2-0 for me on Thursday with NU covering easily over Iowa, and Indiana continuing to stink it up in an embarrassing 32 point home loss to Wisconsin. It was Wisconsin's biggest margin of victory in a Big Ten road game since they beat the University of Chicago by 34 all the way back in 1942. Even though Tom Crean should be given plenty more time to rebuild that program, the natives are going to get restless if they don't start seeing significant progress soon.
Two conference games today, so we'll try to win some more money.
Michigan at Ohio State (-12.5), 11 AM central, ESPN
In the first meeting, Michigan prevailed at home, mostly because Evan Turner was injured. Turner will be playing today, and the Buckeyes will be out for revenge against their arch rivals. This one could get ugly in a hurry, unless Michigan actually hits some threes, and since they haven't done that all season, we'll happily wager against it.
Pick: Ohio State
Minnesota at Illinois (-2.5), 3 PM central, BTN
Illinois looks like they're on the right side of the bubble, while Minnesota is all but eliminated from at-large contention. After that heartbreaking loss to Purdue, I don't expect the Gophers to come out with much intensity on the road. Look for Illinois to win this game and solidify their NCAA tournament position.
Pick: Illinois
Overall record: 40-36-2
Northwestern games: 15-4