Around the Big Ten: Basketball – Week 3

Audio/Story posted November 15, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Charlie Knezevic

Host Logan Bourandas and analysts Gabe Angieri, Ben Geller and Charlie Knezevic look at some of the contenders and pretenders so far in the Big Ten and look ahead at the new week's upcoming matchups:

The Big Ten Conference has found itself bouncing back after a few close defeats through the first two weeks. The conference as a whole continues to prove that it will have many teams with strong résumés come March. Let’s take a look at last week’s action and preview what’s to come for each team:

No. 3 Michigan State (2-1)

Michigan State only dropped two spots in the rankings after its close loss to Kentucky, as the Spartans bounced back nicely with a 100-47 win over Binghamton, in which preseason Player of the Year Cassius Winston had 17 points and 11 assists. A 76-73 win over the Myles Powell-led Seton Hall Pirates in Orange, New Jersey, on Nov. 14 only further added to the Spartans’ résumé. Keep an eye out, as the Spartans could also potentially play Kansas and Duke later this month.

No. 7 Maryland (2-0)

Maryland found its footing after a slow start against a solid Rhode Island team. Sophomore Jalen Smith led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds in the 18-point victory. Expect to see Maryland stay in the win column for the rest of the month, as the Terrapins shouldn’t be challenged until December. They take on Oakland next on Nov. 16.

No. 16 Ohio State (3-0)

One could make the argument that Ohio State is the best-performing Big Ten team right now, as the Buckeyes stomped No. 10 Villanova 76-51. The Buckeyes have a very well-rounded team with five scorers who posted double digits against the Wildcats and two others with eight points each. Ohio State has proved its legitimacy and should cruise through November in preparation for a matchup with North Carolina in the first week of December.

Purdue (1-2)

Purdue fell out of the AP Top 25 after choking away leads against both Texas and Marquette. The Boilermakers led the Golden Eagles by 18 points before losing 65-55. With 2018-19 leading scorer Carsen Edwards now in the NBA, Purdue has struggled to find someone who can lead the team down the stretch. Only one Boilermaker has found himself scoring double digits in every contests this year: senior guard Jahaad Proctor. Purdue will continue its search for consistency starting Nov. 16 against Chicago State.

Wisconsin (2-1)

Following the overtime loss to Saint Mary’s, the Badgers have found their footing with two double-digit victories. Wisconsin has had a problem with starting slow in all three of its contests but have been a dominant team in the second half. Wisconsin will look to continue its fast start with potential quality win that could become crucial come March, as Greg Gard’s squad takes on in-state rival Marquette on Nov. 17.

Michigan (2-0)

The Wolverines got a good win over a solid Creighton team 79-69. Michigan has a deep, talented team that has plenty of tournament experience and can be counted on to compete for the Big Ten crown this year. Isaiah Livers led the team with 22 points in the win over Creighton, while Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske had 17 points each. Michigan will look to stay hot as it takes on Elon on Nov. 15.

The Rest

Penn State (3-0): Defeated Georgetown 81-66, next vs. Bucknell (Nov. 19)

Indiana (3-0): Defeated North Alabama 91-65, next vs. Troy (Nov. 16)

Illinois (2-1): Lost to Arizona 90-69, next vs. Hawaii (Nov. 18)

Minnesota (1-2): Lost to Butler 64-56, next vs. Utah (Nov. 15)

Nebraska (0-2): Lost to Southern Utah 79-78, next vs. South Dakota State (Nov. 15)

Iowa (1-1): Lost to DePaul 93-78, next vs. Oral Roberts (Nov. 15)

Rutgers (3-0): Defeated Drexel 62-57, next vs. St. Bonaventure (Nov. 16)

Northwestern (1-1): Defeated Providence 72-63, next vs. Radford (Nov. 19)

 

 

Charlie Knezevic is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email charlieknez@gmail.com.