It’s a night for the BCS schools.
OK, I can hear it now. “Oh, you mean a day that ends in Y?” Fair point. The BCS schools, Xavier, Gonzaga, Memphis, Butler and some MWC and MVC schools usually take the college hoops spotlight. But there isn’t much going on Tuesday night except for the Big Ten and Big East opening conference play.
(All times ET; TV info from HDSportsGuide.com)
Pitt at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
This just in: The Panthers have problems. The issues are primarily on defense, though not having Tray Woodall to run the point (and asking Ashton Gibbs to do too much) isn’t helping. So what’s that mean when they face the Irish tonight? A close game that’ll come down to the last shot. Lost starts 0-1 in conference play.
Providence at St. John’s, 7 p.m. (Big East Network, MASN, CST)
If you’re wondering how the Friars will fare in Big East play, try this. Ed Cooley’s team isn’t as good as its 11-2 record would indicate, which will be evident tonight. If it’s a game the Johnnies have a chance to win, then you’ve got some problems.
Minnesota at Illinois, 7:30 p.m. (BTN)
The Illini (11-2) have dropped two of their last three and face a Gophers team that can throw plenty of big bodies at sophomore 7-footer Meyers Leonard. That leaves D.J. Richardson to pick up the scoring slack. If they’re lucky, Rodney Williams won’t match him.
Wisconsin at Nebraska, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
Bad news for Badgers fans: Rob Dauster says your guys are headed for a fall in Big Ten play. The good news? It shouldn’t start tonight. Even on the road.
EAST
Providence at St. John’s, 7 p.m.
SOUTH
Winthrop at Georgia, 7 p.m.
Md.-Eastern Shore at Virginia, 7 p.m.
Belhaven at Southern Miss., 8 p.m.
MIDWEST
Pittsburgh at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Illinois, 7:30 p.m.
Texas Southern at Saint Louis, 8 p.m.
Eureka at W. Illinois, 8:30 p.m.
Wisconsin at Nebraska, 9 p.m.
SOUTHWEST
New Orleans at North Texas, 8 p.m.
CS Bakersfield at Texas Tech, 8 p.m.
FAR WEST
Vanguard at Loyola Marymount, 10 p.m.
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