Plus, the Blue Devils boast the projected 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick in freshman phenom guard/forward Cooper Flagg.
In other words, Carolina doesn’t even come close to rivaling its archrival’s presence in the league.
So, ahead of the battle between the No. 2-ranked Blue Devils and the visiting Tar Heels in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 6:30 p.m. ET Saturday (ESPN), the Duke basketball social media team made sure to remind folks of its surge. The account did so in the following hype video, narrated by recent one-and-done and current Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, by quoting UNC legend Michael Jordan:
“Duke is great for college,” Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, said decades ago during his prime with the Chicago Bulls. “UNC is great for pros.”
At the moment, while it’s worth pointing out that the Tar Heels enjoy a two-game winning streak in the series and have prevailed in six of the past nine meetings, one could easily argue that Jon Scheyer and his Duke basketball program have emerged as a better option than Hubert Davis’ UNC program for both college and players’ pro careers to follow.
“We became better for college and the pros,” Dereck Lively II proclaims in the video. “You already know.”
In a recent interview, former Duke basketball player Christian Laettner revealed that Michael Jordan once told him, “I hate Duke. I hate everything about Duke.” This resurfaced comment has sparked debate among basketball fans, with some pointing to Jordan’s intense rivalry with the Blue Devils during his time at North Carolina as the reason behind his disdain for the team.
Despite the animosity between Jordan and Duke, it’s clear that the Blue Devils have had their fair share of success over the years. With multiple national championships and countless NBA stars coming out of the program, Duke is undeniably a powerhouse in college basketball.
While Jordan’s comment may have stung at the time, it’s clear that Duke has continued to thrive despite any ill will from the basketball legend. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a Duke alum go head-to-head with Jordan on the court and prove him wrong. Until then, the rivalry between Duke and North Carolina remains as intense as ever.
Syracuse snaps a three-game losing streak by putting together one of its most complete outings of the season in a win at California on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California.
After leading by 13 points late in regulation, Cal cut the margin to 67-61 with a little more than a minute remaining, forcing the Orange to earn the win at the free throw line down the stretch.
The Orange weathered a couple of big Cal scoring runs in the second half to rebuild a double-digit lead and now catches a red-eye flight home on Sunday morning for a short turnaround before hosting No. 2 Duke on Wednesday night in the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and put the defensive clamps on Cal by bringing out a 2-3 zone. The defensive move helped limit Cal to less than 20% shooting from the floor in the first half and less than 30% for the game. Syracuse led by as many as 18 points about midway through the second half.
Second half
3:17 remaining: Syracuse 62, California 52
If the result holds, Syracuse will head home with a 10-12 record to face the lone unbeaten team in ACC play that is coming off a dominant 17-point victory against its arch rival (Duke led North Carolina by 30 points on Saturday).
FYI: The Blue Devils have not lost since before Thanksgiving.
Blacksher rattles home a 3, and the Bears are on an 11-0 run over the last 4-plus minutes.
Cal hanging around and is in the bonus, but the Bears commit a bad turnover on a lazy, misguided lob pass that Lampkin easily intercepts.
7:37 remaining: Syracuse 58, California 46
Good contested shot by McLeod at the rim to turn away Cal. The 7-foot-4 center has two points, three rebounds and a block in nine minutes of action.
Cal is still shooting just 26% from the floor for the game and is 4-for-25 from 3. The Orange is shooting 50% from the field and 7-for-12 (58%) from 3.
11:54 remaining: Syracuse 56, California 39
Syracuse turns it over out of the under-16 TV timeout. Starling curls off a screen and hits a short jumper from the elbow.
The Orange answers with a burst of a 7-0 run, including a 3 by Carlos to push the lead back to 14.
Starling then uses a screen up top by Lampkin to get downhill and finishes at the rim.
Starling has a team high 14 points but heads to the bench with just more than 12 minutes remaining in the second half.
Carlos gets the break going off a long missed 3 and finishes through contact for a three-point play.
15:43 remaining: Syracuse 45, California 36
Elijah Moore picks up where he left off in the first half with an early 3 before Cal rattles off seven straight points punctuated by a thunderous dunk in transition.
Jyare Davis with a sloppy entry pass to Lampkin and turns it over out of a timeout. It turns into an and-one opportunity for Cal at the other end. The Bears have trimmed the lead to 10 and have as many field goals in the first three minutes of the second half as they did in the first 20 minutes of the game.
Wilkinson hits a step-back 3 over Moore and all you can do is tip your cap to the shot-making ability of the freshman.
Starling answers with a much-needed bucket to snap a 10-0 Cal run.
Halftime: Syracuse 40, California 23
Syracuse has opened up a 17-point halftime lead behind an active, versatile defense, holding Cal to less than 20% shooting from the field.
Nine of the 10 Orange men who have checked into the game have scored, with JJ Starling and Lucas Taylor pacing the Orange with seven points apiece. Elijah Moore (six points) and Jyare Davis (six points; five rebounds) also aided the Orange effort in the first half.
Syracuse has turned to its 2-3 zone at moments in the first half, evening subbing in seldom-used backup center Naheem McLeod for four first-half minutes.
The zone and SU’s man-to-man defense has completely flummoxed Cal, holding the Bears to 4-for-23 shooting, including 2-for-14 from 3.
First half
Good second-effort by Davis to follow his miss off the glass and finish underneath.
Lampkin then sticks back a miss by Majstorovic.
Cal has 13 of its 23 points at the free throw line and it’s shooting sub-20% from the field.
Starling, who had missed his last six shots, ends the half with a 3.
3:46 remaining: Syracuse 33, California 17
Cal’s 7:15 field goal drought is, mercifully, over.
Taylor hits a 3 at the other end. Cal is 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. Taylor looks toward Moore on a back-door cut but Moore doesn’t appear to look for the pass and it’s a turnover for the Orange.
Davis absorbs contact down low for a lay-in. Then, off a turnover, Lampkin kicks it out to Moore for a corner 3 to open up a 14-point lead.
