Week 9 Predictions…. HUGE WEEK FOR PLAYOFF POSITIONING

10:00 a.m. Marquette vs Oregon
Marquette looks to move up in the seedings facing off against an Oregon squad that took a tough loss last week. This can go either way, if Oregon can rely on their athletic wings more and if the guards play smarter by limiting their turnovers and taking better shots then Oregon may have a chance for a huge upset this
morning. Marquette success relies solely on their approach. We have yet to see this team play two completed that demonstrated total dominance. One thing is for sure Ant Thomas and Omar has been the heart and soul of the team this season with their production and energy. I look forward to seeing Zay Jones vs Omar Burton.
Bottom Line: Marquette wins by 12

11:00 am UCLA vs Southwest Missouri
Look for UCLA to keep things rolling this morning versus a disgruntled Southwest Missouri team that lacks a team identity. I’ve spoken of this several times before that UCLA have many pieces that can hurt you and role players that can be impactful as well. The backcourt for UCLA will need to be assertive to help set the tone. When Duck and Matt are knocking down shots it opens the floor for several avenues. UCLA wings and bigs have done an exceptional job in owning the boards this season. Southwest Missouri is one of the bigger teams of the league however they have not been able to successfully establish roles. Anthony Jones and Zeek will need to be shoot the ball more efficiently. Bearden and Taurus will have to have big games if Southwest Missouri wants a to have a winning chance. If I’m Coach Wol, I’m preaching BALL PRESSURE, UTILIZE THE BIGS AND THE HUSKY WINGS, EXCUTE IN THE HALF COURT.
Bottom Line: UCLA wins by 8

12:00 p.m. Carroll College vs Cincinnati
This has potential championship written all over it. These teams always produces an instant classic and I’m expecting nothing less of a down to wire game. There are a few things to take into consideration when thinking of a winner. Both squads score at a fast pace, if the pace slows down I believe it favors Carroll College more than Cincy. Rebounding battle is going to be a key element to the game for the sense that Terrance and Deandre Downey are animals on the board that allows their guards to play more freely via shot attempts. Reggie Hearn is a solid big and has stepped it up a bit, however I think
Ron Singleton is needed. Keontae and Dio will stay on attack mode on both ends, my only apprehension is will the Carroll College be prepared enough for defending and contributing enough before solely tiring.
Bottom Line: Cincinnati wins by 5

1:00 pm Wisconsin vs Texas Longhorns
This will be an interesting that Wisconsin can potentially pull off if they can replicate the energy shown early in the last game for a full duration of the game. Dominic Ham will be needed this game. He’s their best all around player for sure but often gets started late oppose to setting tone early. Texas losing James Flippin is huge. But I think Armani George is willing and ready to step up. Shot selection will need to better for Texas. James Kelley needs to get back to being the floor general in setting the offense up. Now that we know Wisconsin can put numbers up with the recent add ons, Texas needs to defend the ball better. Texas tends to get beat when facing teams that move the ball fluently. Same goes for Wisconsin, if they are defending with high energy then we are likely to have another player produce career high numbers.
Bottom Line: Texas wins by 18

2:00 Jackson State vs UW Milwaukee
Jackson State looks to make it a six game winning streak. Leland and Javion has become one of the hottest backcourts in the league. UW Milwaukee has a special player in Alijah Matthews who has the Panthers competing. Something to focus on this matchup is the versatility that UW Milwaukee has on the front-court versus the bigger JSU bigs. UW Milwaukee must limit their turnovers and utilize their wing’s athleticism in the open floor. Jackson State must continue playing for one another and moving that ball fluently in both open court and half court.
Bottom Line: JSU wins by 10