Around the Big Ten

By Logan Harper

Welcome to this week’s installment of “Around the Big Ten.” With Big Ten play in full swing, let’s get started…enjoy!

ILLINOIS
The Fighting Illini had no troubles at all last week in defeating Northwestern in Champagne. Led by a balanced scoring attack that saw five players scoring in double figures, including a game-high 14 by Demetri McCamey, Illinois won 88-63. Illinois will travel to Pennsylvania to battle Talor Battle and the Nittany Lions on Tuesday.

INDIANA
After dropping a New Year’s Eve game to the Buckeyes, Indiana was looking forward to an upset in The Barn against Minnesota. Despite a solid defensive effort and as much as a nine point lead on the Gophers, as well as a six point lead at the break, Indiana again faltered down the stretch to lose 67-63. After a disappointing loss to the Gophers, IU headed to Evanston to face Northwestern Sunday. Led by Christian Watford’s 17 points, IU lost…again 93-81. Northwestern’s 93 points was the most scored by the Wildcats against the Hoosiers since 1963. Indiana will face Michigan at Assembly Hall on Saturday. Game is set for 8.

IOWA
The Hawkeyes put a bit of a scare into the Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last week. Led by freshman Melsahn Basabe’s 22 points and 13 rebounds hung tough with the Buckeyes before falling 73-68. After an exciting game against Ohio State at home, Iowa travelled to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. Despite a solid performance from Matt Gatens (18 points), Iowa fell big on the road 75-52. The Hawkeyes will return to Iowa City to face Northwestern on Wednesday night.

MICHIGAN
The Wolverines visited Madison to face the Badgers last week, but despite getting 15 points from Zack Novak, fell to the Badgers big 66-50 at the Kohl Center. After a grueling road game against Wisconsin, the Wolverines headed back home to welcome the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday. The Wolverines showed a lot of fight against Kansas, taking the Jayhawks into overtime before falling 67-60 behind Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 19 points. Michigan will welcome Ohio State to Ann Arbor on Wednesday.

MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State took on the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston, Illinois last week. In need of a win for some momentum, Draymond Green led the Spartans with 15 points in the close 65-62 victory. After surviving the scare against the Wildcats, the Spartans headed out on the road again to face Penn State. This game did not go as planned, as Penn State defeated the Spartans 66-62 to pull off the upset. Michigan State will face Wisconsin in Madison on Tuesday.

MINNESOTA
The Golden Gophers welcomed IU to Williams Arena last week, after dropping two straight conference games. After trailing by six points at the half, Minnesota rallied behind 11 second half points from Blake Hoffarber to win 67-63. After taking down the Hoosiers, Minnesota hit the road to Columbus to face Ohio State. After trailing big, Minnesota mounted a second half run, but came up short against Thad Matta’s Buckeyes and lost 67-64. Trevor Mbakwe led the Gophers with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Minnesota will face Purdue in Minneapolis on Thursday.

NORTHWESTERN
The Wildcats faced Michigan State at home last week, but fell to the Spartans 65-62 after a great effort. Led by Drew Crawford’s 17 points, Northwestern did not have an answer for Draymond Green and the Spartans. Northwestern then travelled to Champagne to battle in-state rival Illinois, and despite JerShon Cobb’s career-high 18 points fell to the Illini 88-63. Northwestern finally welcomed Indiana on Sunday and won 93-81, led by John Shurna’s 24 points. The Wildcats will face Iowa in Iowa City on Wednesday.

OHIO STATE
Ohio State travelled to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes last week, and got more than they expected, but were able to hang on for the win 73-68 behind Jared Sullinger’s 24 points and 12 rebounds. Ohio State then welcomed Minnesota to Columbus on Sunday for yet another tough victory. Led by tenth-year senior…(okay, just fifth-year senior) David Lighty’s 19 points, OSU defeated Minnesota 67-64, and will face Michigan in Ann Arbor on Wednesday.

PENN STATE
The Nittany Lions welcomed the Purdue Boilermakers to Happy Valley last week and lost big despite a good performance from freshman Jermaine Marshall, who added 18 points in the 83-68 loss. Penn State then welcomed the Michigan State Spartans to Happy Valley, only this time were able to pull off the upset and downed the Spartans 66-62 behind Jeff Brooks’ 17 points and 12 rebounds. Penn State will welcome Illinois on Tuesday.

