Big conference matchups headline Cavs College Hoops Viewing Guide

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Max Christie, Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) /

Big games in the Big Ten

What: (4) Purdue at Michigan State | When: Saturday, Feb. 26

Time: Noon ET | Where: Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI

Coverage: ESPN

This is a huge game for Tom Izzo and Michigan State on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans have lost three straight, and according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi they are currently a six seed. However, they really need to pick up their play, and so does freshman guard Max Christie. Once viewed as a possible late lottery pick, Christie has fallen into the second round in most mock drafts.

He leads the Spartans in minutes, playing over 32 a contest. But, he is averaging under 10 points per game and shooting under 40 percent from the field and from deep. His 31 percent shooting from three-point range has been very bad, considering he has great form and a solid release. I still like Christie’s game, and think he may turn into a Kevin Huerter sort of scorer in the NBA.

The coming weeks will be huge for him, though. If he’s starts to pick up his game, he could very easily slide back into the first round.

What: (22) Ohio State at Maryland | When: Sunday, Feb. 27

Time: 4:00 PM ET | Where: XFINITY Center, College Park, MD

Coverage: CBS

After a tough loss to Iowa last week, Ohio State bounced back on Monday night by beating a good Indiana team. Freshman guard Malaki Branham led the Buckeyes with 27 points, and he is definitely a player to watch. After starting the season pretty slow, he’s averaged 25 points per game over his last three games. He’s a silky smooth shooter, who has a great mid-range game, along with decent range.

He was 9-of-13 against Indiana from the field, so he’s a very efficient scorer, and in a Thursday win over Illinois, poured in 25 points. On top of everything he’s an above average perimeter defender, and has more explosiveness than he’s been given credit for. Ohio State looks like they’re in the clear for the moment, but they need to close out the regular season strong. That starts on Sunday.