Update – As corrected in the comments, the games are on CBS.
Yesterday displayed some of the more interesting basketball games of the entire B1G season. If you missed any of the games, like I did, you really missed out.
Northwestern and Ohio State started out the day by playing the only overtime game that would occur. The Buckeyes managed to earn the 67-61 victory on the strength of 12 free throws in the overtime period and only one field goal. Northwestern’s season will likely end in the NIT.
Illinois looked like they were on the right path towards earning themselves an NCAA tournament bid. Then Michigan changed their minds and stole the game away 60-55 after being down 10 late in the second half. The loss will possibly relegate Illinois to the NIT, and likely gives Michigan enough to get into the tournament regardless of today’s result against Ohio State.
Michigan State didn’t waste any time kicking Purdue in the chin for their 20 point beatdown in East Lansing. The Spartans killed the Boilermakers 74-56. The Boilers were only able to close the gap to within 9 in the second half, but simply were not able to outdo the surging Spartans. Trust Izzo’s team to be ready to go in tournament time.
Finally, Penn State held Wisconsin to only 2 points in the entirety of the first 10 minutes of play, and 16 points in the first half. They finally won the game, after scoring only 16 points in the 2nd half themselves, by a score of 36-33. Yes, it was exactly as ugly as it sounds. Talor Battle shot a laughable 3-18 from the field, but he wasn’t the only one. Go look at the stats if you’re curious, but make certain someone’s there to perform mouth-to-mouth when you stop breathing from laughing so hard.
Incidentally, Penn State is in Joe Lunardi’s “Last 4 In”. Their win over Wisconsin was enough to sneak them into the tournament for the first time since 2001. Congrats Penn State! Now go to work again today.
For today’s game,
Saturday, March 12th
1:40 PM Eastern Time
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (30-2, 17-2) – #4 Michigan Wolverines (20-12, 10-9)
Jay has already done a fantastic job getting us ready for this one. Michigan is using the last three matchups, including last year’s Evan Turner buzzer beater, as motivation in this one. They believe that they have Ohio State’s number, despite having lost both games this year. Both games were close, and they think they can get the win.
They’re not entirely wrong. Michigan has improved dramatically all season long, and with the youth of this team, they’re going to be very good next year. However, with their lack of experience they will struggle at some point during tournament time, and I believe this will be the game.
While it’s often said to be tough to beat a team three times, the Buckeyes are certainly feeling like they have plenty to prove after yesterday’s slop-fest against Northwestern. Expect the Senior leaders to make this game happen today, where the freshman did the job yesterday.
Chance to win
Ohio State: 55%
Michigan: 45%
4:05 PM Eastern Time
#7 Michigan State Spartans (19-13, 11-9) – #6 Penn State Nittany Lions (18-13, 11-9)
There’s no question how people are thinking this game is going to go. Michigan State is looking crazy hot right now and are very likely unstoppable. But that’s assuming that they care now that they’ve functionally guaranteed themselves a spot in the tournament.
Penn State is still firmly on the bubble, the very last of the last 4 teams into the tournament. They know they still have more work to do, and a win over Michigan State could help their chances.
As you can tell from my earlier predictions, I’m finding it very difficult to predict Michigan State this season. They’ve won the last two games that I’ve called against them. Can they do it a third time? I’m not so certain.
Chance to win
Michigan State: 49%
Penn State: 51%
The games are on CBS today, so there shouldn’t be any trouble seeing the game, unless we’re again preempted by someone else’s game.
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