibition game, barely beat a bad Stetson club, and they were soundly handled by 12 points at Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday night. If the Canes play hard and with focus they will slaughter the Dolphins. If not, it could be another embarrassing night.
Pick: Miami 76-59.
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Blackbirds lost close games to Morehead State and in overtime to Lafayette. They have been to the last two NCAA Tournaments, but this club may not be up to that level. Terps are too long and too good.
Pick: Maryland, 88-71.
When: 11 p.m.
Full Court Press: The 49ers lost most of their good players from a year ago and are a work in progress. Sound familiar? UNC is dealing with the same thing, but the Tar Heels are significantly more talented. LBSU beat DII Northern Alabama by 9 points in the opener before being blown out by Southern Cal.
Pick: UNC 76-62.
Nov. 17
When: 4 p.m.
Full Court Press: The Redhawks handled Montana State with ease in their opener and could be a pest for a UVa team that is struggling mightily to score points. Injuries in the backcourt and open questions up front are hampering the Cavaliers.
Pick: UVa, 57-53.
*Boston College plays an opponent to be determined.
Nov. 18
When: 7 p.m.
Full Court Press: FGC beat Miami by 12 but was blown out at VCU by 23. Odds are Duke will pull away for an easy victory, but it would be great for the Blue Devils if Quinn Cook can get more run at the point and Alex Murphy play well on the wing.
Pick: Duke, 80-58.
*Florida State, Boston College, NC State and Wake Forest play opponents to be determined
Season record: 20-3
