NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 20: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball during the first half of the game against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Ameritas Insurance Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
- (25) Indiana @ Purdue: I was surprised when I say that Purdue actually leads the all-time series 118-89, even though IU has the clear edge in National Championship (5-0).Purdue is once again good. Their best win this season is at home against #23 Maryland (62-60), but they have not fared well in other big games (losses to Virginia Tech, Florida State, Michigan, Texas and Michigan state). IU has shown this they will beat the teams they are more talented than, but when the talent on the opponent is the same or better, the Hoosiers usually fall short. IU is also on a 3 game losing streak (Michigan, Maryland and Nebraska.
Prediction: Purdue wins 68-60
- (12) Kentucky @ (14) Auburn: Auburn basketball is good: FACT! It may be time to start talking about basketball when saying “War Eagle.” Bruce Pearl has turned this into a top-15 program in the nation. Kentucky is Kentucky and will always have NBA players littered up and down the roster as long as Coach Cal is still there. Kentucky has already gone into the state of Alabama this season and taken a L (Bama beat them 77-75). I think that happens again.
Prediction: War Eagle! 88-83
- (4) Virginia @ (1) Duke: This is the game I have been looking forward to all season. Make no bones about it; Virginia is the class of the ACC (and I am a UNC fan.) UVA has won the ACC regular season and tournament the past 2 seasons. Duke with their 3 healthy freshman (Tre Jones is out with a shoulder injury) going up against the GREAT defense Tony Bennet has the Cavs playing is an advantage for the Hoos. Does anyone think Duke will lose 2 games in a row? I know I didn’t at the beginning of the season, but I also didn’t think Cuse could go into Cameron Indoor and walk out with a W.
Prediction: UVA 62-55
Chris BeasleyEditor
Chris has been on ESPN Soutwest Florida in one way or another dating back to 2010. As a Southwest Florida native, Chris understands what's important to the locals. He is a huge football fan; both professional and college. Although he has a special place for the Miami Dolphins and the entire SEC. He is also very into golf, both playing it locally and covering it on a global scale. Sports are supposed to be fun, and Chris likes to reflect that in the way he covers it. Chris writes about sports news and opinions.