Syracuse now has its largest lead of the game off a short hook in the paint by Lampkin.
7:52 remaining: Syracuse 23, California 10
McLeod corrals a catch and finishes in the paint. Then, Carlos picks up his dribble in the lane but uses some crafty footwork to get a shot up and draw a foul. Syracuse leads, 18-9 as Cal has started 2-for-11 from the field.
Bell, who’s shooting 50% over his last eight games (17-for-34), scores five straight points, to open up a double-digit lead. The junior grew up about 30 minutes outside Berkeley.
The Bears are now 2-for-13 from the field and settling for a bunch of bad shots.
11:54 remaining: Syracuse 14, California 9
Davis is working hard on the glass to keep a possession alive and earns a trip to the free throw line. The Orange enters the game next-to-last in the 18-team league in free throw shooting and 3-point shooting.
Jovan Blacksher, an Oakland native who transferred in from Grand Canyon, hits two free throws, and the Orange has an 11-4 lead five minutes into the game.
Chris Bell, Jaquan Carlos, Petar Majstorovic and Kyle Cuffe Jr. await at the scorer’s table and will check in with 13:01 remaining in the half.
Carlos, coming off a perfect shooting performance at Stanford, hits the side of the backboard on his first perimeter shot of the evening.
Naheem McLeod with some rare minutes here in the first half.
Cal is 2-for-10 from the field, while the Orange is 5-for-14.
15:48 remaining: Syracuse 9, California 2
Elijah Moore hits a 3 to open up a 9-0 start before freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson hits a midrange jumper.
Moore tries an extra pass to Jyare Davis underneath the basket instead of taking it up off the feed from Lampkin and turns it over.
17:34 remaining: Syracuse 6, California 0
Syracuse opens up with a familiar starting five. JJ Starling gets the Orange on the board first with a strong take to the basket.
Cal starts 0-for-3 from 3. Starling then uses a screen from Eddie Lampkin at the top of the key and gets to the rack for a second lay-up before Lucas Taylor hits a pop shot in the paint.
Pregame
Update 9:55 p.m.: Sissoko will be available; Stojakovic is out, per Cal.
Welcome to February basketball, when bubble talk becomes more ubiquitous and teams attempt to peak by March.
The Orange has just 10 regular-season games remaining in what has been among its worst on record in the last 55 years.
Syracuse (9-12, 3-7 ACC) is barreling toward just its second losing season since 1968-69, when SU finished 9-16 in Roy Danforth’s first season.
The Golden Bears (11-10, 4-6) are five-point home favorites, but Saturday’s game represents a rare opportunity for a road win.
SU is 1-8 in games away from the JMA Wireless Dome, including an 0-3 mark on a neutral court in Brooklyn.
The Orange has to fly back to the East Coast late Saturday night and has a short turnaround before hosting No. 2 Duke on Wednesday night, a scheduling truth that drew criticism from assistant coach Allen Griffin earlier this week during a local radio interview.
Pregame updates on two Cal starters will be worth monitoring. Andrej Stojakovic, a 6-7 forward, and Mady Sissoko, a 6-9 center, both missed its 76-65 loss at SMU on Wednesday.
Syracuse has been playing without injured five-star freshman forward Donnie Freeman, who is sidelined indefinitely with a foot issue.
Syracuse basketball stays poised in 2nd half to snap 3-game losing streak at Cal: Final score, recap
In a thrilling matchup against Cal, Syracuse basketball showed their resilience and determination as they snapped a 3-game losing streak with a hard-fought victory on the road. The final score of the game was 78-72 in favor of the Orange.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. Cal managed to take a slim lead going into halftime, but Syracuse came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.
Led by star guard Buddy Boeheim, who finished with a game-high 25 points, the Orange turned up the intensity on both ends of the court. Their defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, while their offense found its rhythm, knocking down key shots and getting to the free-throw line.
Despite a late surge from Cal, Syracuse stayed poised and composed, making crucial plays down the stretch to secure the much-needed win. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
With this win, Syracuse improves to 5-3 on the season and looks to build on this momentum as they head into conference play. The Orange will look to continue their winning ways and make a push for the postseason.
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Syracuse basketball, 2nd half comeback, Cal, final score, game recap, Syracuse Orange, college basketball, winning streak, sports news
The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball team proved last week that it has one of the most dominant frontcourts in the country.
The Gaels scored 94 points in the paint in wins over San Francisco and Washington State last week. Six-foot-8 power forward Paulius Murauskas and 6-foot-10 center Mitchell Saxen combined to rack up 75 points and 28 rebounds in the two games, and both finished the week with 24 points in the paint.
St. Mary’s (18-3, 8-0 WCC) is also dominant on the boards. The Gaels average 40.7 rebounds a night, which ranks No. 1 in the West Coast Conference and No. 17 in the country. They also average four blocked shots a game, which ranks No. 2 in the WCC.
That kind of dominance in the paint is a big part of why the Gaels have a commanding lead in the WCC. They’re just ahead of Gonzaga (16-6, 7-2) and San Francisco (17-6, 7-3).
St. Mary’s will defend its lead in the race for the regular-season conference championship and try to extend its winning streak to nine games at Santa Clara (14-8, 6-3 WCC) on Wednesday. The Gaels won the WCC title last season, snapping Gonzaga’s streak of seven straight titles.
Santa Clara, which is a little more than two weeks removed from its 103-99 upset of Gonzaga, is coming off an 83-69 loss at Oregon State on Saturday.
The Broncos are led by 6-foot-7 guard Adama-Alpha Bal, who is averaging 14 points a night. Seven-foot center Christoph Tilly is adding 13 points and 4.8 rebounds a night.
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Saint Mary’s at Santa Clara Betting Odds
Saint Mary’s is a 4.5-point college basketball betting odds favorite on BetMGM against Santa Clara, and the Over/Under is 139.5 points.
