- Iowa got its first Big Ten win, holding off Talor Battle and Penn State. I don't think anyone saw the Nittany Lions collapse into the Big Ten basement coming, least of all their AD who gave Ed DeChellis a contract extension after last year. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes have found an inside presence in Aaron Fuller, who had his second consecutive game with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds.
- Michigan State took it to Illinois and now has sole possession of first place in the conference. Kalin Lucas and Draymond Green continue to impress, although I still want an explanation for why there's a "D" in Green's first name. Mike Tisdale was invisible wiith just 2 points and 1 rebound.
- Despite Evan Turner being in foul trouble, Ohio State avenged their earlier loss in Madison by beating Wisconsin. The Buckeyes seem to be flying under the radar a bit, but that won't last long as they should be back in the top 25 this week and on their way to a good seed come March.
Rough day for me picking yesterday as I went 1-3 and it would have been 0-4 had Illinois not pulled off a miraculous late cover. An astute commenter pointed out that taking 4 road teams probably wasn't the best idea.
Big Ten games: 9-7-1
Northwestern games: 7-2
UConn at Michigan (+2), 12:30, CBS
I must say I'm a bit puzzled by this line as MIchigan hasn't shown they can beat good teams all season, and UConn is a very good team despite struggling at times in the Big East. The Huskies have too much size and athleticism for Michigan's small lineup to handle. The only way Michigan wins is if they hit a ton of threes and they haven't been able to do that all season.
Pick: UConn
Minnesota at Indiana (+10), 3:30, BTN
I'd be very surprised if Indiana wins this game, but 10 points is a ton to give on the road. I am a bit concerned about Minnesota's press taking over since Indiana is often turnover prone, but the Hoosiers have played pretty well at home all season so they should be able to keep this one in single digits.
Pick: Indiana