PURDUE
The Boilermakers visited the Nittany Lions last week and got a big win 83-68 behind Ryne Smith’s 20 points. Purdue then played Iowa inside Mackey Arena, and again behind a solid performance from Smith (18 poins) won big…again 75-52. The Boilermakers will face Minnesota on the road on Thursday.

WISCONSIN
The Badgers welcomed Michigan to the unfriendly confines of the Kohl Center in Madison and won big behind Jordan Taylor’s 66-50. What was even more impressive was the fact that the Badgers went almost 19 minutes without a single turnover. The Badgers welcome Michigan State on Tuesday.

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Around the Big Ten

By Logan Harper

With non-conference play in the rearview mirror, the Big Ten opened up conference competition this past week. After seeing what how these first games played out, it is obvious that some teams have some BIG New Year resolutions to strive for…enjoy!

ILLINOIS
Coming off two consecutive losses, Illinois was looking for some confidence to start off the Big Ten season. Luckily for the Illini, it was found in Iowa City. Led by Demetri McCamey’s 20 points, Illinois was able to drop Iowa 87-77 in the opener. Hot shooting was the key in this one, as Illinois was able to hit their first seven three pointers of the game. Illinois headed back to Champaign to face the Wisconsin Badgers Sunday. Looking to gain a steady 2-0 record to start the Big Ten, Illinois followed Demetri McCamey’s lead of getting to the rim and playing aggressive basketball. McCamey once again led Illinois with 21 points as the Illini scratched the Badgers 69-61. Illinois will face Northwestern at home on Thursday.

INDIANA
Needing a glimmer of hope this New Year, the Hoosiers came off consecutive losses in Las Vegas to open up Big Ten play against Penn State. What happened in Vegas did not stay in Vegas for IU, as they continued to struggle. Christian Watford scored just three points on the game, as IU continued to have troubles defending the perimeter, utilizing screens and free throw shooting overall. In the end, the Nittany Lions mauled the Hoosiers at home 69-60. Looking to bounce back from the disappointing loss to Penn State, IU welcomed Ohio State to Bloomington on New Year’s Eve. This game was over early. Derek Elston would foul out of the contest with over 17 minutes to play. In the end it was an 85-67 loss, the fourth straight for IU. If every player on this team played like Victor Oladipo, things may look a bit better. The Hoosiers will travel to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers on Tuesday. Tip is set for 7:00 ET.

IOWA
Coach Fran McCaffery’s Big Ten coaching debut was spoiled by Illinois last Wednesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in front of a sellout crowd. The Hawkeyes fell to the Illini 87-77 after rallying to within six points after trailing by as many as 25 points. Matt Gatens led Iowa with 21 points who welcome Ohio State on Tuesday.

MICHIGAN
The Wolverines stormed into Big Ten play riding a seven game winning streak. That streak was snapped by Purdue at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines fell 80-57. Stu Douglass led the Wolverines in the game with 15 points, but the Boilermaker’s shooting was just too much to handle as they shot 63 percent. Michigan then battled Penn State in Ann Arbor, and led by Darius Morris’ 16 points, Michigan defeated the Nittany Lions 76-79. Michigan heads to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday.

MICHIGAN STATE
After a grueling non-conference schedule that tarnished the armor in the record for the Spartans, Michigan State opened up the Big Ten season against Minnesota at home. Despite a slow first half, Durrell Summers would score 14 of his 19 points in the second half to lead the Spartans to victory 71-62 against the Gophers. Michigan State will now travel to Evanston to face Northwestern tonight. Tip is set for 7:30 ET.

MINNESOTA
Minnesota opened with their first of two extremely difficult tests to begin their hunt in the Big Ten in Madison against the Wisconsin Badgers last Tuesday. Led by Devoe Joseph’s 14 points on the night, the Gophers were unable to nab the victory at the Kohl Center, where it seems Wisconsin never loses. Minnesota fell 68-60. After losing to the Badgers in Madison, the Gophers headed to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans, in yet another tough road matchup to begin conference play. A solid first half for the Gophers saw them hang on for a six point lead at the break, but this would change, as Trevor Mbakwe’s 17 points was just not enough to pull off the win in the Breslin Center. Minnesota lost the contest 71-62. Minnesota welcomes IU to The Barn on Tuesday.

NORTHWESTERN
The Wildcats opened up Big Ten play in West Lafayette to battle the Purdue Boilermakers on New Year’s Eve. Michael Thompson scored 18 points and Luka Mirkovic added a career-high 16 points in the game, but would fall short of the upset as Purdue’s hot streak took down the Wildcats 82-69 at Mackey Arena. The Wildcats will host Michigan State tonight at 6:30 CT.

OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes proved once again that they are well deserving of the No. 2 national ranking that they carry. Ohio State rolled into Assembly Hall in Bloomington and smashed the Hoosiers 85-67 behind an incredible 13-19 shooting from beyond the arc and over 60 percent shooting for the game. The Buckeyes were led by William Buford, who finished the game with 24 points. Ohio State will head to Iowa City to face Iowa on Tuesday.

PENN STATE
Penn State opened the Big Ten season on a high note this season. After falling to Maine, the Nittany Lions stormed into Bloomington and blasted the Hoosiers at Assembly Hall. The 69-60 win at Assembly Hall was just the second time Penn State had won in the building (also won in 2009). Jeff Brooks led Penn State with a career-high 23 points. After starting the season with a big win in Bloomington, Penn State headed into Ann Arbor looking to start the Big Ten season 2-0. The Wolverines had other plans, as the Nittany Lions fell 76-69. The Nittany Lions will face Purdue on Wednesday in Happy Valley.

PURDUE
The Boilermakers opened up Big Ten play in dominating fashion. Purdue travelled north to face the Michigan Wolverines. The game was close in the first half of play until Purdue outscored the Wolverines by 19 points in the second half, led by JaJuan Johnson’s 22 points before eventually winning 80-57 on the road. After an impressive first game of the conference schedule, the Boilermakers welcomed Northwestern to Mackey Arena on New Year’s Eve. Despite a career-high performance from Luka Mirkovic, the Boilermakers proved too much for the Wildcats as E’Twaun Moore added a career-high tying performance of his own with 31 points to take down the Wildcats 82-69. Purdue heads to Happy Valley to face Penn State on Wednesday.

WISCONSIN
The Badgers were looking to open Big Ten play with a statement against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at home last week. They did just that in taking down the Gophers 68-60, led by 38 combined points from Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor, two native Minnesotans. After a solid statement win in the opener, the Badgers headed south to visit Illinois. Scorched by a hot 56 percent shooting performance from the Illini, Wisconsin was unable to keep up and fell in Champaign 69-61. The Badgers were led in scoring by Jon Leuer and Jordan Taylor once again, who both chipped in 19 points. Wisconsin will welcome the Michigan Wolverines on Wednesday.

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Thoughts from an Alumnus @Minnesota

Thoughts from an Alumnus @Minnesota
By Brian Hall

I normally wait until the next morning to write the article about the game, but I am also usually trying to think about something positive to write about. Well this game had plenty of positives aspects throughout the entire game. All right, if you forget about the first ten minutes, lack of rebounding, early fouls, Watford’s play, and all the missed layups in the second half, IU had plenty of positive things.

Indiana fought back every time it looked like Minnesota was going to blow them out of the Barn. I know that we had an eight point lead in the second half that was quickly turned around to a six point deficit, but the Hoosiers came back and was in it to the last second. I never remember IU playing well at the Barn. I do remember Coach Knight’s starters getting benched and we lost by 50 points, and I was worried that was going to happen to us tonight, but it didn’t. We battled back and if the referee didn’t blow the loose ball whistle against Jordan Hulls (which should not have been called) we might have won.

I touched on the negatives at the beginning; now let’s talk about the positives. The defense, most of the time, had quick hands and feet and disrupted a lot of shots and passes. Will Sheehey had an amazing first half as well. I am not sure why he was on the bench through most of the second half, but I was impressed by his intensity and the speed he brought to the court. Jeremiah Rivers played a great game on defense. He was in the face of every player he guarded.
I came out of this game with a much better feeling about Indiana basketball than I have had in a few weeks. Hopefully the players can continue to play the way they played throughout most of this game in the upcoming weeks. We need to win at Northwestern!

Next up: @Northwestern

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Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 5

The Power Rankings had a week off around the holidays. We're back and ready for action for Week 5.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (#2 Nationally, 14-0) Still undefeated, still atop the power rankings, still haven't played a close game all year.

2. Michigan State Spartans (#19 Nationally, 10-4) Finding their legs after early struggles out of conference.

 

3. Purdue Boilermakers (#10 Nationally, 13-1) Two big double-digit wins to open Big Ten play.

 

4. Wisconsin Badgers (Unranked, 11-3) Always tough to beat at the Kohl Center, where they are undefeated this year. Badgers have a win over Minnesota and a loss to Illinois to open Big Ten play.

