Ochai Agbaji leads Kansas verse Kentucky this evening
(Photo Credit: Phil Ellsworth/ESPN)

* Betting Lines provided courtesy of DraftKings (accurate as of 11:00 AM today)

Rankings with # next to them are LIVE 25 rankings provided by Matt's Draft Journal, accounting for analytics and statistics as well as the objectivity of evaluating each team's performance at face value

Rankings with * * surrounding them are KenPom ranking of team in country according to a cumulative analytical formula, composed of team's offense, defense, and strength of schedule being determining factors

Picks provided are for winner/loser not reflective of the spread

THE SUPER 6

12:00 (ESPN2): 61TCU vs #22 LSU (-2.5)

TCU: (13-4, 3-3); Players 2 Watch (#1 Mike Miles, So Guard; #2 Emmanuel Miller, Jr Forward; #10 Damion Baugh, Jr Guard)

TCU EXPECTED ROTATION

#10 Damion Baugh (Jr. Guard, 6'3/185)

#1 Mike Miles (So. Guard, 6'1/195)

#5 Charles O'Bannon Jr (Sr. Guard, 6'6/215)

#2 Emmanuel Miller (Jr. Forward, 6'7/210)

#4 Eddie Lampkin Jr (Fr. Center, 6'11/300)

#12 Xavier Cork (So. Forward, 6'9/235)

#0 Micah Peavy (So. Guard, 6'7/215)

#3 Francisco Farabello (Jr. Guard, 6'4/185)

Coach Jamie Dixon leads his team into a tough matchup against LSU, in a Big 12/SEC battle that provides them a big opportunity to boost their tournament resume. They return to action after having last loss verse Texas on Tuesday, 73-50. During their game against the Longhorns, Mike Miles and Emmanuel Miller were the lone players to reach double-figures, scoring 14 and 13 points respectively. A real force near the rim with his size and skill, Eddie Lumpkin also provided some positive productivity in the blowout loss, putting up 8 points and 9 rebounds. Those three players are joined by Damion Baugh and Charles O'Bannon Jr in the starting lineup, who both average just short of double-figure scoring. Following his first year when he earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors, Mike Miles is en route to earn more accolades this season for his performance. A key to them winning will likely be their effort on the offensive glass (14.2) as they rank in top 5 in the country in that category, while going up against a good defensive rebounding team in the LSU Tigers.

LSU: (16-4, 4-4); Players 2 Watch (#13 Tari Eason, So Forward; #4 Darius Days, Sr Forward; #1 Xavier Pinson, Sr Guard)

LSU EXPECTED ROTATION

#2 Eric Gaines (So. Guard, 6'2/155)

#13 Tari Eason (So. Forward, 6'8/215)

#4 Darius Days (Sr. Forward, 6'7/245)

#5 Mwani Wilkinson (So. Forward, 6'5/215)

#15 Efton Reid (Fr. Center, 6'11/240)

#0 Brandon Murray (Fr. Guard, 6'5/215)

#1 Xavier Pinson (Sr. Guard, 6'2/170)

#3 Alex Fudge (Fr. Forward, 6'8/185)

Having began the season at 12-0, LSU has been brought back down to earth some, going 4-4 over the last month of play. Still considered one of the better teams in the country, the Tigers enter today's game ranked 22nd in the LIVE 25, with the opportunity to potentially raise their ranking after having won 70-64 verse a tough Texas A&M team on Wednesday 70-64. They were able to win that game without the services of Darius Days (13.1 pts, 7.3 reb, 1.5 stl) who missed the game with an ankle injury. During the win the Tigers were led by Brandon Murray and his 21 point effort off the bench. Starters Eric Gaines (16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals) and Tari Eason (14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals) efforts were also crucial. LSU will hope to have Days back in the lineup and anticipate the return of Xavier Pinson (10.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 4.6 ast, 2.1 stl), who has been out since January 8th with a knee injury. Eason has earned the attention of NBA personnel as he's impressed with his athleticism and energy that often translates to positive productivity. Days also has drawn the attention of those at the next level with his play throughout his career at LSU, while Efton Reid (7.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.0 blk, 50.8 fg) provides a true paint presence on both ends, giving the Tigers one of the more formidable front courts in the country.