The Moneyline is -190 for St. Mary’s and +154 for Santa Clara.
Saint Mary’s at Santa Clara on TV
The West Coast Conference game featuring St. Mary’s and Santa Clara will be televised on ESPNU.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
Saint Mary’s at Santa Clara Prediction
I predict St. Mary’s wins, 72-69.
The Gaels don’t just have the best group of big men in the WCC. They have what may be the deepest roster in the conference.
St. Mary’s has six players averaging at least nine points a game, including sophomore Jordan Ross, who has scored in double figures in four straight games for the first time in his career. The Gaels also have three players averaging at least 10 points and seven rebounds a game: Murauskas, Saxen, and 6-foot-6 redshirt senior Luke Barrett.
St. Mary’s is also home to the reigning WCC Player of the Year, point guard Augustas Marciulionis, who leads the team with 13.9 points a game and ranks No. 4 in the conference with 120 assists.
Santa Clara can score with anyone in the WCC. The Broncos rank No. 2 in the conference with 80.7 points a game. They have two players that have scored 1,000 career points: Johnny O’Neil and Carlos Stewart Jr. All five of their starters average more than 10 points a night, and the Broncos are averaging 27.3 points from the bench per game.
Santa Clara hasn’t faced a defense like St. Mary’s, though. The Gaels are giving up 61.3 points a game, which ranks No. 1 in the WCC and No. 7 in the country.
The highly anticipated matchup between Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara is set to take place this week, and fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this exciting college basketball game. Let’s take a closer look at the prediction, betting odds, and how to watch this thrilling matchup.
Prediction:
Both Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara have had strong seasons so far, with Saint Mary’s sitting at a 15-5 record and Santa Clara at 11-9. Saint Mary’s boasts a strong offense led by star player Tommy Kuhse, while Santa Clara has been known for their tough defense. This game is expected to be a close one, with both teams fighting hard for the win. In the end, we predict that Saint Mary’s will come out on top in a close game.
Betting Odds:
The betting odds for this matchup are currently in favor of Saint Mary’s, with the Gaels being listed as the favorites to win. The spread is expected to be close, with Saint Mary’s likely favored by a few points. The over/under for this game is set at around 140 points, indicating that it could be a high-scoring affair.
How to Watch:
Fans can catch all the action of the Saint Mary’s vs. Santa Clara game on ESPN or stream it live on the ESPN app. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM ET, so be sure to tune in to see which team comes out on top in this exciting college basketball matchup.
Don’t miss out on the excitement of this highly anticipated game between Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara. Tune in to see all the action unfold and cheer on your favorite team to victory!
Texas A&M is on the road but looking no worse for wear. They have jumped out to a quick 44-36 lead against S. Carolina.
Texas A&M came into the matchup with some extra motivation after the defeat they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off. We’ll see if they’re able to flip the script or if it’ll just be more of the same.
Who’s Playing
Texas A&M Aggies @ S. Carolina Gamecocks
Current Records: Texas A&M 16-5, S. Carolina 10-11
How To Watch
What to Know
Texas A&M is 2-8 against S. Carolina since January of 2017 but they’ll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. Both will face off in an SEC battle at 8:30 p.m. ET at Colonial Life Arena. Despite being away, the Aggies are looking at a 5.5-point advantage in the spread.
Last Tuesday, Texas A&M earned a 75-68 win over Oklahoma.
Texas A&M’s victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Henry Coleman III, who posted 14 points along with six rebounds and two steals. Coleman III had some trouble finding his footing against Texas on Saturday, so this was a step in the right direction. The team also got some help courtesy of Andersson Garcia, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 12 rebounds.
Texas A&M smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive rebounds (they’re ranked first in offensive rebounds per game overall). That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they’ve now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in 33 consecutive matches dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, S. Carolina’s recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Tuesday after their eighth straight defeat. They fell 71-60 to Georgia.
The losing side was boosted by Collin Murray-Boyles, who went 7 for 11 en route to 18 points plus five assists and five rebounds. He is also on a roll when it comes to blocks, as he’s now posted two or more in the last three games he’s played. Jamarii Thomas was another key player, posting 19 points in addition to two steals.
Texas A&M’s win bumped their record up to 16-5. As for S. Carolina, they now have a losing record at 10-11.
Texas A&M couldn’t quite finish off S. Carolina in their previous meeting back in February of 2024 and fell 70-68. Can Texas A&M avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We’ll find out soon enough.
Odds
Texas A&M is a solid 5.5-point favorite against S. Carolina, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Aggies as a 6.5-point favorite.
S. Carolina has won 8 out of their last 10 games against Texas A&M.
Feb 28, 2024 – S. Carolina 70 vs. Texas A&M 68
Jan 14, 2023 – Texas A&M 94 vs. S. Carolina 53
Jan 29, 2022 – S. Carolina 74 vs. Texas A&M 63
Jan 06, 2021 – S. Carolina 78 vs. Texas A&M 54
Feb 08, 2020 – S. Carolina 74 vs. Texas A&M 54
Jan 18, 2020 – S. Carolina 81 vs. Texas A&M 67
Mar 05, 2019 – S. Carolina 71 vs. Texas A&M 54
Feb 16, 2019 – S. Carolina 84 vs. Texas A&M 77
Feb 03, 2018 – Texas A&M 83 vs. S. Carolina 60
Jan 07, 2017 – S. Carolina 79 vs. Texas A&M 68
The highly anticipated matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas A&M Aggies is set to take place soon, and fans are eager to catch all the action. If you’re looking to watch the game online or on TV, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need to know.
Date: Saturday, February 12th
Start Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
To watch the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Texas A&M Aggies online, you can tune in to WatchESPN, where the game will be live streamed. If you prefer to watch on TV, you can catch all the action on ESPN.
Don’t miss out on this exciting NCAA Basketball matchup between two powerhouse teams. Tune in to see who comes out on top in this thrilling game.
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S. Carolina Gamecocks, Texas A&M Aggies, NCAA Basketball, watch online, TV channel, live stream, start time, college basketball, game preview, live streaming, broadcast details, game time, where to watch, streaming information, watch live, game schedule
Over the past year, Caitlin Clark has become a standout name in women’s basketball, gaining significant attention for her performances. Her meteoric rise has even caught the eye of WWE Superstar Bianca Belair, who extended an invitation for Clark to participate in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Belair initially issued the invitation during an interview around the time WWE and the Indiana Sports Corp. announced the 2025 Royal Rumble would take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 1st. In a recent appearance on the Battleground Podcast with Tim Battle, Belair renewed the invite, expressing excitement about the possibility of a crossover moment.
“I’m always like, WWE, we’ve seen crossovers from other athletes, from different influencers, and I’m waiting for that female crossover to happen,” Belair said. “Caitlin Clark, she’s doing big things, WNBA, they’re doing big things, women over there, she’s a GOAT over there, women are doing big things over in WWE, so why not invite the GOAT over to WWE, where women are doing big things over here? I wanted to invite Caitlin Clark, like, ‘Come over to WWE, come join the Royal Rumble.’”
Belair continued, highlighting the unique appeal of the Royal Rumble match. “That’s what’s exciting about the Royal Rumble. You never know who can show up. The possibilities are endless when it comes to Royal Rumble, so I’m like, ‘Caitlin Clark, come on over. You can bring Angel Reese with you too. She might throw some bows, and she might be the last one standing.’ The women are doing big things in WWE, the women are doing big things in WNBA, so why not let both of the worlds collide, let both of the worlds meet?”
Belair’s comments reflect WWE’s openness to high-profile crossover moments and underline the company’s commitment to showcasing powerful women from various sports and entertainment industries. With the Royal Rumble just days away, fans are left to wonder if this dream moment could become a reality.
Bianca Belair Extends Royal Rumble Invite To Basketball Star Caitlin Clark
In a surprising turn of events, WWE Superstar Bianca Belair has extended an invitation to basketball star Caitlin Clark to join her in the upcoming Royal Rumble match.
Belair, known for her incredible athleticism and strength in the ring, took to social media to reach out to Clark, who has been making waves in the world of college basketball with her impressive skills and record-breaking performances.
“I’ve been watching Caitlin dominate on the court and I can’t help but think she would be a perfect fit for the Royal Rumble,” Belair wrote in her post. “Caitlin, if you’re up for the challenge, I would love to have you join me in the ring and show the world what you’re made of.”
Clark, who has garnered attention for her scoring ability and leadership on the court, has yet to respond to Belair’s invitation. However, fans are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of seeing the two athletes face off in the high-stakes match.
As the Royal Rumble draws near, all eyes will be on whether Clark will accept Belair’s offer and make her debut in the world of professional wrestling. Stay tuned for updates as this unexpected crossover continues to unfold.
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Bianca Belair, Royal Rumble, Caitlin Clark, WWE, wrestling, basketball, invitation, WWE news, sports news, PWMania
Sterling K Brown says being part of Black Panther was a “cultural moment” that allowed him to be “part of history” – and he’d jump at the chance to become part of the Marvel world again.
The 48-year-old actor, who’s currently starring in the mind-bending drama Paradise, told Sky News: “I remember reading that script – they don’t give it to you – you have to read it and then turn it back or your hands burn off or something like that…
“I remember thinking, this is a cultural moment. This is so big, not only for black America but for black people across the globe to see themselves front and centre in the largest, most zeitgeisty pop cultural machine in the world right now, the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe].
Image: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Pic: Marvel Studios
The superhero movie won three Oscars – Marvel’s first ever Academy Awards – including a win for costume design and best production design, the first in both categories for women of colour.
Brown goes on: “I just want to be a part of history. It was history. It was awesome.”
The Missouri-born star’s career trajectory has been impressive, from “living beneath the poverty line” to being nominated for an Oscar, he’s always been single-minded in his pursuit of acting.
He explains: “I didn’t have a hard knock life. We grew up in a house. My mom was a schoolteacher. My dad was a grocery clerk. All our needs were met.
“But I would tape my basketball shoes up if the sole came apart because that fixed them. And my mom got mad at me one time, she’s like, ‘You know, we can buy you shoes?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, but I fixed them. What’s the big deal?’”
He says making his living through his craft was always his focus, adding, “I know that’s a luxury that’s not afforded to a lot of people. The fact that it’s gone my way, I’m incredibly thankful for.”
Image: This Is Us. Pic: Disney+
A three-time Emmy winner, The People V O J Simpson: American Crime Story saw him gain public attention, followed by a season in The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the multi-award-winning This Is Us.
‘I’ve got good taste’
When his role in American Fiction earned him an Oscar nomination, he insists he didn’t see it coming, saying: “I just knew it was a great story, a great script, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
He goes on: “They’re all sort of game-changers. People will give me credit. I’ll take credit for having good taste, but you never know when lightning is going to strike, right?”
A fatalist, he says: “I leave it in the hands of the universe and just say, ‘If you want me to step here, I’ll step there and whatever happens, happens’.”
Now he’s leading the cast of Disney+ drama Paradise, playing Agent Xavier Collins, a man charged with protecting a second-term president – played by James Marsden – in a serene community of high-net-worth individuals.
Brown admits the role came with obligations: “There is a different level of responsibility when you’re one on the call sheet. I think people do look to you to help set the tone of what the environment is going to be like, and I don’t mind that.”
Image: Pic: Disney+
The brainchild of Dan Fogelman, best known for his work on This Is Us and Only Murders In The Building, Paradise is a murder mystery with something much bigger underneath.
‘Billionaires on camera’
Impossible to elaborate on further without giving away spoilers, it’s enough to say the first episode throws up a twist few will see coming.
Despite various parallels with the current political climate, Fogelman says he came up with the idea over a decade ago, but concedes the timing is “certainly unusual”.
Fogelman tells Sky News: “We’re openly seeing billionaires on camera having a big hand in government. And while money and wealth have always been a factor in things behind the scenes, it’s very out front and centre right now in a way that the show openly discusses [and] things about the environment and climate change.”
Brown too says the themes are prescient: “The world is unpredictable and a little bit nutty and a lot of people are on edge as to what is next. I don’t know if it’s across the world. I definitely know that it’s in the United States for certain.
“I think the show in a very strange way, is sort of asking the same questions like, ‘All right, we’re in new territory right now. I have no idea what happens next. I’m a little scared about that.’”
He goes on: “People are going to draw all sorts of conclusions and inferences and comparisons. I will leave them to draw whatever they wish because if I was an audience member, I would too.”
The first three episodes of Paradise are available on Disney+ now, with new episodes dropping each Tuesday.
Sterling K Brown on Black Panther, Taping Up His Basketball Shoes, and Paradise
In a recent interview, award-winning actor Sterling K Brown opened up about his experience working on the groundbreaking film Black Panther. Brown, who played N’Jobu in the hit Marvel movie, revealed that being a part of the project was a dream come true for him.
“I’ve been a fan of the Black Panther comics for as long as I can remember, so to be able to step into that world and bring a character to life was truly surreal,” Brown said. “I knew from the moment I read the script that this film was going to be something special, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”
But Brown’s talents don’t stop at acting – he’s also an avid basketball player, and he shared a hilarious story about taping up his shoes before hitting the court.
“I take my basketball games very seriously, so I always make sure my shoes are taped up just right before I step onto the court,” Brown laughed. “It’s a little superstition of mine, but hey, whatever works, right?”
In addition to his acting and basketball skills, Brown also dished on his idea of paradise. For the This Is Us star, paradise is all about good food, good company, and good music.
“Paradise for me is sitting around a table with my loved ones, eating a delicious meal, and listening to some classic soul music,” Brown explained. “It’s those simple moments of connection and joy that truly make life worth living.”
With his talent, charm, and infectious personality, Sterling K Brown continues to captivate audiences both on and off the screen. And with his upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated film Paradise Lost, it’s clear that this star is just getting started.
A top-25 matchup in Milwaukee between two Big East powerhouses caps off a loaded slate of men’s college basketball games on Saturday.
No. 24 UConn (15-6, 7-3 in Big East play) travels to No. 10 Marquette (18-3, 9-1) for an 8 p.m. ET tipoff at Fiserv Forum. It’s the first meeting of the year between both programs, and the first since UConn played spoil to Marquette’s hopes of winning back-to-back Big East conference titles.
Dan Hurley’s Huskies have been one of the more inconsistent teams in college basketball this season, having lost three of their six games, despite holding ranked wins against Baylor and Gonzaga. One of the reasons for UConn’s struggles of late can be pointed to the loss of star freshman Liam McNeeley, who has been out with a high ankle sprain since the start of January. The Huskies are coming off a 72-61 win over DePaul on Wednesday.
To pull out a top-10 ranked win on Saturday, UConn will have to stop National Player of the Year contender Kam Jones. The Memphis native is averaging 18.9 points and 6.3 assists per game this season, the latter of which ranks 15th nationally. Another player to look out for on Marquette is Stevie Mitchell, who has scored 20 or more points in each of the two games and averaging 2.9 steals in the Golden Eagles’ last eight games.
Here’s what to know on how to watch the UConn vs. Marquette game on Saturday:
What channel is UConn vs Marquette on today?
Fox will broadcast Saturday’s Big East showdown between UConn and Marquette. Streaming options for the game include the Fox Sports Go app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries Fox and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
UConn and Marquette will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 1 from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
UConn vs Marquette predictions, picks, odds
This section will be updated.
Prediction: Marquette 80, UConn 76
This feels like a toss-up, given Marquette’s struggles in the first half of each of its last three games and the fact UConn is always in the game under Hurley. But with McNeely expected to be a game time decision again on Saturday for the Huskies, look for Jones and Mitchell to push Marquette over the line for a top-25 win at home.
UConn basketball schedule 2025
Here’s a look at UConn’s last five results. To view the Huskies’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.
Saturday, Jan. 11: UConn 68, Georgetown 60
Saturday, Jan. 18: Creighton 68, UConn 63
Tuesday, Jan. 21: UConn 80, Butler 78 (OT)
Saturday, Jan. 25: Xavier 76, UConn 72
Wednesday, Jan. 29: UConn 72, DePaul 61
Marquette basketball schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Marquette’s last five results. To view the Golden Eagles’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.
Tuesday, Jan. 14: Marquette 85, DePaul 83 (OT)
Saturday, Jan. 18: Xavier 59, Marquette 57
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Marquette 76, Seton Hall 59
Friday, Jan. 24: Marquette 87, Villanova 74
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Marquette 78, Butler 69
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Don’t miss out on the exciting matchup between UConn and Marquette in men’s college basketball today! Here’s all the information you need to catch the game:
Channel: The game will be broadcasted on FOX Sports 1 (FS1).
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Get ready for a thrilling game as these two powerhouse teams battle it out on the court. Tune in and cheer on your favorite team! #UConn #Marquette #CollegeBasketball #MarchMadness
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Texas Tech and Houston have shown up to the game, but their offenses sure haven’t. Sitting on a score of 41-37, Texas Tech has looked like the better team, but there’s still one more half to play.
Texas Tech entered the contest having won five straight and they’re just one half away from another. Will they make it six, or will Houston step up and spoil it? We’ll know soon.
Houston is on a 28-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Texas Tech is on a six-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. Both will face off in a Big 12 battle at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday at Fertitta Center. The Cougars are strutting in with some offensive muscle as they’ve averaged 76 points per game this season.
Houston is headed into this one after the oddsmakers set last week’s over/under low at 124.5, but even that wound up being too high. They came out on top against West Virginia by a score of 63-49 on Wednesday.
