CBS Sports eyed 3 games that could be entertaining...
SMU at Gonzaga (11 ET, ESPN): This would have been much more intriguing had SMU's Markus Kennedy been eligible, as he has the size and athleticism to cause problems for the Bulldogs. Imagine Kyle Wiltjer trying to defend him in the post. Or Kennedy having to step away from the paint and defend Wiltjer. Without Kennedy, the Mustangs will be relying an awful lot on Nic Moore -- more on him soon -- and the rest of the backcourt. I'm just not sure they have enough juice defensively to slow down the Zags' high-powered offense, triggered by Kevin Pangos. It also doesn't help the game is in Spokane.
Georgia State at Iowa State (9 ET, ESPNU): The first test for two teams that are expected to make the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ron Hunter's Panthers are the clear favorite in the Sun Belt, featuring an experienced backcourt triumvirate of Ryan Harrow, Kevin Ware and R.J. Hunter. Hunter in particular could pose problems for the Cyclones, as his ability to shoot from deep and handle the ball in the pick-and-roll is a matchup nightmare. Luckily for the Cyclones, they have matchup nightmare of their own in Georges Niang. Niang dropped a 30/9/5 line in Iowa State's first game vs. Oakland, and he seems ready to take over the Big 12 after re-shaping his body in the offseason.
Auburn at Colorado (1 a.m. ET Tuesday, ESPN2): The Marathon kicks off in earnest with this game that matches up Bruce Pearl's Tigers against an NCAA Tournament hopeful in Tad Boyle's Buffaloes. I'll be most interested to see if Askia Booker starts after coming off of the bench in Colorado's opening win vs. Drexel. He is Colorado's most consistent source of offense despite somewhat unpredictable decision-making. For Auburn, the backcourt combination of KT Harrell and Antoine Mason will be enough to knock off somebody.
Louisiana Tech at Temple is an interesting game in the Coaches Vs. Cancer event. Temple played in what was probably the most hideous game of opening night, a 40-37 victory against American. Louisiana Tech is going to be one of the best mid-majors in the country, but going into Philly is always a tough battle.
SMU at Gonzaga (11 ET, ESPN): This would have been much more intriguing had SMU's Markus Kennedy been eligible, as he has the size and athleticism to cause problems for the Bulldogs. Imagine Kyle Wiltjer trying to defend him in the post. Or Kennedy having to step away from the paint and defend Wiltjer. Without Kennedy, the Mustangs will be relying an awful lot on Nic Moore -- more on him soon -- and the rest of the backcourt. I'm just not sure they have enough juice defensively to slow down the Zags' high-powered offense, triggered by Kevin Pangos. It also doesn't help the game is in Spokane.
Georgia State at Iowa State (9 ET, ESPNU): The first test for two teams that are expected to make the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ron Hunter's Panthers are the clear favorite in the Sun Belt, featuring an experienced backcourt triumvirate of Ryan Harrow, Kevin Ware and R.J. Hunter. Hunter in particular could pose problems for the Cyclones, as his ability to shoot from deep and handle the ball in the pick-and-roll is a matchup nightmare. Luckily for the Cyclones, they have matchup nightmare of their own in Georges Niang. Niang dropped a 30/9/5 line in Iowa State's first game vs. Oakland, and he seems ready to take over the Big 12 after re-shaping his body in the offseason.
Auburn at Colorado (1 a.m. ET Tuesday, ESPN2): The Marathon kicks off in earnest with this game that matches up Bruce Pearl's Tigers against an NCAA Tournament hopeful in Tad Boyle's Buffaloes. I'll be most interested to see if Askia Booker starts after coming off of the bench in Colorado's opening win vs. Drexel. He is Colorado's most consistent source of offense despite somewhat unpredictable decision-making. For Auburn, the backcourt combination of KT Harrell and Antoine Mason will be enough to knock off somebody.
Louisiana Tech at Temple is an interesting game in the Coaches Vs. Cancer event. Temple played in what was probably the most hideous game of opening night, a 40-37 victory against American. Louisiana Tech is going to be one of the best mid-majors in the country, but going into Philly is always a tough battle.