PICK: LSU OVER TCU

12:30 (CBS): #11 MICHIGAN STATE (-3) vs 28 MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN STATE: (15-4, 6-2); Players 2 Watch (#44 Gabe Brown, Sr Forward; #5 Max Christie, Fr Wing; #30 Marcus Bingham, Sr Big)

MICHIGAN STATE EXPECTED ROTATION

#2 Tyson Walker (Jr. Guard, 6'0/160)

#5 Max Christie (Fr. Guard, 6'6/190)

#44 Gabe Brown (Sr. Forward, 6'7/210)

#10 Joey Hauser (Sr. Forward, 6'9/220)

#30 Marcus Bingham (Sr. Center, 6'11/225)

#25 Malik Hall (Jr. Forward, 6'7/215)

#11 AJ Hoggard (So. Guard, 6'3/220)

34 Julius Marble (Jr. Forward, 6'8/225)

Having had a 9-game winning streak that began on December 1st, the Spartans have since suffered losses in two of their last three games to Northwestern (64-62) and Illinois (56-55). They'll look to shake off those two difficult defeats with a win over their in-state counterparts at home against Michigan. A team with quality depth, productivity, and size, Michigan State is backed by a strong starting 5, keyed by an athletic forward Gabe Brown (13.4 pts, 4.7 reb, 36.9 3p, 90.0 ft), poised point guard Tyson Walker (7.2 pts, 5.1 ast, 1.3 stl, 53.3 3p), a paint presence in Marcus Bingham (9.8 ptsm 6.9 reb, 2.7 blk, 56.6 fg, 83.5 defensive rating is 1st in Big Ten), a wiry wing with size and skill in Max Christie (son of former NBA player Doug Christie, 10.1 pts, 3.9 reb, 34.2 3p, 82.1 ft), and an experienced forward with tournament experience in Marquette transfer Joey Hauser (6.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 34.7 3p, 84.2 ft). Currently ranked 11th in the LIVE 25, the Spartans will look to remain within earshot of the current ranking as they look to bounce back from their narrow loss to Illinois on Tuesday.

MICHIGAN: (10-7, 4-3); Players 2 Watch (#1 Hunter Dickinson, So Big; #55 Eli Brooks, Sr Guard; #22 Caleb Houstan, Fr Wing)

MICHIGAN EXPECTED ROTATION

#22 Caleb Houstan (Fr. Guard, 6'8/205)

#55 Eli Brooks (Sr. Guard, 6'1/185)

#12 DeVante' Jones (Sr. Guard, 6'1/200)

#1 Hunter Dickinson (So. Center, 7'1/255)

#14 Moussa Diabate (Fr. Forward, 6'11/210)

#5 Terrance Williams (So. Forward, 6'7/240)

#10 Frankie Collins (Fr. Guard, 6'1/185)

#23 Brandon Johns Jr (Sr. Forward, 6'8/240)

Dropping their first two games of 2022 at Rutgers and home against Illinois, Michigan has since reeled off a 3-game winning streak, defeating Maryland (83-64), Indiana (80-62), and Northwestern (72-70). They currently sit right in the middle of the 14-team 'Big Ten' standings, currently in 7th place. Facing their in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, the Wolverines have a tremendous opportunity this afternoon to pick up their biggest win of the season and extend their winning streak to four games. They're led by Pre-Season All-American big man Hunter Dickinson (16.5 pts, 8.4 reb, 2.3 ast, 60.6 fg, 39.1 3p) who is putting together another quality campaign in his second season, and posibbly last in Ann Arbor. Experienced guard Eli Brooks (11.5 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.2 stl, 38.4 3p, 87.5 ft) has been a steady contributor for the Wolverines, now in his fifth season with the Wolverines. He is joined in the backcourt by Coastal Carolina transfer Devante' Jones (8.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.0 ast, 47.1 fg, 45.5 3p) who is a true floor general. Caleb Houstan (10.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 47.5 fg, 36.9 3p) has been projected as a future NBA first round pick and has scored at least 16 points during Michigan's 3-game win streak. A top-10 recruit in the country last year, Moussa Diabate (9.1 pts, 6.2 reb, 58.4 fg) rounds out the starting five providing Michigan another large presence in their initial unit.

