You can expect a showdown in college basketball this year. In the Big East, the obvious choices are Syracuse, Georgetown and Connecticut. However, Georgetown's Alonso Mourning has been hampered by injuries, so don't expect the Hoyas to do much. St. John's has been having an exceptional year considering their loss of Boo Harvey to graduation. Also, Pittsburgh has been looking good due to acquisition of guard Brian Shorter. Prediction: Syracuse 68, St. John's 61.

In the Atlantic Coast Conference, there are four teams competing for first place. Duke, as usual, is dominating the ACC with Christian Laefnerr, Bobby Hurley and Grant Hill keeping the Blue Devils in first. The University of North Carolina has found new life with Pete Fox and Brian Chilkut and can give Duke a challenge. North Carolina State and Virginia are both having superb seasons, and you can expect them contending for the first-place berth. Prediction: Duke 70, UNC 66.

The Big Ten should be a blowout, with the undefeated (as of 1/22/90) Ohio State Buckeyes who should run away with first place. Prediction: Ohio St. 108, Indiana 92.

Nationally, there are five teams competing for the final-four spots. UNLV (with seniors Stacey Augmon and Larry Johnson plus Anderson Hunt and John Bice) is the standout choice. However, UNLV has not played any Associated Press Top 25 teams, and has had an easy schedule. Arkansas, Ohio St., and Duke are also good picks. The surprise team, LSU, first became known towards the end of last year with its notorious "Twin Towers." Sophomore Shaqueile O'Neal is averaging an incredible 35 points a game plus six blocks. Prediction: Semifinals - UNLV 135, Ohio St. 101. Duke 54, LSU 51. Finals - Duke 87, UNLV 81. n