Around the Big Ten: ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Virginia @ Maryland
The Virginia Cavaliers (7-0, 0-0 ACC) are set to take on the Terrapins from Maryland (7-0, 0-0 B1G) on Wednesday night in a battle of the ACC and the former ACC. Both teams have yet to lose, which is not surprising, considering Maryland’s toughest challenge so far has been Iowa State, while Virginia's most challenging game has been La Salle.
Virginia will be relying on their junior guard Justin Anderson (15 ppg) and junior forward Anthony Gill (over 12 ppg) offensively. Anderson is shooting almost 60-percent from three-point range while Gill racks up 6.5 assists per game. If Virginia wants to leave with a victory, both of these players must play well.
Meanwhile, Maryland relies on three major players: Melo Trimble, Dez Wells and Jake Layman. All three lead the team in scoring and with a guard and two forwards, the possibilities of great chemistry are endless. The Terrapins will be without Dez Wells who suffered a broken right wrist against Iowa State. The battle to stay undefeated is on.
Iowa @ North Carolina
On Wednesday night, the Iowa Hawks (5-2, 0-0 B1G) will face the Tar Heals (5-1 0-0 ACC) in a game where North Carolina is heavily favored. Ranked No. 12 in the nation, North Carolina is looking to run away with this one early and often.
Iowa is looking for a monster game from their star senior forward Aaron White. At 6-foot-9, White will need to get to the rim as much as possible to inspire the Hawkeye players. He is averaging almost 17 points per game with over six and a half rebounds, but more importantly, White is shooting over 85 percent from the foul line. If he can force some fouls early, he will not only put North Carolina in foul trouble, but also add points for his team.
North Carolina needs to play their game if they want to win. Marcus Paige has the experience and talent to take this team far into the tournament, but he has to be a leader. It starts with games like this one where North Carolina is favored and should win. Can Paige lead his team to an easy victory? Only time will tell.
Michigan St. @ Notre Dame
Michigan State (5-2, 0-0 B1G) is looking to rebound from a tough five-point loss to Kansas by taking down the Fighting Irish (6-1, 0-0 ACC). The Spartans also suffered a tough loss to Duke while Notre Dame has only one loss, a one-point heart breaker to Providence.
The No. 19 Spartans need to turn the beginning of their unfortunate season around and will need to do so using senior guard Travis Trice (6.0 apg), junior guard Denzel Valentine (14.4 ppg) and Senior forward Branden Dawson (7.0 rpg). Through these three guys, assists, scoring, and rebounding are covered. I’m sure Tom Izzo will expect at least these kinds of numbers on Wednesday night.
Through senior guard Jerian Grant, Notre Dame is looking to stay a one-loss team. The 6-foot-5 senior guard averages almost 19 ppg with 7 assists. He spreads the ball nicely and does not take bad shots. In order for the Fighting Irish to give the Spartans and run for their money, Grant must have a big night.
Duke @ Wisconsin
The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils (7-0, 0-0 ACC) will face their biggest challenge of the young season on Wednesday night against the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers (7-0, 0-0 B1G). Duke has already proven they are a force to be reckoned with, after knocking off Michigan State in their third game. Meanwhile, the Badgers escaped with a 68-65 victory over Georgetown and are also undefeated.
Although Duke couldn’t convince their star freshman, Jabari Parker, to stay for another year, they still have plenty of talent to make some noise in the ACC. One of these players is their freshman center, Jahlil Okafor. The star center tallies almost 18 points per game with eight rebounds. The battle between and Frank Kaminskey will be one to watch all night.
Through height from Kaminskey (seven feet) and Nigel Hayes (6-foot-7), the Badgers are looking to not only match the strength of Okafor, but to overpower him. Both players score over 13.5 points per game combined with over eight rebounds. Add senior guard Traeveon Jackson to spread the wealth and this could be the best team in the country come March.
Michael Carnuccio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email mikeyc48@gmail.com.
