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The Big Ten title race got some space over the last week with some key Wisconsin wins and some losses by teams like Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio State, but things are still tight for many teams and their NCAA Tournament hopes and it's leading to a lot of great matchups. While teams like Illinois and Iowa appear to be emerging, other teams like Maryland are reeling after some rough stretches. It will be an important week to see whether teams can rebound or continue their runs. With that, let's take a look at the games that made the cut this week.
Game Of The Week:
Indiana at Maryland: This really does have all the makings of a great matchup. Indiana is coming off a big win over Michigan at home, Maryland is coming off a rough loss to Iowa on the road, both teams are in the discussion for the Top 25, both teams need another quality win to help their NCAA hopes, and Maryland is looking to avenge its earlier loss to Indiana this season. On top of this, there will also be a really interesting backcourt battle between Indiana's top freshman James Blackmon, Jr. and Maryland's top freshman Melo Trimble and another great battle between Yogi Ferrell and Dez Wells. This could arguably be the most loaded backcourt matchup of the Big Ten season. There is also the added element that this could be Maryland first "big" home game as a member of the Big Ten. They have matched up with quality opponents like Michigan State and Minnesota at home so far this season, but facing Indiana at home at night is going to be another element into this game. We will see if Maryland can come close to matching the environment in Assembly Hall for the first matchup between these two teams this season.
Honorable Mention:
Ohio State at Michigan State: On paper, this game will have a little less luster than it has in recent years, but it still has the makings of a really good matchup that means a lot for both teams. The teams split their regular season matchups in each of the last 3 seasons, have faced off twice in the Big Ten Tournament in the last 3 years, and the game in East Lansing last year finished with the Spartans winning in overtime. It's pretty easy to see why fans on both sides will be excited for this one. On top of this, Michigan State needs a quality win to make a run at the NCAA Tournament and the Buckeyes need to win to try and stay within shouting distance of Wisconsin in the Big Ten title race. There should be a lot on the line this weekend when the two teams play.
Michigan at Illinois: Though this game may not look as interesting on its face as matchups between Iowa and Minnesota and Nebraska and Wisconsin, this is a game that could have a big impact on not only Illinois and Michigan, but also the Big Ten in general. Illinois is currently projected as the Big Ten's last team in the NCAA Tournament and could very well be the conference's best shot at a 7th bid, especially if Aaron Cosby and Rayvonte Rice return. For Michigan, they are reeling after 3 straight losses and will be looking to extend their 8 game winning streak against the Illini. This is one of those games that defines whether a team can make the NCAA Tournament and Illinois needs this game. Without exaggerating, this game could make a huge difference in whether the Big Ten can secure 7 bids in March.
Season Stats
Game of the Week Appearances By Team:
- Iowa - 4
- Maryland - 4
- Michigan State - 4
- Wisconsin - 4
- Indiana - 2
- Illinois - 1
- Minnesota - 1
- Ohio State - 1
Game of the Week Honorable Mention Appearances By Team:
- Ohio State - 11
- Indiana - 6
- Iowa - 5
- Maryland - 5
- Michigan - 4
- Purdue - 3
- Illinois - 2
- Michigan State - 2
- Minnesota - 1
- Nebraska - 1
- Rutgers - 1
- Wisconsin - 1
Total Appearances By Team:
- Ohio State - 12
- Iowa - 9
- Maryland - 9
- Indiana - 8
- Michigan State - 6
- Wisconsin - 5
- Michigan - 4
- Illinois - 3
- Purdue - 3
- Minnesota - 2
- Nebraska - 1
- Rutgers - 1