PICK: MICHIGAN STATE OVER MICHIGAN

2:00 (ESPN): #1 AUBURN (-9.5) vs 27 OKLAHOMA

AUBURN: (19-1, 8-0); Players 2 Watch (#10 Jabari Smith, Fr Forward; #13 Walker Kessler, So Big; #0 KD Johnson, So Guard)

AUBURN EXPECTED ROTATION

#10 Jabari Smith (Fr. Forward, 6'10/220)

#13 Walker Kessler (So. Center, 7'1/245)

#0 KD Johnson (So. Guard, 6'1/190)

#22 Allen Flanigan (Jr. Guard, 6'6/215)

#12 Zep Jasper (Sr. Guard, 6'1/175)

#1 Wendell Green (So. Guard, 5'11/170)

#35 Devan Cambridge (Jr. Guard, 6'6/215)

#2 Jaylin Williams (Jr. Forward, 6'8/230)

The #1 ranked team in the LIVE 25, Auburn is as good a team you'll find in college basketball in the current age. Coach Bruce Pearl has energized the typically football-bred Auburn athletics attention to a program that received its first number one ranking in basketball ever during the recent weeks. A blend of a top, soon-to-be NBA talent (Jabari Smith), one of the best bigs in the country (Walker Kessler), an energetic transfer that has triggered the program (KD Johnson), a couple of lead guards that share the duties admirably (Zep Jasper and Wendell Green), and a trio of athletic, versatile wing/forwards (Allen Flanigan, Devan Cambridge, and Jaylin Williams) make them a very good, if not great group. The Tigers narrowly escaped their first loss since November 24th (115-109 in 2 OT verse UCONN) and 2nd of the season when they were able to win 55-54 at Missouri on Tuesday. An opportunity to crossover conference and play a quality Oklahoma team will provide a plus on their tournament resume as they look to solidify their #1 spot with an eye towards the last month of the regular season.

OKLAHOMA: (13-7, 3-5); Players 2 Watch (#35 Tanner Groves, Sr Big; #2 Umoja Gibson, Sr Guard; #1 Jalen Hill, Jr Forward)

OKLAHOMA EXPECTED ROTATION

#35 Tanner Groves (Sr. Forward, 6'9/235)

#34 Jacob Groves (Jr. Guard, 6'7/185)

#2 Umoja Gibson (Sr. Guard; 6'1/176)

#1 Jalen Hill (Jr. Foward, 6'7/195)

#0 Jordan Goldwire (Sr. Guard, 6'2/184)

#15 Ethan Chargois (Sr. Forward, 6'9/235)

#22 CJ Noland (Fr. Guard, 6/2/230)

#55 Elijah Harkless (Sr. Guard, 6'3/195)

#11 Akolda Mawein (Jr. Forward, 6'8/220)

Losing 5 of the 8 games played since the beginning of 2022, Oklahoma will both have their hands full and an opportunity to fulfill the best chance a college team can ask for in facing the #1 program in the country on the road. The Sooners snapped a 4-game losing streak on Wednesday when they defeated West Virginia (72-62) on the road. Tanner Groves led the team with 21 pints (9/11 from the field) and 6 rebounds, while Umoja Gibson came up with 12 points and 5 steals. Jacob Groves, Tanner's brother, joined Gibson in scoring 12 points on 2 of 4 from 3, while adding 4 rebounds. Jalen Hill (9.4 pts, 6.3 reb, 63.6 fg, 78.9 ft, 91.9 defensive rating) is an x-factor for the Sooners playing positively in a supplemental role.

