Baylor at Kansas and 14 more college hoops games picked this week

Andy Katz went 4-1 with his picks last week to bring his overall record to 64-36 this season. This week, Katz is back with a loaded slate of must-watch games. 

You can read Katz’s picks below and listen to him make them on this week’s episode of the March Madness 365 podcast. This edition of March Madness 365 also features interviews with Big Ten Network’s Michael Decourcy, Wichita State’s Isaac Brown and Oklahoma State’s head coach Mike Boynton. 

No. 5 Illinois at Michigan State | 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 | FS1

Ayo Dosunmu is making a late bid for national player of the year. Katz likes Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn and the Illini to keep rolling. 

Katz’s pick: Illinois

Result: Incorrect. Michigan State, 81-72

No. 17 Kansas at No. 14 Texas | 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 | ESPN

Although Kansas is surging and Texas is struggling, Katz likes the Longhorns to turn things around and get the win at home. 

Katz’s pick: Texas

Result: Correct! Texas, 75-72

College basketball rankings: Kansas, UCLA jump in latest Power 36

No. 6 Alabama at No. 20 Arkansas | 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 24 | ESPN2

Arkansas has been on a tear — the Razorbacks have won four straight and are now No. 2 in the SEC standings. Katz thinks they’ll continue their hot streak and grab the upset at home. 

Katz’s pick: Arkansas
Result: Correct! Arkansas, 81-66

No. 10 West Virginia at No. 2 Baylor | 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 

Since Baylor is coming off of a COVID pause Katz thinks they could struggle, but thinks Baylor is the overall better team and will find a way to get the job done at home. 

Katz’s pick: Baylor
Result: Postponed

No. 9 Iowa at No. 3 Michigan | 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 | ESPN

Katz thinks if Iowa can get some of their players not named Luka Garza going they may have a shot, but he favors Michigan’s defense at home. 

Katz’s pick: Michigan
Result: Correct! Michigan, 79-57

TWO HEAVYWEIGHTS: Michigan beats Ohio State in game fitting of boxing metaphors

No. 19 Southern Cal at Colorado | 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 

Katz favors Southern Cal and, according to him, the best player in the Pac-12 — USC’s Evan Mobley. 

Katz’s pick: Southern Cal
Result: Wrong. Colorado, 80-62

Boise State at No. 22 San Diego State | 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 & 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | FS1 & CBSSN

In a huge Mountain West series where Boise State will play SDSU in back-to-back games on Thursday and Saturday, Katz likes the split — the Aztecs on Thursday and the Broncos on Saturday. 

Katz’s pick: San Diego State on Feb. 25 and Boise State on Feb. 27
Result: Correct! San Diego State, 78-66 (OT).

No. 14 Texas at No. 18 Texas Tech | 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | CBS

Katz thinks the Red Raiders need a win and likes them to get one at home. 

Katz’s pick: Texas Tech

No. 11 Florida State at North Carolina | 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN

Although North Carolina is looking for a key win to get off the tournament bubble, Katz like the Noles to continue rolling through the ACC. 

Katz’s pick: Florida State 

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LSU at No. 20 Arkansas | 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 

Katz thinks the Razorbacks will keep rolling and grab their second win of the week. 

Katz’s pick: Arkansas

No. 5 Illinois at No. 23 Wisconsin | 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN

Katz thinks Wisconsin won’t be able to handle the star power Illinois will put on the floor. Another win for Illini this week. 

Katz’s pick: Illinois

No. 13 Creighton at Xavier | 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | FOX

Katz likes Creighton to keep up the offensive intensity and beat Xavier. He thinks the Bluejays could challenge Villanova for the Big East crown. 

Katz’s pick: Creighton

No. 2 Baylor at No. 17 Kansas | 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN 

Another ranked matchup for Baylor means another ranked win as Katz remains bullish on the Bears.

Katz’s pick: Baylor 

2021 BRACKET: March Madness predictions by Andy Katz

No. 9 Iowa at No. 4 Ohio State | 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 28 

In the last game picked before the best month of the year for college basketball fans, Katz goes with the Buckeyes. It’ll be a tough week for Iowa if Katz’s predictions are right, but that’s just life in an extremely crowded Big Ten conference this season.

Katz’s pick: Ohio State 

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