By Andrew Jones
FOXSportsSouth.com
December 17, 2010
Friday, Dec. 17
Who: Savannah State (1-10) at Clemson (5-4)
When: 7:00 p.m.
The dish: The Tigers have dropped three straight games, so they need to taste a victory, and Savannah shouldn't be difficult to handle.
Forecast: Clemson, 84-60.
Who: Oregon (6-3) at Virginia (6-3)
When: 8:00 p.m.
The dish: Virginia's first game in 10 days won't be easy. The Ducks, who have lost to Duke, Missouri and San Jose State, have athletes and like to run up and down the floor. Their best win, however, is over North Dakota State, so they have a lot to prove. UVa was playing well before breaking for exams, so the test will be picking up where they left off winning at Virginia Tech and notching what would be a decent resume-building win.
Forecast: Virginia, 72-64.
Saturday, Dec. 18
Who: Central Florida (9-0) vs. Miami (7-2)
When: 1:00 p.m.
The dish: Eight of the Knights' nine victories are against basic patsies, but they do own a win at Florida two weeks ago. Obviously, UCF is capable of beating the Hurricanes, who need to approach this game like a first round clash in the NCAA Tournament. Miami's backcourt of Malcolm Grant and Durand Scott will lead the Canes to a win that will help come NCAA selection time.
Forecast: Miami, 76-66.
Who: Texas (8-2) vs. North Carolina (7-3)
When: 4:00 p.m.
The dish: Rick Barnes' Longhorns have lost to Pittsburgh by two points on a neutral floor and two weeks ago by 17 points at Southern Cal. Their only notable win was in overtime over Illinois on a neutral court last month. UNC has steadily improved over the last few weeks and could use a win over a team like Texas to enhance its NCAA resume and to add to its growing confidence. Keys here are simple: Larry Drew must play well at the point for UNC, while the Tar Heels can't allow Texas to dominate the glass like in a loss to the 'Horns a year ago.
Forecast: UNC, 82-74.
Who: Richmond (8-2) vs. Georgia Tech (5-4)
When: 5:00 p.m.
The dish: The Spiders and Yellow Jackets meet in the Bahamas in a game the Atlantic 10 team should win. Tech has more talent, but UR, which has wins over Purdue and VCU, is better coached and plays within itself much more. The Jackets need to play consistently well, which they haven't done all season.
Forecast: Richmond, 67-60.
Who: Mississippi State (7-2) vs. Virginia Tech (5-4)
When: 8:00 p.m.
The dish: The Hokies are 2-4 in games versus quality opponents, with one of the wins over Penn State, thus, they need a more impressive win on their resume. MSU has played nothing but patsies, and has dropped games to Florida Atlanta and East Tennessee State, although by a total of just three points. This is the second game of a doubleheader in the Bahamas.
Forecast: Virginia Tech, 58-54.
Who: Wake Forest (6-4) at Xavier (6-2)
When: 8:00 p.m.
The dish: With losses to teams like Stetson and UNCW on their resume, it's hard to imagine the Demon Deacons hanging with the Muskateers on the road. Xavier owns wins over Iowa, Seton Hall, and Butler and shouldn't have much problem adding Wake to the list.
Forecast: Xavier, 83-67.
Who: Florida State (8-2) at Loyola Marymount (6-5)
When: 11:00 p.m.
The dish: Leonard Hamilton's team makes a stop in the L.A. area to take on LMU before heading to Hawaii for a tournament. This is a trap game, so Chris Singleton and company need to show their mental toughness by being ready from the outset. The Lions beat Long Beach State two weeks ago and are currently on a three-game winning streak. They will play with confidence and can score the upset.
Forecast: FSU, 65-59.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
Who: UNC-Greensboro (0-9) at Clemson (5-4
