With it getting closer to Conference Tournament time, the games are getting tighter and are meaning more to many teams. Tonight we have Rautins, Joseph and Syracuse looking to defend the number one ranking, Devoe Joseph and the Gophers are looking to get a win to get off the bubble and the Zags are closing out their regular season against independant Cal Bakersfield. Find out who else is playing right here ...
As always, we've listed all the games that Canadians are playing in and the ones you should check out tonight. Remember to check in with the Can Ball Report on Twitter throughout the day for any game links we can find.
March 2
7:00pm St John’s @ (1) Syracuse – Syracuse will be looking to show the college basketball world why it is the best team in the country all week and deserves a number one overall seed for the Tournament. The thumping of Villanova was an indicator for sure and St John’s will be in for a rough ride. Andy Rautins has proved that he is a legit pro prospect all season and Kris Joseph is what can be called Wesley Johnson lite. Both should have big games against a Red Storm team that has been largely treading water in the Big East since the late 90s.
7:00pm Minnesota @ Michigan – the Gophers are a definite bubble team and every game for them now is either going to make or break them. With a one point lose to Purdue last week and a win over Illinois also, their chances for making the NCAAs are looking better with two more conference games to go before the conference tournament. Devoe Joseph has been flourishing in the starting spot has been great for Tubby Smith with the many backcourt issues all season so look for him to have a good outing against a team that is playing dream shatterer.
8:00pm Missouri @ Iowa State
8:00pm Detroit @ Valparaiso
8:30pm Eastern Kentucky @ Eastern Illinois
9:00pm Cal Bakersfield @ (18) Gonzaga – the Zags have finished their conference schedule now and will use this game against the Road Runners as a tune up for the WCC Tournament. The Canadian delegation of Sacre, Arop, Olynyk and Kong have all been playing well in their roles all season long and may be the best bench of any mid major program. Look for the last three players to get major minutes as a test for Coach Mark Few for the bigger stage on the weekend and beyond.
9:30pm Louisville @ Marquette
10:00pm Lewis & Clark @ Portland