Pregame Shootaround 12.11.12: Big 5 match-up in Philadelphia highlights Tuesday’s action

Each day, CollegeBasketballTalk brings you the “Pregame Shootaround,” which will lay out a preview for the slate of games that night. We’ll take a look at some key match-ups and important games, as well as make some predictions and point out what you need to watch for. Take a look below at today’s edition:

Note: The weekend editions of Pregame Shootaround will be published half an hour prior to tip-off of the day’s first game.

Game of the Day: St. Joseph’s vs. Villanova

There are more high-profile games, including three Top 25 teams in action, but if you’re looking for a rivalry game, this Philadelphia match-up is the best on the docket Tuesday evening.

Both members of the Big 5, St. Joe’s and Villanova had different sets of expectations for the 2012-13 season, with the Hawks loaded with talented veterans and the Wildcats rebuilding after key losses.

St. Joe’s is led by one of the most underrated backcourts in the nation, Carl Jones and Langston Galloway, as well as frontcourt pieces C.J. Aiken and Ronald Roberts, Jr. We highlighted Phil Martelli’s team a few weeks back when they traveled to take on Doug McDermott and Creighton, which ended with a surprising 29-point loss. Expect a better outing Tuesday.

Villanova relies on freshman guard Ryan Arcidiacono, who has the raw talent, but is working to limit his turnovers. The biggest problem for coach Jay Wright and his Wildcats is offensive flow. They ranked 238th in the nation in field goal percentage, plagued by long stretches without scoring.

Mid-Major Matchup of the Day: Boston University vs. Harvard

With a Finals Week-shortened slate of games, this one looks to be the best on the Tuesday schedule.

After losing its first five games of the season, Boston comes into this intrastate match-up against Harvard on a three-game winning streak. The Terriers have a balanced scoring attack, with four different players averaging in double figures, led by junior D.J. Irving. Keep an eye on freshman point guard Maurice Watson, Jr., who leads the team in assists with 4.9 per game.

Harvard comes into Tuesday’s game after losing to Connecticut on the road, though the Crimson hung tough in the first half. Wesley Saunders was the team’s leading scorer in that game with 14 points and continues to be the go-to guy for Tommy Amaker’s team.

Five Things to Watch For

1) No. 3 Michigan showed its depth and versatility in Saturday’s win over a fast-paced Arkansas team. The trio of Tim Hardaway, Jr., Glenn Robinson III, and Trey Burke should shine Tuesday night vs. Binghamton. Also, keep an eye on Mitch McGary. He has been a solid contributor off the bench all season and this is the sort of game he could put up big numbers.

2) No. 10 Illinois proved that it was a legitimate early-season threat by beating Gonzaga on Saturday and the Illini try to keep their undefeated record intact tonight vs. Norfolk State.

3) Andre Hollins leads No. 13 Minnesota against North Dakota State. It’s the teams second opponent from the Dakotas in a week, after the Gophers took care of a Nate Wolters-less South Dakota State team last Tuesday.

4) West Virginia began its season with a blowout loss to Gonzaga, then went on to lose to both Davidson and Oklahoma. Fear not, though, Mountaineer fans, because Bob Huggins has his team on a three-game winning streak. They take on Duquesne Tuesday.

5) Just because I like the backcourt combo of Malik Story and Deonte Burton, check out Nevada vs. Cal Poly Tuesday. You’ll remember, Cal Poly  beat UCLA earlier this season.

The Rest of the Top 25:

No. 3 Michigan vs. Binghamton

No. 10 Illinois vs. Norfolk State

No. 13 Minnesota vs. North Dakota State

Other Notable Games 

West Virginia vs. Duquesne

Rutgers vs. George Washington

Jackson State vs. St. Mary’s

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_