Saturday, November 18th Predictions

Prediction Record: 36-18

Drexel at Vermont: Two of the best mid-majors in the country square off. Drexel is a legit contender in the CAA, led by guards Dominick Mejia and Bashir Mason. Vermont got off to a solid start this year, hanging tough with Maryland for a half before losing, and dominating Boston College on the road in their last game. Mike Trimboli is an underrated point guard. Prediction: Vermont 71, Drexel 65

St. Mary’s at USC: A potential upset in the making out West. USC did not play well in their opener against South Carolina, losing at home. Nick Young and Lodrick Stewart are a good wing combo, while Taj Gibson is a beast down low. St. Mary's could be a contender in the West Coast Conference. Brett Collins and Diamon Simpson are a solid forward tandem. Prediction: USC 74, St. Mary's 65

Wichita State at George Mason: One of the most hyped games of the early season. A rematch of last year's Sweet Sixteen meeting, both of these teams are potential sleepers from the mid-major conferences. Wichita State is a legit Top 25 team, and are a favorite in the Missouri Valley. P.J. Couisnard and Sean Ogirri lead the way from the wings. George Mason, coming off of a Final Four season, are still a force. Will Thomas is tough to stop down low, while Folarin Campbell is a versatile perimeter player. Prediction: Wichita State 75, George Mason 72

Massachusetts at Pittsburgh: One of the best games of the day. Pittsburgh is a candidate to reach the Final Four in March, led by Aaron Gray on the inside. A loaded perimeter group includes Levance Fields and Mike Cook. Massachusetts is a contender in the Atlantic-10. Rashaun Freeman is a dominant post player, while Gary Forbes and Tiki Mayben anchor the perimeter. Prediction: Pittsburgh 70, Massachusetts 59

Winthrop at Mississippi State: Potentially the best game of the day. Winthrop is one of the best mid-majors in the country, giving North Carolina a tough test earlier in the week. Torrell Martin and Mike Jenkins are gunners, while Chris Gaynor and Craig Bradshaw are a good inside-outside combo. Mississippi State has looked impressive thus far. Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes are one of the best perimeter-post duos in the country, while Barry Stewart can score. Prediction: Winthrop 68, Mississippi State 66

California at San Diego State: A good test for both teams. San Diego State has had an interesting season thus far, winning their first three games by a total of seven points, before dominating UC San Diego by 36. Brandon Heath is one of the best all-around players in the country, while Muhamed Abukar is an inside-outside option up front. California could be a bubble team come March. Ayinde Ubaka is a vastly underrated guard, while freshman Ryan Anderson could become a star out of the Pac-10. Prediction: San Diego State 77, California 70