 

5. Illinois Fighting Illini (#20 Nationally, 12-3) Wins over Iowa and Wisconsin have the Illini in a 3-way tie atop the conference.

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (#21 Nationally, 11-3) 1-2 Big Ten record is misleading with both losses coming to ranked teams on the road. Beat IU to earn their first conference win last night.

7. Northwestern Wildcats (Unranked, 9-3) Late rally brought them close against Michigan State, but in the end, an 0-2 start to the Big Ten season isn't ideal for the Wildcats.

8. Michigan Wolverines (Unranked, 11-3) Michigan was walloped by Purdue and beat Penn State at home. Tough upcoming schedule with 2 of the top teams in the country (Kansas, Ohio State) in the next week.


9. Penn State Nittany Lions (Unranked, 8-5) A good win in Bloomington over the Hoosiers started the Nittany Lions off on the right foot, but a loss to Michigan won't help their cause.

10. Indiana Hoosiers (Unranked, 9-6) Probably generous not to have them in last after losses to Penn State, Ohio State and Minnesota.


11. Iowa Hawkeyes (Unranked, 7-6) Five out of their first 6 Big Ten games come against ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes could be looking 0-6 in the face when they host the Hoosiers on January 23rd.



Brian

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Thoughts from the Alumni Section (Big Ten Edition

By Brian Hall

Thoughts from an Alumnus-OSU

Well this game started out with more of the slow start by the Hoosier offense and the “let’s see if you can make the three pointer before I guard you” defense. I was yelling for our players to get out and cover OSU’s three point shooters from the first thirty seconds of the game. Let’s be honest, nobody thought IU stood a chance against the second ranked team in the nation, but we did expect the team to be hyped up and ready to play from the opening whistle. Ohio State shot the three the way IU shot the three against Kent State in the 2002 tournament. (Hornsby, Coverdale, and Fife hit their first 8 three point shots and a game total of 15-19! I smile just thinking about that game.)

After IU found itself down 15 at halftime, they seemed to settle down. Well, everyone settled down except our big men decided to try the “let’s foul Sullinger every time he touches the ball” technique. I did not understand why Elston, Pritchard, and Capobianco were fouling Sullinger early in the second half. Not only were they fouling him, but they were not fouling him hard enough so it disrupted his shot. Also, I did not like Tom Crean’s comment that the best defense against Sullinger was sitting on the end of the bench (Guy). Well, we don’t have him on the roster and it is up to the coach to figure out what we need to do to move on without him. Let’s pick up our heads and tackle the problem before we turn every opposing big man into the next Wilt Chamberlain!

Now for some of the positives I found while watching the game. The first was the play of Christian Watford, especially in the second half. I noticed that he was looking to score more and was not intimidated to go into the teeth of the defense. Also, Jordan Hulls and Victor Oladipo had their offense in the groove in the second half. Also, Oladipo was doing his best AJ Moye verses Carlos Boozer impersonation (2002 IU vs. Duke). The ref called a foul, but replay showed there was no foul, not even close.

Up Next: January 4^th @ Minnesota

Thoughts from an Alumnus-Penn State

I am not going to waste too much time reflecting on the Penn State game because I am sure everybody has the same feelings about how the game went. Indiana was horrible. I was embarrassed that we were beat by PSU at home. There was not any part of the game that I was proud to say that I am an alumnus from Indiana University. That is all that I am going to say about that game!

Now I am going to discuss what most of the twitter board and the local radio shows were talking about after the game: Coach Tom Crean. Is his honeymoon over? Should the fans be questioning the head coach’s style? Why doesn’t he show more emotion on the sideline? Etc….. I understand that many people are frustrated with the effort that the team is showing on the court and they have been blaming the players for the past two years and they are now looking past the players to the head coach. I, on the other hand, am not there yet. Indiana’s pre-Big 10 schedule was one of the easiest in the nation and our hopes were up thinking that we were better than we actually are. I know that we are starting off many games slowly and if we wouldn’t have had such a big deficit to overcome we might have won the past three games. I am as frustrated as anybody with how we have played over the past two weeks, but I also remember how low we were two years ago. Coach Crean is building the program and we have come a long way in a short amount of time. I, and the majority of the alumni, realize where the program is going and we are on board. However, the “Big Heads” were cute when we had a roster full of walk-ons, but I think it is time to put them away. The heads just make us look like a JV team.

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