Spokane, Washington plays host to a game that’s gotten more and more hype over the years, and the battle between Gonzaga and Michigan State in basketball brings a little Midwest swag to the Northwest. … [Read more...] about Michigan State vs. Gonzaga: A Newly Built Basketball Battle
Big ten basketball
Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Northwestern Beats Seton Hall; Wins College Hoops Tourney
For the second time in three years, Northwestern, the only college basketball team from a power six conference never to have made the NCAA Tournament, has won an early season holiday basketball tournament. In 2009, the Wildcats stayed home and beat a tourney bound Notre Dame team in the semi-finals of the Chicago Invitational Tournament. Then the Cats knocked off a talented, … [Read more...] about Northwestern Beats Seton Hall; Wins College Hoops Tourney
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #3 Ohio State Buckeyes: College Basketball 111 in 111
Michigan State’s Expectationless 2011-12 Team May Surprise You
When Tom Izzo looks at this current Michigan State Spartans crew, he sees similarities to the 2007- 2008 Drew Neitzel led squad. The coach referenced this at the school’s media day and said that this year’s team is young, gritty but close-knit. Neitzel’s team, and it was his team no doubt, is like the mold of this year’s squad. That final four team had lost its trio of … [Read more...] about Michigan State’s Expectationless 2011-12 Team May Surprise You
2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
Last night's 79-51 exhibition rout of Wayne State was expected for most Illini basketball fans. The most important number of the box score is found in the game's leading scorer, Meyers Leonard. He had 18 points, in just 16 minutes, that's a great sign for your Illinois Fighting Illini, because they'll really need Leonard to be good, if they're going to be good. … [Read more...] about 2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
Big 10 Hoops Media Day: Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue
Thursday was Big Ten basketball media day, and with it came a set of special quotes and soundbites. Sure, this day is all about college basketball message control. The Universities and SIDs trying to manipulate the information they want you to have, but it doesn't mean there aren't some interesting and articulate statements out there. When you get all the coaches and some of … [Read more...] about Big 10 Hoops Media Day: Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue
Big Ten Basketball Season to Take a Small Step Down This Year
Since 2009, we all saw this coming. Back then Big Ten basketball was dominated by a large group of sophomores that would only raise the conference profile higher to it's peak in 2011. And we knew that once that group was gone (Kalin Lucas, Talor Battle, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Durrell Summers, Demetri McCamey etc.) the next year would see the conference take a small step … [Read more...] about Big Ten Basketball Season to Take a Small Step Down This Year
#20 Michigan Wolverines: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #20 Michigan Wolverines: College Basketball 111 in 111
#32 Michigan State Spartans: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #32 Michigan State Spartans: College Basketball 111 in 111