It's a strangely thematic night for college basketball. Four high-ranked teams with varying degrees of perceived legitimacy play, but not against each other: #4 Wisconsin, #8 Wichita State, #10 Oregon, #20 Colorado. Unfortunately for fans, Wichita State (13-0) shouldn't be too heavily challenged by Southern Illinois (4-9). Nor should Wisconsin (13-0) at Northwestern (7-6) or Colorado (11-2) against Oregon State (8-4, but with some bad losses and a poor away record). Only Oregon (12-0) vs. Utah (11-1, but against a paltry schedule) looks to be competitive. At least all four games are in conference, which typically produces a more competitive atmosphere.

Every team mentioned has its question marks, none bigger perhaps than Wisconsin. The Badgers' history and style continues to play against them. Though they're always successful in the Big Ten, they haven't had done as much in the tournament during the Bo Ryan era, probably because of their dead ball era style of offense and reliance on the three. It's telling that in their biggest win and in most of their close games, they've kept the scores down, including the 59-53 (then) upset of Florida and a 48-38 slug fest over Virginia.

Wichita State made it to the Final Four last year and is slowly establishing itself as a perennial mid-major power; except they're still a mid-major and didn't schedule any tough non-conference games this year. Given the below-average Missouri Valley Conference (every team already has at least two losses), they have a chance at an undefeated season. Would they even get voted number one over a two or three loss major team?

Like Oregon (covered more in depth here), Colorado is a non traditional basketball power on the rise. The Buffaloes made the second round of the tournament last year and upset Kansas earlier in the season. They also played #6 Oklahoma State and #9 Baylor close. The only thing holding them back is history.

Tonight may be best served navigating between all four. Maybe one will stay close for an hour or so of entertainment. Maybe you'll simply tune into the Wisconsin, Wichita State, and Oregon games to satisfy an OCD-like craving for perfection. Wisconsin (8:00 p.m. EST, ESPN) and Colorado (10:00 p.m. EST, ESPNU) are the only two on national television. The Colorado game as well as the Wichita State game can be live streamed through Watch ESPN.