---

Upsets have reigned in college basketball this week and there’s a shot that continues this weekend at Kentucky, Villanova, and Louisville. Here are my college basketball picks and locks of the week.

---

Kansas at Kentucky

Kentucky’s inability to defend consistently, and its suspect shot selection have been truly head-scratching. Conversely, I really like the intestinal fortitude of this Jayhawks team – most especially their perimeter. These guys are tough. Frank Mason III has been as good a player as any in the nation, while the real x-factor in this one will be Josh Jackson. I expect a big day from him.

Pick: Kansas

Virginia at Villanova

This is an intriguing matchup and figures to be a dogfight. Two incredibly well-coached teams that won’t beat themselves. Villanova has the star in Josh Hart, but UVA has the defensive prowess that figures to be the difference in this matchup. After watching Virginia hold one of the nations most efficient offenses in Notre Dame to 54 points, I am convinced that can it can shut down a Nova offense that is entirely too dependent on Hart at times.

Pick: Virginia

NC State at Louisville

The Wolfpack is brimming with confidence after exorcising the demons in Durham by knocking off Duke. I think they ride that momentum with another big time road win this time at the expense of the Cardinals. Dennis Smith Jr. pushes the tempo and has NC State playing at crazy fast pace. Their ability to withstand the pressure of Cardinals and achieve early offense allows them to find success. Smith has me believing. The Wolfpack have turned a corner.

Pick: NC State

WATCH: College Basketball Power Rankings – Week 12