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The Breakfast Buffet: Justin Moore could be Villanova’s X-Factor, Arkansas rolling, Iowa-Ohio State

Who’s hungry for college basketball?

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

Justin Moore could be Villanova’s X-Factor in March
Selection Sunday is just two weeks away and once again Villanova is set to be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. How far can the Wildcats advance when they get there? It may ultimately depend on Moore. The 6-4 sophomore has been rock solid this season just as he was last year as a freshman, but his ascension could completely change Villanova’s ceiling. Moore is currently averaging 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists all while being a capable third option behind Collin Gillespie and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. There’s been moments where Moore looks capable of taking things to another level. If he does, the entire perception of the Wildcats could change. Villanova will visit Butler today at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tip off is at Noon ET on CBS. 

Arkansas is quietly one of the hottest teams in the country
Momentum is a real thing in sports and it’s something that the Razorbacks clearly have. Since losing at Alabama by 31 points on Jan. 16th, Arkansas (19-5) has won nine of its last 10 games with the only blemish coming in a narrow defeat at Oklahoma State. In the last two weeks, Eric Musselman’s team has beaten Missouri, Florida, Alabama, and LSU, with the wins over the Gators and Crimson Tide both coming by double figures. Don’t be shocked if Arkansas continues to emerge as a trendy pick to do damage in the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday. 

Iowa-Ohio State should be Sunday’s most entertaining game
Like offense? If so, you’ll love this game. Two of the top three offenses in college basketball — according to KenPom.com — will do battle today in Columbus. After being held to just 57 points in Thursday night’s loss to Michigan, Iowa is primed to break out. The Hawkeyes enter today’s tilt in Columbus averaging 85.2 points while Ohio State state averages 78 points. Expect plenty of shot making and a frenetic pace. This should be a terrific watch for any sports fan. Tip off is at 4 PM ET on CBS. 

On The Side

  • No team encapsulated the craziness of college basketball this week more than North Carolina. The Tar Heels lost to a sub .500 Marquette team on Wednesday and then came back to beat Florida State on Saturday. That’s a wild 72 hours.
  • A word to the wise: Do not read too deep into any Big 12 result that includes the top seven teams in the conference. All seven — Baylor, Kansas, Texas, Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State — are more than capable of winning multiple games in the NCAA Tournament. Breathe!
  • San Diego State’s defense is back. The Aztecs are giving up an average of 59.1 points during their 10-game winning streak. The Mountain West still goes through Viejas Arena.
  • Illinois freshman Andre Curbelo is averaging 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last two games with Ayo Dosunmu out of the lineup. Curbelo could be an All-American in 21-22 — he’s that good. 
  • Belmont transfer Adam Kunkel is going to play a significant role for Xavier down the stretch with Nate Johnson now done for the year with a leg injury. The 6-4 guard had 12 points off the bench in the Musketeers’ win on Saturday over Creighton. 

Daily Specials

  • Villanova at Butler
  • Michigan State at Maryland
  • Iowa at Ohio State
  • South Florida at Houston
  • Nevada at Utah State

Leftovers: