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College basketball weekend previews, March 5, 2010

By Examiner Staff Writer
Published
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LOCAL GAMES

Players to watchMarcus GinyardThe North Carolina senior has played well inside, grabbing 25 rebounds and helping the Tar Heels to their first two-game winning streak in the ACC. UNC (16-14, 5-10) can continue the trend by knocking rival Duke (25-5, 12-3) out of first place on Saturday night. Ishmael SmithThe ultra-quick Wake Forest point guard will battle the trapping, pressing defense of visiting Clemson on Sunday night in a game between two of the four teams trying to secure a first-round bye in the ACC Tournament. The others are Virginia Tech and Florida State. Jarvis VarnadoThe Mississippi State 6-foot-9 senior, the leading rebounder (10.8 pg) in the SEC, leads the Bulldogs against visiting Tennessee on Saturday. The NCAA fate of MSU (21-9) will probably be determined in the SEC Tournament, but a win here could clinch a berth.   Ben HansbroughIn the absence of Big East scoring leader Luke Harangody (thumb) several players have stepped up as Notre Dame (20-10, 9-8) has won three straight to enhance its credentials for an NCAA berth. On Saturday, the Irish play at Marquette (20-9, 11-6).

American at Lehigh

Where » Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, Pa.

When » Sunday, 8 p.m.

TV » CBS College Sports

With a win in the Patriot League semifinals, the fourth-seeded Eagles would be one victory away from their third straight NCAA berth. No. 1 Lehigh (20-10) swept AU (11-19) in the regular season behind 6-foot-7 senior Zahir Carrington (38 points, 14 rebounds) and 6-foot-3 freshman C.J. McCollum (29 points, 20 rebounds), the Patriot League player of the year. Winner will play No. 3 Lafayette (18-12) or No. 7 Holy Cross (9-21).

Maryland at Virginia

Where » John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville

When » Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

TV » RAYCOM; Radio » 106.7 FM

A win by Maryland (22-7, 12-3) coupled with a loss by Duke (25-5, 12-3) at North Carolina would give the Terps the ACC regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament. Virginia (14-14) has beaten Maryland three straight times in Charlottesville, but has lost eight straight, including an 85-66 defeat at College Park.

GW at Temple

Where » Liacouras Center, Philadelphia

When » Saturday, 2 p.m.

Radio » 1500 AM

With its second loss this season to lowly St. Joseph’s on Wednesday, GW (16-12, 6-9) likely lost its chance to play an opening-round home game in next week’s Atlantic 10 Tournament. To claim the A-10 regular season, Temple (25-5, 13-2) needs a victory here and a loss by Xavier (22-7, 13-2) to visiting St. Bonaventure (14-14, 7-8).

GMU vs. VCU/Delaware

Where » Richmond Coliseum

When » Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Radio » 1260 AM

With its second loss this season to lowly St. Joseph’s on Wednesday, GW (16-12, 6-9) likely lost its chance to play an opening-round home game in next week’s Atlantic 10 Tournament. To claim the A-10 regular season, Temple (25-5, 13-2) needs a victory here and a loss by Xavier (22-7, 13-2) to visiting St. Bonaventure (14-14, 7-8).