Watchable Wednesday—21 January

Tonight, I’d planned on heading to Bender Arena for Army at American University (7:30 EST, no TV), but a migraine has put the kibosh on that idea.   So, here’s what I’ll be watching from the couch, with the volume down low.

Northwestern @ Michigan State (BTN, 6:30 EST) - Evanston’s Wildcats finally got a league win at home Sunday afternoon against Minnesota.  Defeating a Spartan team that’s really starting to gel at Breslin is a completely different task altogether.

Villanova @ Connecticut (ESPN, 7 EST) - Philly’s Wildcats could really use a big road win.  I don’t think the Huskies are going to roll over for them, however.  (Bad pun intended.)

Virginia Tech @ Wake Forest (ESPN2, 7 EST) - Deacons look to continue their hot start, while the Hokies look for a big name to add to their tournament resume.

VCU @ Georgia State (CSS/CSN Mid-Atl., 7 EST) - The Rams need a win in Atlanta to keep pace with the winner of Mason-Northeastern.  VCU hosts the Patriots Saturday afternoon.

George Mason @ Northeastern (MASN, 7 EST) - The first of two (possibly three) meetings between the teams this season takes place in Boston.

Florida @ South Carolina (Raycom/FS South/FS Florida/Full Court, 7 EST) - Gators look to remain unbeaten in the SEC, but Columbia has been a tough place for them to play in recent years.

Wisconsin @ Iowa (BTN, 8:30 EST) - Badgers cannot afford to drop this one, even if it is on the road.

Clemson @ North Carolina (ESPN, 9 EST) - Clemson is 0-53 all time in Chapel Hill.  I expect the Tigers will be 0-54 at around 11 p.m.

Baylor @ Kansas State (ESPN2, 9 EST) - The Bears don’t want to be K-State’s first Big 12 victim.

Missouri @ Oklahoma State (Big 12/MASN/Altitude/Full Court, 9 EST) - Tigers and Cowboys are both firmly on the bubble.

Arizona @ Arizona State (FS Arizona, FCS Pacific, 9:30 EST) - A road win for the Wildcats would do wonders for their profile.

UNLV @ BYU (CBS CS, 10 EST) and New Mexico @ San Diego State (The mtn., 10 EST) - The two preseason favorites in the Mountain West meet up in Provo, while two other contenders meet up, looking to avoid collecting their second league loss.

Three big games in the MVC that will on be on in local markets, Southern Illinois tries to build on their win over Bradley, as they visit Indiana State.  The Braves, meanwhile, visit Northern Iowa, in the Valley Game of the Year (So Far).   Wichita State, fresh over a huge win over Creighton, hosts Illinois State.  (All 8 EST starts.)