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Tonight the Big Ten hopes for their first big upset, with the Iowa Hawkeyes traveling to Madison Square Garden to play the #13 Oregon Ducks.
Along with this game the Gavitt Games continue with the Ohio State traveling to Creighton, a game that may be more lopsided than most think, and Penn State going to DePaul. You can preview the games below.
Game of the Night
-#13 Oregon Ducks vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
- Time/TV: 9:00 PM ET - ESPN2
- Spread: Iowa (+4)
Not invited to the Gavitt games this year, Iowa will get the opportunity to upset Oregon in the 2K Classic. Iowa’s offense has played well this year, but a concern is there defense, especially against Green Bay. Last Sunday the Hawkeyes faced Green Bay at home, and only won 93-82.
Obviously it’s the beginning of the season and teams will be rusty, but looking at Oregon who has easily taken care of their two opponents thus far, it’s worrisome for Iowa. The most worrisome thing for Iowa? Bol Bol. The 7-foot-2 center is averaging 17.5 points per game and 12 rebounds per game, and is a mismatch for anyone on Iowa. Look for Bol to take advantage of his height tonight.
- Pick Against the Spread: Oregon Ducks
The Rest
-Ohio State Buckeyes at Creighton Bluejays
- Time/TV: 7:00 PM ET - Fox Sports 1
- Spread: Creighton (+2.5)
Both teams have had rough off-seasons. Ohio State has had to deal with the losses of Keita Bates-Diop and Ja’Sean Tate, while Creighton was recently called out by the FBI for illegal recruiting.
C.J Jackson is slowly emerging as “the guy” for the Buckeyes, averaging the most points per game at 19. After picking up a big win at Cincinnati (one that I predicted wrong), Ohio State has some momentum right now, compared to Creighton who may be heading down the wrong path.
- Pick Against the Spread: Ohio State
-Penn State Nittany Lions at DePaul Blue Demons
- Time/TV: 9:00 PM ET - Fox Sports 1
- Spread: DePaul (+1.5)
The second to last game of the Gavitt Games (Rutgers closing it out), Penn State looks to get an early defining road win. DePaul’s not a bad team and will be a tough win for the Nittany Lions.
However, based off of how the Big Ten has handled the Big East so far, Penn State takes care of business.
- Pick Against the Spread: Penn State
-#23 Purdue Boilermakers at Appalachian State Mountaineers
- Time/TV: 5:00 PM ET - ESPN2
- Spread: Appalachian State (+13.5)
Another classic, the Charleston Classic, Purdue hopes to avoid what some might call a “trap game”. Away from home early in the year, playing a team known for its underdog magic (that’s football but maybe it works in basketball too).
Carson Edwards will be leading the Boilermakers and should be able to pull out an easy victory.
- Pick Against the Spread: Carson Edwards