TheSpread.com

Hoyas Try to Rebound

Georgetown has prided itself on having one of the nation's best defenses. Now it may need to slow down the Big East's leading scorer to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in more than a year.

The fifth-ranked Hoyas (13-2, 3-1) try to rebound from their first conference loss of the season on Saturday when they host Luke Harangody and Notre Dame (13-3, 3-1).

Cardinals Dump Eagles

Through the injuries, the suspensions, the sloppy play, Rick Pitino never panicked.

The Louisville coach knew that eventually, seniors David Padgett and Juan Palacios would heal. That sophomores Derrick Caracter, Earl Clark, Edgar Sosa and Jerry Smith would mature. And that the team that began the season with Final Four ambitions would eventually get better.

If Louisville's 71-51 rout of No. 13 Marquette on Thursday is any indication, that team may have finally arrived.

Minnesota Hosts Hoosiers

With one of the nation's top freshmen leading the way, Indiana is as hot as it's been in 15 years.

Eric Gordon and the ninth-ranked Hoosiers will be trying for their 11th straight win on Thursday when they visit a Minnesota team looking to make a name for itself in the Big Ten.

Looking to Build

For two games, Marquette didn't look like a Big East title contender. That certainly wasn't the case in the its last outing.

Despite a pair of uncharacteristic performances early in their conference schedule, the 13th-ranked Golden Eagles look to build on a big victory and continue their best Big East start on Thursday when they visit Louisville.

Unique Position

Washington State finds itself in a unique position.

For the first time this season, the eighth-ranked Cougars try to bounce back from a loss when they host struggling Oregon State on Thursday night in a Pac-10 matchup.