College GameDay: Picks for Oregon at Arizona, Saturday's biggest games

ESPN’s College GameDay is out West on Saturday, taking in Oregon at Arizona live from Tucson, Arizona. Thus far throughout the 2021-22 season, the Ducks have been a terror for ranked Pac-12 teams. As they journey to the McKale Center, the No. 3 Wildcats will look to avoid a gigantic upset.

Throughout the season, Arizona has been one to the top teams in the nation. Leading the Pac-12, the 23-2 Wildcats have stomped competition all season. Leading the way is guard Bennedict Mathurin, scoring 17.2 points per game. Additionally, center Christian Koloko leads Arizona with 7.4 rebounds per game, while guard Kerr Kriisa is pacing the Wildcats with 4.8 assists per game.

On the other hand, Oregon has been a nightmare for ranked conference opponents. Earlier this season, the Ducks knocked both UCLA and USC out of the top five in the same week. Now, the Ducks are entering a pivotal three game stretch — No. 3 Arizona, No. 13 UCLA and No. 17 USC on the horizon for Oregon. The Ducks will be relying on guard Will Richardson heavily, averaging 15.0 points and 3.5 assists per game.

Elsewhere, other ranked contests will keep the interest of the college basketball world. First, No. 12 Illinois travels to face No. 19 Michigan State in a Big Ten showdown. Additionally, No. 11 Texas Tech faces No. 20 Texas in a Big 12 matchup with huge implications. Finally, No. 25 Alabama travels to face No. 4 Kentucky, while No. 16 Tennessee faces No. 23 Arkansas in two huge SEC contests.

As you can see, there’s a beautiful slate of college basketball scheduled for Saturday. Here’s the picks, analysis and everything in-between from the College GameDay crew for the matchups.

College GameDay: Picks for Oregon at Arizona, Saturday’s biggest games

Oregon at No. 3 Arizona: “I’m all over Arizona. I think Arizona is a team that can get to the Final Four and win the championship,” stated Greenberg. Ellis agrees, while Bilas isn’t making a pick due to calling the game.

No. 12 Illinois at No. 19 Michigan State: “I’m going with Michigan State on their home floor,” stated Ellis. However, Bilas and Greenberg are going with the Fighting Illini on the road.

No. 25 Alabama at No. 4 Kentucky: Everyone is on Kentucky tonight over Alabama.

No. 11 Texas Tech at No. 20 Texas: Ellis is on Texas Tech, but Bilas and Greenberg are rocking with Texas.

CGD Crew Picks:

Jay Bilas: Illinois, Kentucky, Texas

LaPhonso Ellis: Arizona, Michigan State, Kentucky, Texas Tech

Seth Greenberg: Arizona, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas