GAMES OF THE WEEK
No. 24 Minnesota at Michigan State ( 6 p. m. Wednesday, BTN):
How real is real with these Gophers, whose 3- 1 Big Ten record puts them in a four- way tie with Nebraska, Purdue and the Spartans for first place in the conference? Sparty won by a point in Minneapolis in the teams’ league opener.
No. 12 Butler at No. 8 Creighton ( 8 p. m. Wednesday, FS1):
Anyone have any doubts Butler can contend in the Big East after its decisive, impressive victory over previously untouchable Villanova? The Bluejays are right there, too, though. Creighton freshman 7- footer Justin Patton is a star in the making.
No. 7Duke at No. 14 Louisville ( 11 a. m. Saturday, ESPN):
Another prove- it game for the Blue Devils, who played at ninthranked Florida State on Tuesday. If they ever get their roster intact, they might never lose again. Right now? They’re still vulnerable, especially against a Cardinals group that already has taken down Kentucky.
No. 9 Florida State at No. 11 North Carolina ( 1 p. m. Saturday, ESPN):
Justin Jackson gets better and better for the Tar Heels, who showed in a jaw- dropping 107- 56 romp against North Carolina State that they’re ready to get on a roll. FSU is the rare opponent with more than enough length to throw at UNC.
No. 21 Saint Mary’s at No. 5Gonzaga ( 9 p. m. Saturday, ESPN2):
The Zags aren’t the only West Coast Conference team that would hold its own in one of the major leagues. The Gaels have a 20- and- 10 true center in Jock Landale. His battle inside with 7- 1, 300- pound Przemek Karnowski will make linemen from Clemson and Alabama proud.