TheSpread.com

Slow Starters

Slow starts against quality opponents have plagued UCLA in its last two contests.

The eighth-ranked Bruins hope to open strong against a less formidable opponent Saturday when they face Idaho State in their first game at Pauley Pavilion since suffering their only loss of the season there.

Showing Their Mettle

Pittsburgh has showed mettle in winning consecutive road games to start a challenging five-game stretch. The 11th-ranked Panthers hope to continue that success at home Saturday when they host Oklahoma State at the Petersen Events Center.

Sun Belt Classic Matchup

Memphis has two tough games on the schedule to end December, but its first game back from an 11-day layoff figures to be easy.

The second-ranked Tigers take on Middle Tennessee in the Sun Belt Classic on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.

Familiar Faces

New Mexico coach Steve Alford won an NCAA title playing at Indiana for Bob Knight.

Twenty years later, the two are meeting as coaches for the fifth time Saturday when Knight brings Texas Tech (6-3) to play New Mexico (8-2). Still, Alford has a hard time thinking of Knight as a peer.

Important Homestand

Marquette knows it can be as good as any team in the country with its strong guard play. But the 10th-ranked Golden Eagles hope the continued emergence of forward Dwight Burke will lift them into elite status as they begin a five-game homestand Saturday against Sacramento State.