Alright guys, it was bound to happen eventually. Doug and I finally missed a weekend roundtable and for that, we sincerely apologize. However, we are back this week and there’s an excellent slate of matchups to watch out for this weekend. Read below for Edition #5 of the Student Union Roundtable: What to Watch For. Each Friday we highlight key matchups for the weekend, betting lines we think may hit, teams on upset alert, and key players to watch. Follow along (approximately) every Friday to see what to watch for each weekend.

Game of the Weekend

Chase Swaringen: # 9 North Carolina vs.  #19 Kentucky (Dec. 22) – Obviously this matchup gets some hype because it puts two of the historically great programs up against one another. To add to the excitement both teams are ranked and the game will be played in the United Center in Chicago. The Tar Heels are riding a high after beating #4 Gonzaga last week and will look to continue their stellar play against ranked opponents this season (2-1 vs. Top 25). John Calipari is no stranger to big games either and will certainly have his Wildcat team ready for what should be a great game on Saturday.

Doug Wattley: #14 Buffalo at #20 Marquette (Dec. 21) – As the last couple of competitive non-conference games wrap up, this is the one I’m paying attention to most. Both of these teams have great storylines as 2019 gets closer, and both have players that are fun to watch. Buffalo proved its legitimacy after beating Syracuse in the Carrier Dome to keep their undefeated record. This matchup is the toughest one they have for the rest of the year – will they still undefeated? Not if top-15 scorer in the nation Markus Howard has anything to say about it.

Player to Watch

Chase Swaringen: Dedric Lawson, Forward, Kansas – Lawson has been everything the Jayhawks hoped and more. The transfer from Memphis has absolutely stuffed the stat sheet this season and will need to continue to do so when Kansas takes on #18 Arizona State in Tempe on Saturday. This is a tough road test for the Jayhawks who are still trying to prove that they are worthy of the #1 ranking the currently possess. The Jayhawks are certainly worthy of consideration and Dedric Lawson is a big reason why. A stellar effort from him and a win against ASU will prove a lot of doubters wrong.

Doug Wattley: Cameron Johnson, Guard, North Carolina – I was about to fall off the UNC bandwagon earlier this year. After seeing them lose a tight one to unranked Texas and then get blown out a week later by Michigan, I wasn’t sure if this team could compete with the cream of the crop. Then, they faced Gonzaga and UNC controlled the game from tip to buzzer. The senior Pitt transfer is leading the team in PPG (16.6) and is shooting just under 50% from deep, a statistic that has helped the Tar Heels immensely. They face off against Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday and if UNC wants once last lift before ACC play, Cam Johnson needs to be the man.

Upset Alert

Doug Wattley: Murray State at #7 Auburn (Dec. 22) – Do I think this is a lock? No, not even close to be honest. But after watching Auburn lose to NC State, I see some flaws in their game that an underdog like the Racers can find. Auburn looked lackluster at times on offense, and maybe that was just because they were in a tough environment, but it looked like it may take time to fix. Murray State on the other hand is off to a quick 8-1 start and is playing with confidence. Yes, I know this is a bold call but I’m calling it. Murray State pulls it off by 2.

Chase Swaringen: #20 Marquette vs. #14 Buffalo (Dec. 21) – Doug picked this game for his game of the weekend and while I think it’s a good one, I’m more intrigued in this one because Marquette comes in as the underdog. The Golden Eagles have some strong wins against ranked opponents but have also dropped some games to ranked teams as well. However, at home against a rising Buffalo team, they have another good chance for a resume building win. Buffalo is a strong team and have gone undefeated up until this point but that may come to a stop on Saturday at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Easy Money (Lines Subject to Change)

Chase Swaringen (1-3): Marquette (-2.5) vs. Buffalo — Take Marquette
Doug Wattley (2-2) TAKE MURRAY STATE