Top Five Games 5
No. 6 Ohio State at Iowa ?» The Buckeyes (14-2) have lost two of their last three on the road and are looking increasingly vulnerable. The young Hawkeyes (10-6) were destined for mediocrity in December after back-to-back losses to Northern Iowa and Iowa State. But they have rebounded with stunning road wins over Wisconsin and Minnesota behind freshman forward Aaron White. (Saturday, 3 p.m.)
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Miami at No. 21 Virginia ?» The last time former Virginia assistant Jim Larranaga coached against the Cavaliers was his first year at George Mason in 1997-98. Fourteen seasons later, as the first-year coach at Miami (9-4), Larranaga takes on Virginia (13-1) in his ACC opener. He brings 6-foot-10, 290-pound Reggie Johnson to battle Mike Scott (16.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg) inside. (Saturday, 6 p.m., ESPNU)
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No. 18 Wisconsin at No.?16 Michigan » The Badgers (12-4) can point to plenty of fancy statistics that suggest they are the most disciplined team in the nation: fewest turnovers (8.4 pg), and fewest points allowed per game(47.2) and per possession (0.78). But how’s that working out for them? Not so well lately with back-to-back home losses to Iowa and Michigan State. (Sunday, 1:30 p.m., CBS)
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No. 7 Missouri at No.?23 Kansas State » The Tigers (14-0) start four guards, are small and don’t have any depth. But they are loaded with backcourt savvy and shooters, ranking first in the nation in field goal (52.2 percent) and ninth in 3-point (41.7 percent) accuracy. The pitbull defense of Kansas State (11-2) will be tough to deal with, especially in Manhattan. (Saturday, 1:30 ?p.m.)
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No. 20 Marquette at No. 1 Syracuse » The ranks of the unbeaten are dwindling fast. We’re down to four in Division I, and two (Baylor and Missouri) will meet Jan. 21. If Syracuse (16-0) survives here, it may be a while before it loses. The Orange won’t play another ranked team until Feb. 8. How will Marquette (12-3) react after blowing a big lead Wednesday at Georgetown? (Saturday, 4 ?p.m.)
Area games
Colgate at American
When » Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where » Bender Arena
In a streaky season in which eight straight wins were followed by four consecutive defeats, AU (9-6) is a mystery. Senior Charles Hinkle (20.6 ppg) leads the conference in scoring. Colgate (5-9) is the best 3-point shooting team in the Patriot League (38.8 percent) behind Mitch Rolls (47.2 percent) and Mike Venezia (45.0 percent). AU won all three meetings last year, none by fewer than nine points.
Georgia State at George Mason
When » Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where » Patriot Center
TV » CSN
Under first-year coach Ron Hunter, formerly of IUPUI, Georgia State (11-3, 3-0) is the talk of the CAA. On Wednesday in Richmond, Georgia State won for the first time over VCU 55-53, holding the Rams to 27.1 percent shooting. The Panthers have won 11 straight behind Devonta White (13.6 ppg), Jihad Ali (12.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Eric Buckner (11.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg). George Mason beat Georgia State three times last year by an average of 15 points.
Lafayette at Navy
When » Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where » Alumni Hall, Annapolis
With 11 losses in its last 12 games, Navy (3-11) is struggling with the concepts of new coach Ed DeChellis, though J.J. Avila is emerging as a star. The sophomore leads Navy in scoring (15.4 ppg), rebounds (6.7 pg), assists (2.9 pg) and steals (1.4 pg) while shooting 50.6 percent, an upgrade from his 40.1 figure a year ago. Lafayette (5-10) answers with Jim Mower (16.5 ppg) and Ryan Willen (14.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg).
George Washington at Saint Louis
When » Saturday, 8 p.m.
Where » Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Wins over four BCS-conference schools got Saint Louis into the Associated Press rankings for the first time since 1993-94. The Billikens (12-3, 0-1) have lost their last two, but behind Brian Conklin (15.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg), coach Rick Majerus’ team is vastly improved from last year’s 12-19 outfit. GW (5-9, 0-1) has lost eight of its last nine under first-year coach Mike Lonergan. The Colonials are one of just two Atlantic 10 teams with a losing record.
