MONDAY
6 p.m., ESPN2
WAKE FOREST (3-0) at IOWA (4-2)
The Demon Deacons are not only short on talent, they also compete with heavy hearts after the sudden death in late July of their coach, Skip Prosser.
The Hawkeyes also are short on talent. In addition, they are at the front end of learning the intricate system of new coach Todd Lickliter.
THE SKINNY
Neither has defeated a meaningful opponent. But give this one to Iowa since it is at home.
TUESDAY
6 p.m., ESPNU
NORTHWESTERN (1-3) at VIRGINIA (5-1)
The Wildcats have an exciting new freshman in guard Michael Thompson, who gives them something to build on. Other than that, they are short on talent, size and experience.
More Top Picks Yoga Pants
The Cavaliers were upset Saturday by Seton Hall. But they have won at Arizona and possess a dynamic performer in guard Sean Singletary, who scores and deals.
THE SKINNY
This should be an easy win for Virginia.
TUESDAY
6 p.m., ESPN
GEORGIA TECH (3-2) at INDIANA (4-1)
The Yellow Jackets are not a total wreck. But they are less explosive than last year’s tournament team and have already fallen to UNC-Greensboro and Winthrop.
The Hoosiers were whacked Saturday night by Xavier. But they are still a solid group with the inside-outside threat of forward D.J. White and guard Eric Gordon.
THE SKINNY
Look for Indiana to rebound at home, where it is surrounded by adoring fans.
TUESDAY
6:30 p.m., ESPN2
MINNESOTA (3-0) at FLORIDA STATE (5-2)
The Golden Gophers have held all three opponents under 60 points. That means they are heeding the demands of Tubby Smith, their new and demanding coach.
The Seminoles are traditionally underachievers. But their two losses are by a combined four points, and they spanked Florida by 14.
THE SKINNY
Florida State normally lives under the radar but should get some attention by topping Smith.
TUESDAY
8 p.m., ESPN
WISCONSIN (5-0) at DUKE (6-0)
The Badgers are among the Big Ten’s best in scoring offense, scoring defense, rebounding margin and assist-to-turnover ratio. They are also on the road for the first time.
The Blue Devils showed their promise by sweeping the Maui Invitational, and now they are home, where they rarely lose. But they are undersized, which could be a problem against the taller Badgers.
THE SKINNY
This is a measuring stick for Wisconsin. For Duke, it looks like a win.
TUESDAY
8:30 p.m., ESPN2
PURDUE (3-0) at CLEMSON (5-0)
The Boilermakers are not without talent. But they are extremely young, starting two sophomores and three freshmen, and just starting to climb a steep learning curve.
The Tigers are not only ranked 24th, the earliest they have been rated since the 1998-99 season, they have also won 18 in a row in the month of November under coach Oliver Purnell.
THE SKINNY
Purdue is promising. But its freshmen face their first road test, which will be an ordeal. Give this one to Clemson.
WEDNESDAY
6:15 p.m., ESPN
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (4-1) at MICHIGAN STATE (4-1)
The Wolfpack has progressed under coach Sidney Lowe and is expected to finish atop the tier just below conference powers Duke and North Carolina. Also, keep an eye on freshman forward J.J. Hickson.
The Spartans are among their conference’s powers. Besides All-American point guard Drew Neitzel, they have a counter to Hickson in sophomore forward Raymar Morgan, a future star.
THE SKINNY
Michigan State’s advantage on the perimeter is the telling factor in its win.
More Top Picks Best Therapy Swings For Special Needs
WEDNESDAY
6:15 p.m., ESPNU
BOSTON COLLEGE (4-0) at MICHIGAN (3-3)
The Eagles have faced no one of consequence and beaten them all at home, which means they are still a mystery. But under coach Al Skinner, they have always proven to be a tough out.
The Wolverines are the ultimate work in progress under new coach John Beilein, who runs a system unlike any other. For them, this is little more than a learning year.
THE SKINNY
Any home-court advantage is negated by Michigan’s lack of talent and familiarity with Beilein. BC stays undefeated.
WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m., ESPN2
ILLINOIS (4-1) at MARYLAND (4-2)
The Illini acquitted themselves nicely in Maui. But in their 13-point loss to Duke on the island, they also proved they cannot be considered an elite team.
The Terrapins have fallen in their only two meaningful games, to UCLA and Missouri. They are also surrendering nearly 70 points a game.
THE SKINNY
Maryland is 129-2 in non-conference home games under coach Gary Williams. But look for Illinois to beat the odds.
WEDNESDAY
8:10 p.m., ESPN
N. CAROLINA (5-0) at OHIO STATE (4-1)
The Tar Heels are among the favorites to win the national title. One reason is the presence of junior forward Tyler Hansbrough, who could well be this season’s national player of the year.
The Buckeyes are still an unknown as they put themselves back together after losing Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook. But they do have senior point guard Jamar Butler to guide them.
THE SKINNY
Ohio State is unformed. Not so Carolina, which should run away with the win.
WEDNESDAY
8:30 p.m., ESPN2
VIRGINIA TECH (2-2) at PENN STATE (2-3)
The Hokies are in a rebuilding year that promises to be long and borderline ugly. Their recent trip to Alaska, where they dropped two of three, showed that.
The Nittany Lions are nothing close to a power. But they do have an estimable performer in swingman Geary Claxton, who is among the conference leaders in scoring and rebounding.
THE SKINNY
Penn State has this game’s difference-maker, who should key a victory.