Houston’s win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from L.J. Cryer, who earned 17 points. Cryer had some trouble finding his footing against Kansas on Saturday, so this was a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech earned a 71-57 win over TCU on Wednesday.
Texas Tech can attribute much of their success to JT Toppin, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 14 rebounds. The dominant performance also gave Toppin a new career-high in assists (three). Another player making a difference was Chance McMillian, who had 16 points.
Houston is on a roll lately: they’ve won 14 of their last 15 games, which provided a nice bump to their 17-3 record this season. As for Texas Tech, their victory bumped their record up to 16-4.
Some high-performance offense is likely on the agenda as the two teams are some of the highest scoring teams in the league. Houston hasn’t had any problem running up the score this season, having averaged 76 points per game. However, it’s not like Texas Tech struggles in that department as they’ve been averaging 81.4. With both teams so easily able to put up points, the only question left is who can run the score up higher.
As for their next game, Houston is the favorite in this one, as the experts expect to see them win by 10.5 points. For those looking to play the spread, take note: they are a solid 11-7 against the spread when expected to win.
Odds
Houston is a big 10.5-point favorite against Texas Tech, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 10.5-point spread, and stayed right there.
Houston has won all of the games they’ve played against Texas Tech in the last 5 years.
Mar 15, 2024 – Houston 82 vs. Texas Tech 59
Jan 17, 2024 – Houston 77 vs. Texas Tech 54
Nov 29, 2020 – Houston 64 vs. Texas Tech 53
Are you ready to watch the Houston Cougars take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in an exciting NCAA basketball matchup? Here’s everything you need to know to catch all the action live:
How to watch:
The game will be broadcast on ESPN, so you can tune in on your TV if you have a cable or satellite subscription. If you prefer to stream the game online, you can do so through the ESPN website or the ESPN app with a valid cable login.
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Start time:
The game is scheduled to tip off at [insert start time here], so make sure to tune in a few minutes early to catch all the pre-game action.
Game odds:
According to [insert sportsbook name here], the Houston Cougars are [insert odds here] favorites to win the game over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. However, anything can happen in college basketball, so be prepared for an exciting and unpredictable matchup.
Don’t miss out on the excitement of this NCAA basketball showdown between the Houston Cougars and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Tune in to ESPN or stream the game online to cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the thrill of college basketball at its finest. Let’s go Cougars or Raiders!
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Houston Cougars vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders game preview
The CBS Sports college basketball power rankings is topped once again by the Duke Blue Devils as they enter Saturday’s rivalry game vs. North Carolina with the longest active winning streak in college basketball. Duke is No. 1 — yes, to be clear, ahead of AP-ranked No. 1 Auburn — for a second consecutive week in the power rankings after wins over Wake Forest and NC State that moved it to 10-0 in ACC play and 18-2 on the season.
Meanwhile Auburn, whose only loss on the season remains to Duke, is once again at No. 2 this week after a close win at home over Tennessee and a cushy road win over LSU.
The margin is thin between the two, to be sure. Gary Parrish has Auburn at No. 1 in his daily Top 25 (And 1). I think reasonable minds can come to that conclusion given Auburn’s overwhelmingly great résumé. But the power rankings are equal parts resume-based and vibes-based, with extra weight for the latter, because y’know what? I make the rules here. And the vibes are immaculate around Duke right now. Even if it doesn’t have the same number of Quad 1 wins as Auburn, this team is playing at a high level and improving with each passing game.
College basketball grades: Kentucky earns ‘A+’, Kansas gets ‘C’ in report card heading into weekend
David Cobb
That’s why Duke is edging Auburn.
For now.
There’s plenty at stake in this week’s power rankings not just at the top with Duke and Auburn but with a handful of other teams. Michigan State and Houston are still undefeated in conference play and are once again on the rise in the ranks below. Arizona reappeared after a time away thanks to a huge OT win over top-five Iowa State. And Florida is back into the top five this week thanks to a shakeup at the top.
There’s much to discuss and dissect as we introduce the power rankings leading into the weekend. Let’s get to it.
College Basketball Power Rankings
As the college basketball season heats up, Duke University is emerging as the nation’s hottest team. With a string of impressive wins and a talented roster led by star players such as Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin, the Blue Devils are making a strong case for the top spot in the rankings.
Their recent victory over a top-ranked opponent has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball. As they prepare to face off against their bitter rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, in a highly anticipated matchup, all eyes will be on Duke to see if they can continue their winning streak and further solidify their place at the top of the rankings.
With the intensity and excitement of a classic rivalry game on the horizon, Duke’s performance in this matchup will be a true test of their strength and resilience. Can they continue their dominance and come out on top against their fierce opponents, or will North Carolina pull off an upset and shake up the rankings once again?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain – the Duke Blue Devils are a team to watch this season, and their impressive run of form has firmly established them as one of the top contenders in college basketball. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the battle for supremacy continues on the hardwood.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Eight of the Big Ten’s 18 schools have reached the 10-game halfway point of the 20-game Big Ten men’s basketball season, and the rest will hit it this week.
Hoosiers On SI took a look at where each Big Ten stands as they make the turn for the second half of the Big Ten season and assigned mid-season grades for each school.
Michigan State
Jan 9, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) puts a shot off the glass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. / Dale Young-Imagn Images
• Record: 18-2 overall, 9-0 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 5th. • Current Big Ten position: 1st. • Overview: Last year, Michigan State was supposed to be good because of a flashy backcourt trio. Big Ten title contention wasn’t necessarily expected from the Spartans this season, but when coach Tom Izzo’s teams are counted out? Look out. The Spartans are sound. They manage to score 81.3 points per game without a devastating 3-point attack or a dominant scorer. They’re well put together, they’re unselfish, and they play hard. That will carry you far. • Grade: A+. Izzo defies conventional wisdom by building a team the old-fashioned way – via good high school recruiting, good retention and good player development. Unbeaten in the Big Ten gets an A+.
