What to Watch for: 2/2 – 2/8

Big Monday kicks the week off with a bang as it showcases a contest between Big East behemoths. Connecticut heads to Louisville, arguably the hottest team in the country right now. Louisville has shown no fear this year, taking down all four ranked opponents. UConn will have to rely on their superior guard play to take home the victory.

Minnesota has been respectable on the road this year, losing only one game in five contests. Michigan State welcomes the Gophers on Wednesday night, fresh off a disappointing home loss to Penn State. Minnesota's tough defense might force the careless Spartans to turn the ball over, so it'll be up to the young Kalin Lucas to bounce back with a better effort.

Last year Duke struggled with Clemson's athleticism and full court press. They'll face the demons again on Wednesday as they head back into the Littlejohn Coliseum. Clemson brings a lot of the same factors Wake Forest used to upend Duke, so the Blue Devils have to be at their best.

I'm also intrigued with a third game from Wednesday's schedule. Missouri has been somewhat erratic, but they can score with the best of them. Needing to prove some road toughness with a young backcourt, they'll need to show some moxy against the Texas Longhorns.

Syracuse needs to start amassing some quality road wins and their trip to Philadelphia presents an interesting opportunity on Saturday. Villanova's strengths play into the style of the Orangemen. They should be able to handle the up-tempo affair and the Syracuse bigs won't have much an issue asserting their physical advantage.

Gonzaga & Memphis need resume wins since they play in a non-power conferences. With Memphis making the trip out west to Spokane on Saturday, Gonzaga will hold the crowd advantage to go along with their experience. They have much more to lose from this game than do the Tigers.

Washington did a respectable job last weekend with a split in the state of Arizona. On Saturday night they'll face Stanford after visiting California on Thursday night. If they can manage a sweep of Northern California, it'll lead them on their way to contending for the Pac Ten title.