The Big Ten has three games on Tuesday night, as three more teams tip off their seasons. While none of the three games projects to be all that close, the one in Eugene could be interesting.
Let’s take a look
at the schedule.
Game of the Day:
-Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors at Oregon Ducks
- Time/TV: 10:30 PM ET (BTN)
- KenPom Spread: Oregon by 13
The Ducks had a pretty productive 2024-’25 season, reeling off a 25-10 record and reaching the Round of 32. However, fans are hoping for more this time around and to get back to the elite levels of college basketball for the first time since 2021. Fortunately, the roster has enough pieces to make that an interesting race.
Monday’s matchup with Hawai’i should have a bit of bite. The Rainbow Warriors have been ascending under head coach Eran Ganot and seem poised to make a serious run at the postseason this year, with a preseason KenPom rating of 113th. The player to watch will be forward Gytis Nemiksa, who’s received a ton of hype coming into the Big West this year. This is Hawai’i’s final year in the Big West before leaving for the Mountain West.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this game is how Oregon’s newcomers will perform, including guard Takai Simpkins, who many think will start. Devon Pryor has also been turning some heads since arriving from Texas and the same can be said for what fans think Ohio State transfer Sean Stewart could become if things hit right. All told, Oregon seems poised for a comfortable win.
- Pick: Oregon
The Rest:
-Evansville Purple Aces at No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers
- Time/TV: 6:30 PM ET (BTN)
- KenPom Spread: Purdue by 29
The Boilers will open up what fans are hoping is a season to remember on Tuesday night at home against a severely overmatched Evansville squad. Purdue is expected to cruise to an easy win. The biggest focus will be on freshman Omer Mayer and transfer Oscar Cluff. Both should play serious minutes and will fill out a lineup otherwise loaded with experience. If those two can hit the ground running, Purdue figures to be in the national championship hunt.
- Pick: Purdue
-Robert Morris Colonials at Iowa Hawkeyes
- Time/TV: 8:30 PM ET (BTN)
- KenPom Spread: Iowa by 18
New head coach Ben McCollum will make his debut in Iowa City on Tuesday night and he should have a nice opportunity to get off to a positive start, as a flawed Robert Morris squad comes into town. Most expect the team to share serious similarities with McCollum’s team at Drake last season and this should be a good statement about that. Most eyes will be on the newcomers and Bennett Stirtz, as he tries to get off to a great start for the Hawkeyes. Expect some bumps on opening night.
- Pick: Iowa
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Picks Record This Season: 0-0