PICK: AUBURN OVER OKLAHOMA

4:00 (ESPN): #18 ALABAMA vs #8 BAYLOR (-4)

ALABAMA: (13-7, 4-4); Players 2 Watch (#5 Jaden Shackelford, Jr Wing; #13 Jahvon Quinerly, Jr Guard; #3 JD Davison. Fr Guard)

ALABAMA EXPECTED ROTATION

#5 Jaden Shackelford (Jr. Guard, 6'3/200)

#3 JD Davison (Fr. Guard, 6'3/195)

#14 Keon Ellis (Sr. Guard, 6'6/170)

#33 James Rojas (Sr. Forward, 6'8/220)

#10 Charles Bediako (Fr. Center, 7'0/225)

#13 Jahvon Quinerly (Jr. Guard, 6'1/175)

#0 Noah Gurley (Sr. Forward, 6'8/210)

#2 Darius Miles (So. Forward, 6'6/185)

After beginning the season 8-2 the Crimson Tide are 5-5 in their last ten games as they enter today's matchup against the reigning National Champions in Baylor. Having had won back-to-back games after coming off a 3-game losing streak, Alabama suffered a surprising loss at 82-76 Georgia, who had yet to have a win in the SEC this season. Luckily for the Crimson Tide squad they'll be able to balance their week, beginning with a 'bad loss and having the chance to earn a resume changing win. True talent resides on their roster with a few players projecting to play at that next level. Jaden Shackelford is a legit shotmaker, whose added an improved handle to an already game-changing perimeter shooting ability. A transfer from Villanova, who was once committed to Arizona, Jahvon Quinerly has emerged in his time at Alabama toying opposing defenses. Still raw and unrefined yet rich with talent and potential, JD Davison is a projected future lottery pick and will impact the game with a high-level of energy and athleticism, allowing him to make plays all over the floor. Keep an eye on Keon Ellis who brings a balance of athleticism, length, and two-way ability.

BAYLOR: (18-2, 6-2); Players 2 Watch (#11 James Akinjo, Jr Guard; #10 Adam Flagler, Jr Guard; #24 Matthew Mayer, Sr Wing)

BAYLOR EXPECTED ROTATION

#2 Kendall Brown (Fr. Guard, 6'8/205)

#10 Adam Flagler (Jr. Guard, 6'3/180)

#11 James Akinjo (Jr. Guard, 6'1/180)

#0 Flo Thamba (Sr. Forward, 6'10/245)

#24 Matthew Mayer (Sr. Guard, 6'9/225)

#1 Jeremy Sochan (Fr. Forward, 6'9/230)

#23 Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua (Jr. Forward, 6'8/245)

#3 Dale Bonner (So. Guard, 6'2/170)

Having brought an undefeated record into 2022 Baylor looked poised to run it back in their bid to become champions again. However, a couple of back-to-back losses at home to Texas Tech (65-62) and Oklahoma State (61-54) brought them down back to earth some, so to speak. They've since bounced back a bit with three consecutive wins, with their most recent victory coming Tuesday over Kansas State (74-49). Baylor's leading scorer LJ Cryer put up a team-high 14 points in the contest over the Wildcats, but will miss tonight's game due to discomfort in his foot he had surgery on during the offseason. Even without their leading scorer, Baylor brings one of the best rosters in college basketball to the tilt with the Crimson Tide. James Akinjo is one of the best playmakers in college basketball, Adam Flagler will likely balance the ball handling responsibilities and is a key part to providing the Bears possibly the best backcourt in college basketball, Kendall Brown is believed to be Baylor's next lottery pick, Matthew Mayer brings a benevolent balance of size and skill, while Flo Thamba is an active athlete around the rim. Off the bench, Jeremy Sochan has shown the potential to propel himself into a prized pro prospect with early flashes of NBA-level attributes.

