Editor’s note: Big 10 of the Big Ten is a collection of tidbits from around the conference. This weekly feature provides a recap from the previous slate of games and also serves as a preview to the upcoming basketball week.
Lackluster offense
Illinois put on a repugnant display of offense Saturday at Wisconsin, managing only 19 points and shooting 23 percent in the first half. The Illini did not score their first field goal until the 12:38 mark of the first half. Then-No. 2 Michigan, poised to take over the No. 1 ranking in the nation after a Duke loss on Saturday, almost matched the Illini’s futility against Ohio State on Sunday, scoring eight points in the first 14 minutes of the game. A furious comeback was not enough to overcome the Buckeyes.
Burke’s late-game decisions
Despite early game troubles Sunday, Michigan found itself with a chance to tie the game in the final minutes. Down 52-50 with 14 seconds left, the Wolverines’ wunderkind point guard Trey Burke eschewed tying the game and launched a contested 3-pointer that did not go in. Burke, a frontrunner for Big Ten Player of the Year, bricked another 3-pointer on the next possession down four points, sealing the Wolverines’ defeat.
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Shoe throwing
This was a rather humorous situation at Northwestern last week. Northwestern’s Alex Marcotullio lost his shoe while playing defense, a harmless faux pas. Iowa’s Aaron White took it upon himself to salvage Iowa’s offensive possession, though, and as the ball rotated to the other side of the court, White picked up the shoe and vigorously threw it directly at his head coach Fran McCaffery, who ducked out of the way just in time. McCaffery emerged flustered. Luckily, the play was salvaged and Iowa hit a 3-pointer.
Oladipo’s emergence
Many accolades have been bestowed upon Indiana center Cody Zeller, but a subplot to monitor over the Big Ten season is if Zeller is even the best player on his own team. Junior swingman Victor Oladipo, who is a supreme athlete, is averaging only three fewer points than Zeller in conference play, shooting 69 percent from the field and grabbing more rebounds than Zeller.
Game of the week
No. 5 Michigan at No. 9 Minnesota in the first game between top-10 teams at Williams Arena since 1972.
Matta legacy
Ohio State’s win over Purdue on Jan. 10 gave Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta his 100th Big Ten win. Only 19 other coaches in conference history have reached that milestone.
Experimenting with rules
The Big Ten is trying a new system for monitor reviews during the conference season. If uncertainty arises as to whether a made field goal is a two-or 3-pointer, the official won’t stop the game and will merely motion to the scorer. There must be recognition of the signal at the table.
Senior CLASS Award
Five Big Ten players were named candidates for the national award, which recognizes an NCAA Division I senior with achievements in the community, classroom, character and competition. Indiana’s Jordan Hulls, Northwestern’s Drew Crawford, Penn State’s Tim Frazier, Wisconsin’s Jared Berggren and Illinois’ Brandon Paul are in the running for the honor.
Strength of schedule
The Big Ten leads the nation in RPI ratings, according to RPIratings.com. It leads the nation with five teams among the RPI’s top 25 — Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State.
Ethan and Thomas can be reached at [email protected].
