It's the beginning of the semester and time for two new prognosticators to try and predict what looks to be a crazy and exciting end to the college basketball season. I say end, because the season is already half over for most schools and all that's left is the remaining conference schedule and tournaments.
Let's size up the candidates:
Matt "The Boss" Bishop, named for his ability to put away a sub sandwich from Jersey Giants, called "The Boss." A 6-foot freshman from Woodhaven, Mich., Bishop is tough to deal with on the block. But, the inside-outside threat can hit the 3-pointer, just like his hero Mehmet Okur.
Brian Charlton, or "BC," named for his initials Boston College, British Columbia and Bad Cheddar. The 5-foot-11 senior from Sterling Heights, Mich. is an athlete who can drive the ball to the hoop or pull up and knock down the mid-range jump shot in your mug.
Let the picks begin.
Wisconsin (11-3 overall, 2-1 Conference) vs No. 15 MSU (10-2, 2-0)
THE BOSS - After a long week of practice, the Spartans will head back to the court against heated rival Wisconsin.
The Badgers played a tough game Tuesday night against Ohio State, but have been unstoppable lately at Kohl Center. MSU will carry a seven-game winning streak into Madison.
A streak will end Sunday, that's for certain, but I'll eat a bug (well, probably not) if it's MSU's that comes to an end. MSU will be too much for Wisconsin to handle.
MSU 68, Wisconsin 64
BC - Wisconsin has a win streak, an injured star and no Devin Harris. MSU finally has the right pieces of the puzzle and each player has confidence. Expect the rest of the Spartans team to show the Big Ten that it's going to be a two-team race for the title this season. If Alando Tucker plays or not, it won't matter.
MSU 72, Wisconsin 66
No. 4 Wake Forest (14-1, 3-0) vs No. 3 North Carolina (14-1, 3-0)
THE BOSS - It does not get much better than this. The Atlantic Coast Conference is loaded once again and this should be one of the best games of the season.
Chris Paul is shooting out the lights from 3-point range and Justin Gray will lead the game in scoring ... BUT ...
North Carolina is coming off a game in which they thoroughly dominated Georgia Tech and will be fired up when they head into Winston-Salem and they will "upset" the Demon Deacons.
UNC 74, Wake Forest 71
BC - North Carolina is playing like it's the best team in the country and won't find any reason to stop just because the Demon Deacons have two of the best players in the nation and a home-court advantage.
UNC 78, Wake Forest 73
No. 10 Texas (12-3, 1-1) vs No. 6 Oklahoma State (12-1, 2-0)
THE BOSS - Joey Graham and John Lucas will easily lead the Cowboys past the Longhorns.
Despite being on the road, Oklahoma State should have more than enough firepower to power past Texas.
Oklahoma State 77, Texas 64
BC - Look for Texas to rebound from a tough loss to Texas A&M, giving Oklahoma State a good run. Look for the upset in the Big 12.
Texas 68, Oklahoma State 66
