2013 BracketBusters Schedule & Matchups, Plus Free CBB Picks
February 21st, 2013 by | Posted in NCAA Basketball Comments Off on 2013 BracketBusters Schedule & Matchups, Plus Free CBB PicksTrying to make BracketBusters picks is always one of the toughest things to do of the season, as some of the top schools from the non-Big Six conferences engage in battle and they are tough to pit against each other. Check out the 2013 BracketBusters Schedule, along with the college basketball schedule on TV for this awesome event, as well as the most important college basketball matchups to watch out for as we head towards BracketBusters weekend.
North Dakota State @ Akron
(Friday 2/22, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
Neither the Bison nor the Zips are likely to get into the NCAA Tournament without their conference title in tow, which is a shame. We truly believe that these are both amongst the Top 50 teams in America. The Zips have a lot more to prove here, having to play at home for BracketBusters, and they are going to be the team to focus on. The MAC has had a good history in the NCAA Tournament of late, and this is a team that you are going to want to learn a thing or two about come March.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks @ Long Beach State 49ers
Friday 2/22, 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
This is an unfortunate matchup for the Lumberjacks. Had they picked up a massive matchup against a team like St. Mary’s, this could have suddenly become a team to watch out for as an at large bid to the dance. At 21-3, this is a team that has a chance to really make a great run in March out of the Southland, but in all likelihood, this is a game that the team will really want to win. LBSU has a chance to win the Big West this year, but this is a conference that isn’t nearly as good this time around as it has been in years past.
Iona Gaels @ Indiana State Sycamores
Saturday 2/23, 11:00 a.m. ET, ESPNU)
The Sycamores are right there on the cut line right now for the NCAA Tournament, and they really can’t be happy about this matchup. Iona is a high flying team that has the ability to take down anyone in America, but in the end, a victory will only look so-so, and a loss would look devastating. The whole Metro Atlantic is down this year, so don’t think that just because Iona made the dance last year as an at large team means that it is going to be the better side in this one. The Sycamores will be heavily favored on the college basketball odds and should win the game.
Detroit Titans @ Wichita State Shockers
Saturday 2/23, 4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN2
All eyes have been on Valpo in the Horizon League, but after winning on the road at the Crusaders on Saturday, the resume for Detroit isn’t all that bad. Remember that the team does have a win over Akron and several close calls against teams like Valpo (the first time around), Syracuse, and St. John’s. It’s a shame that none of those games turned out to be wins, because this would be a serious at large contender if that turned out to be the case. Wichita State is the better of these two teams, but the Missouri Valley is a tough conference that has bred some very good teams over the years. The Shockers are going to have their hands full and they know it. The difference is that there is no doubt whatsoever that they are going to ultimately be dancing.
Creighton Blue Jays @ St. Mary’s Gaels
Saturday 2/23, 6:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN2
Here’s the game that is the big daddy of them all. The Gaels were given a tremendous gift by getting a home game against the Blue Jays, as this win could make up for the team’s deficiencies against Gonzaga in two meetings thus far on the season. In the event that the high flying Gaels get this one, they will be in the dance in all likelihood regardless of what happens in the WCC Tournament. Creighton doesn’t need this game for the sake of dancing, but it would be really nice if the club ultimately had a win like this one to try to stay on the Top 5 lines of the bracket when push comes to shove.
Ohio Bobcats @ Belmont Bruins
Saturday 2/23, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Ohio’s survival win over Kent State at least keeps it in the at large discussion, and if this is a game that turns out to be won, bubble dwellers are going to be a little concerned. The Bobcats have a respectable resume, but no real powerhouse wins to show for their work this year. Win this one and get Akron next week, and this could be a team to watch. Belmont though, is largely looked upon as one of the best non-Big Six schools in the game. The Bruins have a tremendously efficient offense, scoring 77.1 points per game, and they really cannot afford another slip in this one after losing to both Tennessee State and Murray State in a matter of just seven days. The Bruins might be on the right side of the bubble right now even without the OVC crown, but getting this one is a must if that is going to stay the case.