With the Big Ten Conference play beginning over this past week, remember to keep track of when games will be aired on the Big Ten Network.
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-0)
Nothing has changed for the Buckeyes, as they continue to improve every week. They defeated the giant-killer Oakland 92-63 last Thursday and dismantled Tennessee-Martin 100-40 on Monday night. All of the Buckeyes’ wins have been by double-digit margins. Ohio State only allowed five players from Tenn-Martin to score for the entire game. Their domination continues as they begin conference play tomorrow at Indiana.
#12 Purdue Boilermakers (12-1)
Purdue proceeded to wallop Michigan 80-57 on Tuesday night. The Boilermakers steamrolled through the first 10 minutes of the game by taking a 19-3 lead. However, their lack of offensive execution allowed the Wolverines back into the game as Purdue only led 30-26 at halftime. In the second half, the team found their groove again by outscoring Michigan 50-31 in the second half. Purdue will continue to have offensive struggles until they learn how not to solely depend on Jajuan Johnson (22 points, 8 rebounds) and E’Twaun Moore (21 points, 9 rebounds).
Northwestern Wildcats (9-1)
Northwestern bounced back from their only loss to win 70-47 against Mount St. Mary’s last Thursday. However, star player John Shurna sprained his left ankle in the second half and had to be helped off of the court. It’s unknown whether or not he will be 100% in their game tomorrow at Purdue. The injury came at an inopportune time since the Wildcats’ next three games are at Purdue, Michigan State, and at Illinois.
Wisconsin Badgers (11-2)
Wisconsin should jump back into the AP Top 25 next week after defeating Minnesota 68-60 at home Tuesday night. The Badgers overcame a huge rebounding deficit of 37-24 with stellar offensive execution (only 2 turnovers for the entire game!), with perimeter defense (only 3 three-pointers made by Minnesota), and with the play of Jordan Taylor (22 points, 7 assists) and Jon Leuer (16 points, 9 rebounds). Wisconsin’s next game will be Sunday at Illinois in another marquee matchup.
#14 Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-2)
As previously mentioned, Minnesota lost Tuesday night 68-60 to Wisconsin on the road. Wisconsin guards badgered Gopher point guard Al Nolen (0-6, 2 assists) for the entire game. That lack of production led to Minnesota having a bad offensive night (39% shooting). The team needs to develop another ballhandler to take the pressure off of Nolen. Minnesota will look to rebound tomorrow at Michigan State.
#23 Illinois Fighting Illini (11-3)
Illinois is now back on track after defeating Iowa 87-77 last night. The Illini was hot for the entire game, shooting 67% from the field and 72% from three-point range. It’s sort of surprising that they did not win by more points. Nevertheless, it’s a win. On Sunday, Illinois will be at home against Wisconsin. The Orange Crush should be in full effect over the weekend.
Michigan Wolverines (10-3)
Although Michigan lost 80-57 to Purdue on Tuesday night, fans can be proud that the team did not quit in the first half when the Wolverines were down 19-3. Michigan actually took the lead in the first half, going up 26-25 before ending up being down 30-26 at halftime. In the second half, Michigan’s 1-3-1 zone was not working as Purdue shot 55.6% from 3-point range. Improvement on defense will be necessary for the Wolverines or an NIT invite will await them.
Penn State Nittany Lions (8-4)
Penn State was able to snap its two-game losing streak by defeating Indiana 69-60 on Monday night. Forward Jeff Brooks led the Nittany Lions by scoring a career-high 23 points with 8 rebounds. For this conference game, Coach Ed DeChellis went with a seven-man rotation, which forced the players to play at a slower tempo due to the high rate in which Penn State turns the ball over. Although the Nittany Lions committed 12 turnovers in the win, it was better than the 17 that was committed in their loss last week to Maine.
#20 Michigan State Spartans (8-4)
Michigan State was off for the entire week after their loss to Texas. The Spartans will look to regroup tomorrow night at home against Minnesota. We will see if the Spartans have learned from the tough non-conference losses or not.
Indiana Hoosiers (9-5)
Indiana is currently on a three-game losing streak. They have lost their last three to Northern Iowa, Colorado, and Penn State. Ouch! It doesn’t get any easier when the Hoosiers play against Ohio State at home tomorrow.
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-6)
Iowa lost last night at home 87-77 to Illinois. If Iowa would have played any semblance of a defense, then the Hawkeyes could have won because Illinois hit two out of every three shots taken last night. Their chance to play better defense will occur on Tuesday when Ohio State comes into town. If they don’t want 100 put on them, then they better move their feet on the defensive end.
