This Week in College Basketball: Duke-North Carolina Takes Center Stage

OK, so we say this every week, but is this the time Ohio State falls? The Kohl Center is certainly unforgiving. Kentucky needs to find an answer with two tough ones this week, and Louisville can make a real statement, as well. And, of course, North Carolina and Duke will be the main event.

10. No. 6 San Diego State (23-1, 8-1) at UNLV (17-6, 5-4), Saturday, 8 p.m.

The Rebels have virtually no shot of winning the regular season conference title, but if they plan to keep a solid grasp on an NCAA bid, they'll need to be near-perfect from here out. A win over the Aztecs would give them a huge boost, and definitely some breathing room. SDSU is playing for seeding now, so basically any loss not Jimmer related will knock them down a few pegs.

9. Alabama (15-7, 7-1) at No. 23 Vanderbilt (16-6, 4-4), Thursday, 9 p.m., ESPN2

The surprise of the conference, Alabama, has proven that they can win at home and on the road. Though they're only halfway through their schedule, the Tide is in a great spot to win the conference. A win on the road over Vandy may also vault them into the Top 25, but winning in Memorial Gym is never easy. If they can catch the 'Dores peeking ahead to Saturday's visit from Kentucky, 'Bama can jump on them early and shorten the game.

8. No. 11 Georgetown (18-5, 7-4) at No. 12 Syracuse (20-4, 7-4), Wednesday, 7 p.m., ESPN

After enduring a four game losing streak, the Orange fought back with a huge win at Connecticut. They have a tough three game stretch ahead, so they'd certainly like to jump out on the right foot. Georgetown, on the other hand, has won six straight, including back-to-back victories over Villanova and Louisville. A classic Big East battle, both Syracuse and the Hoyas need this one to stay in the mix.

7. No. 19 Missouri (18-5, 4-4) at No. 2 Kansas (22-1, 7-1), Monday, 9 p.m., ESPN

Since losing to Texas and escaping a close call at Colorado, the Jayhawks have been dominant. In three wins, their average margin of victory has been 22 points including a 20-point thrashing of Nebraska on Saturday. They may be without their top 3-point shooter Josh Selby Monday, but Kansas is more than capable of replacing him. Missouri halted a potential three-game losing streak with an impressive win over Colorado. But they hit the road again -- which is unfortunate, given that the Tigers haven't won away from home in conference play.

6. No. 12 Syracuse (20-4, 7-4) at No. 16 Louisville (18-5, 7-3), Saturday, noon, ESPN

This will be a big week for Louisville. First, they travel to Notre Dame, then they get Syracuse at home. A sweep would put them in great position for a late-season run, and if they continue to shoot well they can be very tough to defend. Syracuse has struggled against the Cards, too. A down Louisville team beat the Orange twice last season, including a year-end blowout to close Freedom Hall. (Below: Rick Jackson)



5. Tennessee (15-8, 5-3) at No. 18 Kentucky (16-6, 4-4), Tuesday, 9 p.m., ESPN

Kentucky is reeling somewhat, but they've been tough at home under coach John Calipari. In fact, they've yet to lose in Rupp Arena during his tenure, but the 'Cats have looked more than vulnerable away from Lexington. Tennessee, of course, has been a baffling team thus far, but it can't be overstated how well they've played against top competition. In addition, coach Bruce Pearl will finally return to the sidelines for the Vols, adding yet another story line to this already loaded rivalry.

4. No. 16 Louisville (18-5, 7-3) at No. 8 Notre Dame (19-4, 8-3), Wednesday, 7 p.m., ESPNU

The Irish have hung around, despite showing flashes of falling apart. Back to back losses to Marquette and St. John's seemed to push them back on their heels, but they haven't lost since, including a win on the road over Pittsburgh. They haven't lost at home yet, either, but if that's going to continue, they'll have to beat a road-tested Louisville team that has won at UConn and played Georgetown to the wire in D.C. The Cards, however, remain riddled with injuries, though they should have Preston Knowles back by Wednesday.

3. No. 4 Pittsburgh (21-2, 9-1) at No. 9 Villanova (19-4, 7-3), Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPN

The Panthers have a somewhat comfortable lead in the Big East, but the way this week shakes out will go a long way in determining the finishing order in conference play. If Pitt can sweep the week on the road -- first at West Virginia, then 'Nova -- they will be in a really good spot as the remainder of their schedule is favorable. The Wildcats are trying to dig out of the hole they've put themselves in, and a win over Pitt on Saturday is a must.

2. No. 1 Ohio State (24-0, 11-0) at No. 13 Wisconsin (17-5, 7-3), Saturday, 2 p.m., ESPN

Perhaps the biggest test for the Buckeyes will come Saturday when they visit the Kohl Center. Wisconsin rarely loses at home, but Ohio State has been in a similar position before and won convincingly. Last weekend at Minnesota was supposed to be a struggle, but the Gophers didn't put up much of a fight. The Badgers will be a tougher out, for sure, but will they be the ones to stop the Buckeyes potent offense?

1. No. 20 North Carolina (17-5, 7-1) at No. 5 Duke (21-2, 8-1), Wednesday, 9 p.m., ESPN

Quietly, the Tar Heels are making things competitive in the ACC. Save for an embarrassing loss at Georgia Tech, UNC has somewhat resembled the Roy Williams teams of old. They probably won't miss the recently departed Larry Drew II much, but starting a freshman at point guard in Cameron Indoor Stadium is a risk. The Blue Devils can wrest conference control from the Heels with a win, and perhaps regain any confidence lost following the St. John's debacle.