PICK: ALABAMA OVER BAYLOR

6:00 (ESPN): #3 KANSAS (-5.5) vs #10 KENTUKY

KANSAS: (17-2, 6-1); Players 2 Watch (#30 Ochai Agbaji, Sr Wing; #2 Christian Braun, Jr Wing; #33 David McCormack, Sr Big)

KANSAS EXPECTED ROTATION

#30 Ochai Agbaji (Sr. Guard, 6'5/210)

#2 Christian Braun (Jr. Guard, 6'6/205)

#10 Jalen Wilson (So. Forward, 6'8/215)

#3 Dajuan Harris (Jr. Guard, 6'1/160)

#33 David McCormack (Sr. Center, 6'10/265)

#11 Remy Martin (Sr. Guard, 6'0/175)

#24 KJ Adams (Fr. Forward, 6'7/225)

#44 Mitch Lightfoot (Sr. Forward, 6'8/225)

Winners of 13 of their last 14, Kansas comes in a 5-game win streak since their last loss at Texas Tech (75-67) on January 8th. They avenged that loss when they defeated the Red Raiders (94-91) in a thrilling double-overtime win on Monday. A player of the year candidate and projected first round pick, Ochai Agbaji poured in 37 points and 7 rebounds in the win, including knocking down a crucial game-tying 3 point shot to keep the game in reach for the Jayhawks. Supporting the senior in the starting lineup is fellow senior David McCormack (9.0, 6.7 reb, 1.0 blk, 50.4 fg), who has developed into a positive presence in the paint during his time under Bill Self. Christian Braun (15.3 pts, 5.9 reb, 51.7 fg, 80.9 ft) has the ability to score from three levels, while Jalen Wilson (8.9 pts, 6.8 reb, 110.8 offensive rating, 93.9 defensive rating) is continuing to grow alongside Agbaji and Braun as a player who can impact different aspects of the game on offense and defense. Remy Martin (1889 career points, 515 assists) is a playmaker who has become a more poised player with the ball in his hands while at Kansas and Dajuan Harris (5.2 pts, 3.7 ast/1.4 to, 1.4 stl) provides a change of pace at the point guard position, that is capable of playing together with Martin.

KENTUCKY: (16-4, 6-2); Players 2 Watch (#34 Oscar Tshiebwe, Jr Big; #31 Kellan Grady, Sr Wing; #2 Sahvir Wheeler, Jr Guard)

KENTUCKY EXPECTED ROTATION

#34 Oscar Tshiebwe (Jr. Forward, 6'9/260)

#12 Keion Brooks (Jr. Forward, 6'7/205)

#31 Kellan Grady (Sr. Guard, 6'5/205)

#2 Sahvir Wheeler (Jr. Guard, 5'10/180)

#3 TyTy Washington (Fr. Guard 6'3/200)

#10 Davion Mintz (Sr. Guard, 6'3/195)

#0 Jacob Toppin (Jr. Forward, 6'9/195)

#4 Daimion Collins (Fr. Forward, 6'9/200)

Kentucky enters the anticipated tip-off tonight against Kansas, having won 8 of their last 10, including rebounding from their most recent loss against Auburn (80-71) last Saturday with an overtime win against Mississippi State (82-74) on Tuesday. Transferring from West Virginia, Oscar Tshiebwe (16.3 pts, 15.2 reb, 1.6 stl, 1.6 blk) has made a major, immediate impact for the Wildcats as he currently leads the country in rebounds, while also leading the team in scoring. He looks to be a lock to earn All-American honors at the end of the season. In Kentucky's most recent contest the powerful paint presence put together a performance that saw him produce 21 points, 22 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block. Though projected lottery pick TyTy Washington (13.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.4 ast, 1.2 stl) was out with an injured ankle, Kentucky was kept afloat by the efforts of Kellan Grady (18 points, 4/11 from 3), Sahvir Wheeler (15 points, 6 assists), and Keion Brooks (12 points, 6 rebounds). Early enrollee Shaedon Sharpe was rated a top-5 recruit for the class of 2022, before re-classifying to come to Kentucky this season. Having yet to play in a Big Blue uniform, he was recently ruled eligible for the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft where he could become a first round pick and could make his college debut in any given game.

