Got our first extended glimpse at the Cougars last night and they were pretty-much as advertised – mistake-free, nasty on defense, and devoid of NBA talent (does Weaver get an NBA look? Perhaps as a Bruce Bowen-type). It didn’t help that USC was missing forward Davon Jefferson, but the Trojans looked completely lost defensively against the Cougars efficient offense. USC was hitting its shots … when it wasn’t turning the ball over or watching the Cougars sink three’s (10) or convert layups (too many to count).

This sets up unbeaten Washington State at one-loss UCLA Saturday (if Fox Sports doesn’t carry this, we’re calling to complain). There is some concern that fragile Bruins point guard Darren Collison may not play due to a hip injury he suffered last night in a win over Washington. We’re thinking UCLA 51, Wazzu 48.

George Washington 49, St. Louis 20 – A reader: Rick Majerus left ESPN for this?

Louisville 63, West Virginia 54 – The Cards are finally getting everyone back healthy, and once they settle on a rotation, this team should be dangerous come February. They’re just big as hell, very athletic, and aggressive.

Butler 74, Wisconsin-Green Bay 65 – Hey, we’ve got a guy who always leaves comments about us excluding Butler, and this one’s for you, mate.