Loading ...Big Ten Conference Tournament Preview
The Favorite: Ohio State has been playing tremendous basketball as of late. It helps when the best player in the country is on your team, of course, but guys like William Buford and David Lighty have contributions that go under the radar because of the gigantic shadow cast by Evan Turner. Ohio State’s only loss in their last 11 games was to Purdue-a Purdue team that had Robbie Hummel. With Hummel sidelined by injury, and key contributor Chris Allen suspended indefinitely from Michigan State (although he could be back as early as round two), Ohio State is the only 14-4 team in the conference who will be full strength.
The Darkhorse: Although Wisconsin finished just a game back to the three aforementioned teams, they have flown under the radar all year long. Bo Ryan’s teams are perenially heralded for defense, but the Badgers offense this year has been one of the most efficient in the country. Aside from a few bad performances, Wisconsin has been consistently solid throughout the conference season. The Badgers have won their last three games by a combined 74 points, including an impressive 15 point road win over Illinois, who they meet in the first round.
Player to Watch: Obviously, Ohio State’s Evan Turner is the name that immediately comes to mind, but keep an eye on Michigan State’s Charles Barkley-esque super sub, Draymond Green. He always finds a way to contribute. He averages ten points a game, but against Penn State, Green was 0-7 from the field, but still found 23 minutes of action. Hauling in eight rebounds and doling out five assists while turning it over just once usually finds you playing time.
Pick: It’s hard to go against surging Ohio State. The Buckeyes are battling for a number one seed, and although their computer numbers are weak, it’s hard to argue with how they’ve been playing, especially with teams like Villanova, Kansas State and Duke losing games that could have cemented their positions as one seeds. Thad Matta’s crew is as dangerous as anyone in the nation right now.