PICK: KENTUCKY OVER KANSAS

9:30 (PAC12): #7 UCLA (-13) vs 83 STANFORD

UCLA: (15-2, 7-1); Players 2 Watch (#24 Jaime Jaquez, Jr Wing; #1 Jules Bernard, Sr Wing; #23 Peyton Watson)

UCLA EXPECTED ROTATION

#1 Jules Bernard (Sr. Guard, 6'6/205)

#34 David Singleton (Sr. Guard, 6'4/210)

#24 Jaime Jaquez (Jr. Guard, 6'6/220)

#2 Cody Riley (Sr. Forward, 6'9/225)

#10 Tyger Campbell (Jr. Guard, 5'11/180)

#23 Peyton Watson (Fr. Guard, 6'8/200)

#13 Jake Kyman (Jr. Guard, 6'6/220)

#15 Myles Johnson (Sr. Center, 6'11/255)

10-1 since late November the UCLA Bruins have won five straight since their last loss at home to Oregon (84-81) in overtime, with less than 100 fans in attendance due to health and safety stipulations. Entering this season with elevated expectations after last season's Final Four run and the cast of key contributors returning 'the place that John Wooden built' has restored some of the glory it was know for the better part of 30 years. Even without Pre-Season All-American Johnny Juzang, the Bruins won easily over their in-state counterparts, Cal Bruins (81-57), on Thursday. Jaime Jaquez led the team with 15 points, followed by fellow starters Cody Riley putting up 14 and Jules Bernard with 12. Promising freshman Peyton Watson also came away with 12 points and 6 rebounds, scoring 10+ points for just the third time in his college career, as he's been averaging just 15 minutes per game in a rotational role on this Final Four-feel team. They received a boost from Jake Kyman (10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals) who also joined Jaquez, Riley, Bernard, and Watson in scoring double-digits. Tyger Campbell takes the reigns as the lead guard for the Bruins brimming with energy on every possession, while Myles Johnson is an experienced transfer from Rutgers who has started 55 games in his career.

STANFORD: (12-6, 5-3); Players 2 Watch (#55 Harrison Igram, Fr Forward; #11 Jaden Delaire, Sr Forward; #14 Spencer Jones, Jr Forward)

STANFORD EXPECTED ROTATION

#55 Harrisom Ingram (Fr. Forward, 6'8/230)

#5 Michael O'Connell (So. Guard, 6'2/180)

#22 James Keefe (Jr. Forward, 6'9/225)

#14 Spencer Jones (Jr. Forward, 6'7/225)

#11 Jaiden Delaire (Sr. Forward, 6'9/210)

#23 Brandon Angel (So. Forward, 6'9/210)

#1 Isa Silva (Fr. Guard, 6'4/190)

#42 Maxime Reynaud (Fr. Center, 7'1/235)

Stanford enters tonight's tilt against UCLA with some momentum coming off a tournament-type win over USC (64-61) on the road, Thursday. Led by the trio of Jaden Delaire, Harrison Ingram, and Spencer Jones, who each scored double-digits, the Cardinal improved their conference record to a quality 5-3, in what has been a strong PAC 12 this season. Ingram (11.6 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.9 ast, 35.4 3p) leads the team in scoring and rebounds, and while operating on offense can be just as shifty as strong when attacking the defense at an angle. Delaire (11.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 37.9 3p) is a rangy forward who is now in his second season averaging double-figures. After averaging 8.8 and 8.2 points in his first two seasons, Spencer Jones also adds to the trio of forwards for Stanford, putting up an exact 10.0 points per game as an inside/outside threat (63.6 2p, 33.8 3p). Michael O'Connell (7.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 3.9 ast, 1.0 stl) is a steady young guard who seeks to get in the gaps of the defense and create high percentage scoring opportunities for his teammates and himself. James Keefe and Brandon Angel file out the front court with experience, size and strength, while freshmen Isa Silva and Maxime Reynaud are contributing in the beginning of their career and have the tools to become draftable prospects with development.

NBA DRAFT WATCH: CBB GAMES TO WATCH (SAT. 01. 29. 22.)

* Betting Lines provided courtesy of DraftKings (accurate as of 11:00 AM today)Rankings with # next to them are LIVE 25 rankings provided by Matt's Draft Journal, accounting for analytics and statistics as well as the objectivity of evaluating each team's performance at face value