1. Manchester City vs. West Ham United
XFINITY’s #5ToFollow - Wednesday, January 8
Vance McCullough, the voice of @XFINITYSports, delivers his analysis of the five key games to watch online, paired with five Twitter follows to give you insider information on the matchup. Have a matchup that you’d like Vance to feature? Tweet @XFINITYSports with the hashtag #5ToFollow.
Stu Forster
Details: Wednesday, January 8 @ 2:30 PM ET – Etihad Stadium – Manchester, U.K.
Watch Here: beIN SPORT on XFINITY
Why Watch: The Capital One Cup semi-final enters Etihad Stadium for a big time bout between the Hammers and Man City. The Citizens have been on fire at home, scoring 53 goals in 14 matches, Etihad has been home sweet for City. West Ham has a chance to shock the Cup Tournament and the world with a win Wednesday, but do they have the firepower to pull off such a feat? Make sure you’ve got beIN streaming to see Man City vs. West Ham in this afternoon match.
#5ToFollow Insider: beIN Sports - @beINSPORTSUSA
The channel that’s airing the #CapitalOneCup has the top tweets to follow for league play. They’ve got the best stats in-game and player takeovers during Cup play, so follow beIN for the exclusive coverage and player content!
Follow: @beINSPORTSUSA
2. Kansas vs. Oklahoma
Details: Wednesday, January 8 @ 7:00 PM ET – Lloyd Noble Center - Norman, OK
Watch Here: ESPN2 on XFINITY
Why Watch: The Boomer Sooners basketball squad is flying under the radar. They’ve got a 12-2 record, are coming off a huge rivalry win against Texas, and will look to upset the Jayhawks for a second straight season. The name you need to know for OU, senior guard Cameron Clark, who has thrived in his starting role - 17.7 points per game and 6+ rebounds. The Jayhawks are so talented - it’s scary. Andrew Wiggins could be the number one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, if his teammate Joel Embiid isn’t. Yes, they’re that skilled and will look to display that against a BIG XII Conference foe, Wednesday night on ESPN2! Tweet me who you like in this matchup before tip-off.
#5ToFollow Insider: Ryan Aber - @ryaber
Follow @ryaber, a Sooners faithful beat writer, for all your updates on this BIG XII battle on the court.
Follow: @ryaber
3. Illinois vs. Wisconsin
Details: Wednesday, January 8 @ 9:00 PM ET – Kohl Center - Madison, WI
Watch Here: Big Ten Network on ESPN
Why Watch: The Badgers are going to outwork, out hustle, and be fundamentally strong. The Fighting Illini are going to bang it on the post, stretch the floor, and create space. It’s two major achievements riding on Wednesday night’s matchup: Illinois could go 3-0 in Big Ten play for the first time in 25 years and Wisconsin could go 16-0 for the first time in over 100 years! Which style of basketball will win? Who will reach their program records? Stream this monster matchup live on the Big Ten Network!
#5ToFollow Insider: Big Ten Men’s Basketball - @B1GMBBall
Get ready for a monster conference matchup with the Big Ten’s official Men’s Hoops handle. They’ll be retweeting the best tweets, tweeting out the biggest stats, and bringing you everything you need in this #B1G showdown!
Follow: @B1GMBBall
4. Memphis vs. Louisville
Details: Thursday, January 9 @ 7:00 PM ET – KFC Yum Center - Louisville, KY
Watch Here: ESPN on XFINITY
Why Watch: The AAC steps into the spotlight, as the conference’s two ranked teams take the floor in this meeting of two powerhouse programs. The Cards are the defending national champs and want to make a repeat run this season, but have two early losses on their schedule. With both L’s coming against ranked opponents (the only they’ve played) could this hint at an upset? Memphis has such a skilled backcourt, with senior Joe Jackson leading the way. When the AAC’s best take the floor, we all will be watching or streaming this Top 25 contest.
#5ToFollow Insider: Gary Parrish - @GaryParrishCBS
Gary Parrish is a Memphian and national college hoops writer for CBS. He will have his eyes on this Thursday thriller, tweeting on the best of both teams.
Follow: @GaryParrishCBS
5. Arizona vs. UCLA
Details: Thursday, January 9 @ 9:00 PM ET – Pauley Pavilion - Los Angeles, CA
Watch Here: ESPN on XFINITY
Why Watch: The number one team in the land takes the floor against the most prestigious college basketball program - the Wildcats and Bruins will be basketball gold. The Zona offense looks automatic with the freshman superstar, Aaron Gordon (12ppg and 8reb), and junior high-riser Nick Johnson. Can UCLA’s sensational sophomores Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams light up the Zona defense? You will want to make sure your Thursday night is filled with basketball, as this Pac 12 meeting is going to be memorable.
#5ToFollow Insider: Greg Byrne - @Greg_Byrne
Arizona’s Athletic Director is one who embraces #smsports and uses Twitter the way all ADs should. Make sure you follow Byrne for an inside look at the Arizona program that continues to #BearDown on their competition.
Follow: @Greg_Byrne
For more behind the scenes insights from the biggest sporting events and inside information on sports & social media, make sure to follow Vance McCullough, the XFINITY Sports Guy, @XFINITYSports.
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