OK, we’ll be honest. The slate this weekend isn’t spectacular. But there are three key games that you’re going to want to pay attention to, including a Saturday afternoon matchup between two teams in the Big 12 that are going to get to know each other quite well – they play twice in the final two weeks of the season.
#3 Gonzaga at St. Mary’s
10 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN
It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the WCC with Gonzaga taking on the Gaels of St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s is looking to try and shake things up in the WCC with a win. If St. Mary’s can pull off the upset, it will pull within 2 games of the Bulldogs, who are currently ranked No. 3 in the country. Gonzaga is currently on a 21-game win streak with an offense that ranks 12th in points per game, 11th in assists per game and first in field goal percentage. The Gaels have nothing to lose and will need to play a physical game to stop the Gonzaga offense.
Key Players:
- Gonzaga: Kyle Wiltjer (16.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .538 FG percentage)
- St. Mary’s: Brad Waldow (20.0 ppg, 9.2 rpg, .569 FG percentage)
#23 West Virginia at #22 Oklahoma State
2 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPNNews
Losing 3 of its last 4 games against ranked opponents, the West Virginia is looking to get back on pace with a win against Oklahoma State. These teams will meet twice in the next two weeks. The outcomes will have a heavy influence on not just the Big 12 standings but national rankings as well. The Big 12 currently has its top 6 teams ranked nationally. No. 22 Oklahoma is sixth in the conference, while West Virginia is fourth in the conference but ranked behind the Sooners at No. 23. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, has been dominant at home, boasting a 14-3 record. Fans of the Big 12 will be keeping a close eye on this one.
Key Players:
- West Virginia: Juwan Staten (14.5 ppg, 4,6 apg, .421 FG percentage)
- Oklahoma State: Le’Bryan Nash (17.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .458 FG percentage)
#9 Utah at Oregon
3 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox Sports 1
The showdown in the Pac-12 this week is the Utah Utes and the Oregon Ducks. Currently number 2 and 3 in the Pac-12 respectively, the Utes and Ducks play their only game against each other this season. Utah has lost three of their four games on the road and is looking at a tough game at Matthew Knight Arena. While Oregon has yet to beat a ranked team this season, the outcome of this game could shift the standings in the Pac-12. A Utah win would allow the Utes to keep pace in the conference with Arizona.
Key Players:
- Utah: Delon Wright (14.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, .522 FG percentage)
- Oregon: Joseph Young (19.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, .450 FG percentage)
Dorm Room Hoops 