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AROUND THE NATION
Games to watch Keep an eye on these matchups
PURDUE VS. OHIO STATE
The Boilermakers hit the road to take on the Buckeyes, who are playing like a new team with the return of star forward Evan Turner. Purdue is riding a seven-game winning streak after a big victory at Michigan State last weekend but they will be tested by Ohio State.
KENTUCKY VS. VANDERBILT
After defeating Tennessee last weekend, the Wildcats get to face the Commodores, who are still in the mix for the SEC championship. Vanderbilt always seems to play well at home, and this game will show everyone how freshman point guard John Wall handles the pressure.
NOTRE DAME VS. LOUISVILLE
The Fighting Irish really need this game if they are going to make the NCAA Tournament. The Cardinals are coming off a big win at Syracuse last week and have tournament hopes of their own. Forward Luke Harangody will do all he can for Notre Dame to come out on top.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NORTHWESTERN VS. WISCONSIN
The Wildcats' tournament hopes are fading, but they have a chance to pick up a huge win on the road against Wisconsin. The Badgers have been much better than expected this season, and their stingy defense won't make it easy for Northwestern.
Georgetown's Greg Monroe tries to control the ball as Rutgers' Hamady Ndaye, left, and Patrick Jackson block his path during the first half of their game on Sunday in Piscataway, N.J. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Heyers 71-68.
SYRACUSEVS. GEORGETOWN
The Orange take on the Hoyas in a key Big East matchup
The Orange hope to recover quickly from their loss at home last weekend to Louisville. Georgetown manhandled Villanova earlier this month, and Syracuse will have to play very well to defeat the Hoyas on the road. Forward Greg Monroe and guard Austin Freeman lead the Hoyas' offensive attack.
while the Orange hope to slow Georgetown down with their trademark zone defense. Syracuse guard Andy Rautins will have to hit some early threes to open up the inside game for Syracuse. The Orange can't afford to lose this game if they want to keep pace with Villanova in the Big East standings.
THE WAVE'S 2010 NCAA TOURNAMENT PROJECTIONS
The 2010 NCAA Tournament is just a few weeks away, and it's never too early to start thinking about which teams will earn this year's top seeds. The Wave editor Scott Toland projects the top four seeds in each regional.
EAST MIDWEST
1. Syracuse 1. Kansas
2. Duke 2. Purdue
3. Ohio State 3. Gonzaga
4. Texas 4. Vanderbil
WEST SOUTH
1. Villanova 1. Kentucky
2. Kansas State 2. Georgetown
3. Michigan State 3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee 4. Wisconsin
Kansas and Kentucky still look like locks for No. 1 seeds in the Big Dance. Both Syracuse and Villanova have faltered lately, but they should bounce back in time to claim two top seeds for the Big East Conference. Kansas State is making a solid push for a No.2 seed, while Duke should win the ACC and secure a No.2 seed as well. Purdue and Georgetown still have work to do, but the they both have a great shot at earning high seeds.
The Wave's Top 25 Wave editor Scott Toland ranks the nation's best teams
as of Feb.15
1. Kansas - The Jayhawks are still the clear-cut-No 1 team in the country after starting 12-0 in Big 12 play.
6. **Duke** The Blue Devils got past North Carolina and should be able to keep rolling through the ACC.
11. Wisconsin - Coach Bo Ryan has done a great job with his team so far this season, who are now 19-6.
2. Kentucky - Freshmen John Wall and DecMarc Cousins are playing like seasoned veterans for the WildCats.
16. Ohio State - Evan Turner's return to the Buckeyes lineup makes Ohio State a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
21. Baylor - The Bears picked up a big win at home against Missouri and could still finish second in the Big 12.
7. Purdue — The Boilermakers are on a seven-game winning streak heading into their game. **Ohio State**
3. Syracuse - The Orange lost at home to Louisville, but they should still be able to earn a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.
12. Michigan State - Kalin Lucas makes the Spartans look like a different team when he is healthy and playing well.
B. West Virginia - Pittsburgh pulled off a big upset and defeated the Mountaineers in triple overtime last weekend.
17. Pittsburgh - The Panthers came up with a huge victory in triple overtime against West Virginia last weekend.
13. Tennessee - The Volunteers hung around at Kentucky for most of the game and proved that they are a tough team to face.
22. Northern Iowa The Panthers lost to Bradley last week, but they could still be a tough team to face in the NCAA Tournament.
4. Villanova - The Wildcats have lost just one game in the tough Big East and are playing like a No. 1 seed.
9. Kansas State - The Wildcats are posed to finish as high as second place in the Big 12 Conference.
18. BYU - The Cougars are 23-3 after defeating Mountain West Conference foe Air Force last weekend.
23. Cornell - The Big Red were upset by Penn last week, but bounced back to pick up a win at Princeton on Saturday.
5. Georgetown The Hoyas are preparing for a big clash with Syracuse at home this weekend.
14. Texas - The Longhorns responded to a tough loss to Kansas with a 40-point win against Nebraska last weekend.
10. Gonzaga - The Bulldogs are playing well and are still the best team in the West Coast Conference.
15. New Mexico - The Lobos have needed overtime to win two of their last three games in Mountain West Conference play.
19. Butler - The Bulldogs are getting ready for a difficult non-conference matchup this week against Siena.
24. Texas A&M - The Aggies
have really improved this season and are a tough team for anyone to play.
20. Vanderbilt - A big week with games against Kentucky and Mississippi awaits the Commodores.
25. Georgia Tech - The Yellow Jackets lost twice last week, but should背 back at home against North Carolina.
THE WAVE FEBRUARY 17,2010
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN