Every year there seems to be controversy surrounding the NCAA tournament field. The selection committee, just like referees, receive the most attention when a poor decision is made. This year, with the field expanding by three teams, the scrutinization is at an all-time high. Once the brackets were revealed Sunday evening, Gene Smith held a teleconference to give rational to … [Read more...] about Gene Smith Gives Rational Behind the 2011 NCAA Tournament Field of 68
College Basketball
#1 Ohio State Survives Late Run By Michigan, Advances to Championship Game
Ohio State led by 17 points over Michigan, 65 to 48, with less than two minutes left to play Saturday and it looked safe to say that the former would be playing in their third straight Big 10 championship game. Color commentator Clark Kellogg thought so too, as he made fun of coach Thad Matta for keeping his starters in the game. Matta's decision ended up being fortuitous, … [Read more...] about #1 Ohio State Survives Late Run By Michigan, Advances to Championship Game
#1 Ohio State Shows Signs of Vulnerability in First Big 10 Tournament Game
After running Wisconsin out of the gym in the regular season finale, many thought Ohio State would sail through the Big 10 Tournament with ease. This sentiment was short lived as they were taken down to the wire Friday in their first game against Northwestern. The Buckeyes were able to escape with an overtime victory 67-61, but it wasn't pretty. Northwestern and Ohio State … [Read more...] about #1 Ohio State Shows Signs of Vulnerability in First Big 10 Tournament Game
Casting My USA Basketball Writers Association Awards Ballot
A secret ballot? Nah, when it comes to college basketball, I'll shout my opinions and evaluations from the mountain top. I've covered a lot of teams both in the Big Ten and the Big East this past season: Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame and DePaul, so let's begin. We start by choosing my District: V. of course, covering Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and … [Read more...] about Casting My USA Basketball Writers Association Awards Ballot
Notre Dame Blows Out Villanova on Senior Night 93-72
#9 Notre Dame came out of the gates shooting red hot from behind the arc, and the initial surge set the evening's tone. #14 Villanova was never able to catch their breath and catch up, as they spent pretty much the entire first twenty minutes with half as many points on the scoreboard as the Irish. ND was especially fired up for their Senior night as they happen to start all … [Read more...] about Notre Dame Blows Out Villanova on Senior Night 93-72
Wisconsin Badgers Josh Gasser Bursts Michigan’s Bubble
The Michigan Wolverines (17-12, 7-9) went into Wednesday's game with the #12 Wisconsin Badgers (21-6, 11-4) with everything to gain after winning six of their last eight conference games. Sitting firmly on the bubble, a win versus the Badgers in Ann Arbor would have went a long way for their NCAA tourney-resume. The Wolverines played better basketball for the majority of the … [Read more...] about Wisconsin Badgers Josh Gasser Bursts Michigan’s Bubble
Buckeye Recap: #11 Purdue Beats #3 Ohio State Thanks to Moore’s 38
"E'Twaun, he may put his fingers up and tell you he hit a 3-pointer, but he rarely smiles," Purdue guard Lewis Jackson said. "Once he smiles, he's in a zone, and you probably won't stop him that night." Purdue guard E'Twaun Moore was smiling all day Sunday as he lit up Ohio State for 38 points en route to a 76-63 victory. How they lost: The Boilermakers took the lead … [Read more...] about Buckeye Recap: #11 Purdue Beats #3 Ohio State Thanks to Moore’s 38
Wisconsin Badgers Take Down #1 Undefeated Ohio State
For the second time this season, a Wisconsin Badgers program has knocked off an undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes team ranked #1 by the AP. The football team did it in October and now the #13 Badgers (19-5, 9-3) have done it in basketball as they knocked off #1 Ohio State (24-1, 11-1) 71-67 on Saturday. Jordan Taylor was magnificent while leading the Badgers with 27 points and … [Read more...] about Wisconsin Badgers Take Down #1 Undefeated Ohio State
Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 82 Michigan St. 56
The #18 Wisconsin Badgers were a force to be reckoned with in a 82-56 drubbing of the Michigan State Spartans on Super Bowl Sunday. With the win, the Badgers (17-5, 7-3) extended their home-winning streak to 16 while the Spartans (13-10, 5-6) have firmly placed their selves in the discussion for a possible NIT invite. The Green Bay Packers were definitely on the mind of most … [Read more...] about Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 82 Michigan St. 56
Penn State Basketball Tickets Seeing Sharp Rise in Demand
Last year, I was astonished to learn that no media members travel to cover Penn State Nittany Lions college basketball. I mean they're a Big Ten team right? They had the Crispins! And they upset North Carolina to reach the Elite 8 in 2001. Then I started watching more PSU games on television (I have a Talor Battle man-crush- that's my excuse) and noticed the lower bowl of … [Read more...] about Penn State Basketball Tickets Seeing Sharp Rise in Demand