Purdue
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jordan Derkack (0) battles Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) and guard Gicarri Harris (24) for a rebound during the second half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
• Record: 16-5 overall, 8-2 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 1st. • Current Big Ten position: 2nd. • Overview: No one thought Purdue was going to go away in the post-Zach Edey era, and they haven’t. That Braden Smith, the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, is playing well is no surprise. That Trey Kaufman-Renn is leading Purdue in scoring is a surprise but shouldn’t be because players get better under coach Matt Painter’s tutelage. An underrated Purdue trait is its guard depth. • Grade: A-. Purdue trails Michigan State by 1 ½ games, the only reason for the minus in the Boilermakers’ grade. Apart from that, it’s the usual steady-as-she-goes in West Lafayette.
Michigan
Michigan Wolverines center Vladislav Goldin (50) shoots the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
• Record: 15-5 overall, 7-2 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 9th. • Current Big Ten position: 3rd. • Overview: First-year coach Dusty May quickly built a fascinating team. Michigan’s 9.7 made threes per game ranks 39th nationally, but with 7-footers Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf the paint is also a danger zone for opponents. Five players average double-digit scoring. It’s a well-balanced team. • Grade: A. May has done an outstanding job. The last four games, two of them losses, have shown some vulnerabilities, but the Wolverines are back after two dreadful seasons.
Wisconsin
Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) defends Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, during the NCAA men’s basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Wisconsin Badgers won 83-74. / Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
• Record: 16-4 overall, 6-3 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: tied for 12th. • Current Big Ten position: 4th. • Overview: It seems to be an annual exercise in expecting decline to begin in Madison for coach Greg Gard, but he continues to defy his skeptics. The maturation of sophomore guard John Blackwell has made him a force. Gard combined solid veterans like Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit and Nolan Winter with an inspired portal pickup in guard John Tonje. The Badgers are averaging 82.5 points per game, nearly eight better than they did in 2024 and their highest average since the early 1970s. • Grade: A. The Badgers are dangerous. Their three Big Ten losses have been by no more than six points.
Illinois
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
• Record: 14-6 overall, 6-4 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 4th. • Current Big Ten position: Three-way tie for 5th. • Overview: Illinois coach Brad Underwood lost nearly everyone from an Elite Eight team, but did a masterful job in putting the puzzle back together. Guard Kasparas Jakucionis is dazzling at times. His flash is a counterpoint to grittier work done by Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic. On any given night, Illinois can overwhelm teams – ask both Oregon and Indiana – teams the Fighting Illini roasted on their home floors. • Grade: B+. For as powerful as Illinois is at its best, the Illini don’t always show up. A home loss to Southern California was baffling (a subsequent home defeat against Maryland was easier explained due to team sickness) and so was a fade job at Northwestern. That dropped their grade, but on their day, Illinois is as good as any Big Ten team.
Maryland
Maryland Terrapins guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
• Record: 16-5 overall, 6-4 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 10th. • Current Big Ten position: Three-way tie for 5th. • Overview: Coach Kevin Willard hit the jackpot in both high school recruiting and the portal. Freshman Derik Queen (15.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg) has been great right out of the box, and Belmont transfer point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.6 ppg, 4.7 apg) has been a good fit. The complementary pieces around that pair fit very well. • Grade: B+. Maryland showed me something by winning a pair of road games in its last two games. That was the one knock against the Terps – that they were great at home and faded on the road. If they can continue that trend, they will continue to rise up the Big Ten charts.
UCLA
UCLA Bruins guard Sebastian Mack (12) goes to the basket as Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jamichael Davis (1) defends during the first half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
• Record: 15-6 overall, 6-4 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 3rd. • Current Big Ten position: Three-way tie for 5th. • Overview: A strange Big Ten maiden voyage for the Bruins. They lost four straight at the beginning of January, prompting a rant from coach Mick Cronin on their toughness. They’ve won four in a row since, but all on the West Coast. Apart from being a solid defensive team, especially inside the arc where they limit shots, I still don’t think we know what these Bruins are about yet. • Grade: B-. If Maryland proved something in its recent games, UCLA can’t claim to be a top Big Ten team until it wins east of the Rocky Mountains – something the Bruins have yet to achieve.
Oregon
Oregon Ducks guard Jackson Shelstad (3) attempts to dribble the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes guard Evan Mahaffey (12) and guard Bruce Thornton (2) in the second half at Value City Arena on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
• Record: 16-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 6th. • Current Big Ten position: 8th. • Overview: Resume-wise, Oregon looks great with wins over Texas A&M and Alabama. Within the Big Ten, however, the form has been inconsistent. The Ducks have a weird stack of scores. Wins at Ohio State and Penn State, but three home losses and a defeat at Minnesota. Befitting that trend, Oregon floats near the middle of the Big Ten in nearly every major team statistical category for offense and defense. • Grade: B. The Ducks are basically what we thought they would be – very competitive, but not overwhelming.
Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers center Oumar Ballo (11) controls the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sean Stewart (13) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. / Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
• Record: 14-7 overall, 5-5 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 2nd. • Current Big Ten position: 9th. • Overview: Based on preseason expectations, the Hoosiers are under-performing under coach Mike Woodson. Inconsistency in every facet has defined these Hoosiers. A look at Indiana’s record shows decline could be in the cards. Indiana has not beaten a single team above it in the Big Ten standings. Seven of their remaining 10 games are versus teams above them. • Grade: C-. A segment of Indiana fans will think this grade is way too kind. Another segment will think it’s harsh. The grade would have slipped into D territory, but Indiana has won five league games, so that would be unduly harsh. How much the talent was overrated entering the season, and thus how realistic the expectations were in the first place, is a fair question to ask at this point.
Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Micah Parrish (8) celebrates a three point shot during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
• Record: 12-8 overall, 4-5 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 8th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 10th. • Overview: Point guard Bruce Thornton has been the veteran presence everyone expected. Ohio State’s other scoring standouts – Devin Royal, Micah Parrish and freshman John Mobley – are a bit more surprising given that there were more highly touted players that were Columbus-bound in the portal. • Grade: B-. I don’t trust the Buckeyes. Which means I don’t trust them to win or lose when they’re supposed to! There’s talent here, but they haven’t yet figured out how to harness it to attain consistency.
Southern California
USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) controls the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
• Record: 12-8 overall, 4-5 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 14th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 10th. • Overview: Coach Eric Musselman has molded the Trojans into an occasionally dangerous squad – witness road wins at Illinois, Washington and Nebraska. They’re average in almost every way but hit the glass hard, leading the Big Ten in offensive rebounding in conference games. • Grade: B. No one knew what to make of USC entering the season given that it had an almost completely new roster. What we know now is that they’re hard to play against and they share the scoring with five different players averaging double figures. A solid outfit.
Iowa
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix (4) dribbles the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Devin Royal (21) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. / Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
• Record: 13-8 overall, 4-6 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 11th. • Current Big Ten position: 12th. • Overview: Iowa is what it is – a good offensive team that can’t defend consistently. Lately, however, even the offense has fallen off. Iowa has scored more than 10 points below its season scoring average in three of its last four games. • Grade: C. A threat to beat anyone when they’re on, a threat to lose to anyone when they’re not. The definition of average. Hence the grade.
Northwestern
Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) reacts after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
• Record: 12-8 overall, 3-6 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 16th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 13th. • Overview: Per usual, coach Chris Collins has crafted his Wildcats well. They’re not deep, but they’re tough and the 1-2-3 scoring punch of Nick Martinelli, Brooks Barnhizer and Jalen Leach can be a chore to defend when they’re on their game. • Grade: B-. Is it ironic that the Big Ten’s most famous academic institution gets graded on a curve? The Wildcats don’t play by the same rules other Big Ten teams do by their own choice, so while they’re in the fight to avoid missing out on the Big Ten Tournament, wins over Illinois, Maryland and Indiana attest to their competitiveness.
Rutgers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard/forward Ace Bailey (4) looks to shoot the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Nick Kern Jr (3) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Rutgers 80-72. / Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
• Record: 10-10 overall, 3-6 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 7th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 13th. • Overview: Super freshmen Ace Bailey (19.8 ppg) and Dylan Harper (18.6 ppg) have brought the goods as advertised. However, that’s about all the Scarlet Knights have. Rutgers’ defensive mentality, which has defined them under coach Steve Pikiell, has dissipated. The Scarlet Knights are giving away 75.2 points per game, seven points worse than any previous Pikiell-coached Rutgers team. • Grade: C-. The Top 25 preseason ranking Rutgers got seems laughable now, a case study in how everyone gets too caught up in stars over how teams mesh. Seeing Rutgers conceding points in the way that it has is just jarring.
Minnesota
Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Dawson Garcia (3) controls the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Owen Freeman (32) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. / Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
• Record: 11-10 overall, 3-7 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 18th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 15th. • Overview: It was looking hopeless in Minneapolis when the Golden Gophers were 0-6 in league play with no wins against any Power Four schools. However, there is hope at Williams Arena as Minnesota has won three of four, including wins over ranked Michigan and Oregon. • Grade: C+. Let this be the latest article to say that Ben Johnson is a good coach without a good situation at Minnesota in terms of recruiting and NIL. He’s making the best of it, though, and if Minnesota continues to improve? He deserves a standing ovation.
Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) dribbles against Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) in the second half at Crisler Center. / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
• Record: 13-8 overall, 3-7 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 17th. • Current Big Ten position: Tied for 15th. • Overview: How many fans outside of the Keystone State would know that Penn State has six players averaging double figures? Penn State’s scoring hasn’t been quite as prolific in the Big Ten, and stopping anyone is a problem – Penn State gives up 48.2% from the field and 79.4 points in conference contests. • Grade: B-. Could have gone C+, but I err on the side of being nice. Penn State has settled into its rep as a Hard Team To Play Against in the Big Ten. A compliment, but it also means the Nittany Lions aren’t a likely threat to crack the top half of the league – and that they can be had if your team is on its game.
Nebraska
Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Brice Williams (3) handles the ball during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
• Record: 12-8 overall, 2-7 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: tied for 12th. • Current Big Ten position: 17th. • Overview: The Cornhuskers are in a freefall having lost six in a row. A big reason is defense. The Huskers are giving up 81.2 points per game. Scoring outside of Brice Williams and Juwan Gary has also been inconsistent. • Grade: C-. While no one thought Nebraska would contend near the top of the league, many thought the Huskers could build on their positive 2024 season and at least maintain their spot near the middle of the Big Ten. A relatively tough remaining schedule won’t make things any easier in Lincoln.
Washington
Washington Huskies forward Great Osobor (1) dribbles against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
• Record: 10-10 overall, 1-8 Big Ten. • Preseason Big Ten prediction: 15th. • Current Big Ten position: 18th. • Overview: Not much was expected from the Huskies, but somehow they seem even worse than anticipated. Forward Great Osobor (15.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg) has performed as expected, but no one else has really stepped up for coach Danny Sprinkle as Washington only averages 65.4 points in Big Ten games. • Grade: D+. A hope for Washington going into the season was that it could protect its home court to tread water, but the Huskies are 1-4 in Big Ten home games, and that’s why their grade is low. Good news for Washington is that all of its remaining home games are against teams eighth or lower in the Big Ten standings.
As we reach the midway point of the Big Ten men’s basketball season, it’s time to evaluate the performance of each team so far. Here are the mid-season grades for each Big Ten team:
Illinois Fighting Illini: A-
Illinois has been one of the top teams in the conference, with key wins over ranked opponents. They have shown great potential and are poised for a strong finish to the season.
Indiana Hoosiers: C
Indiana has had some ups and downs this season, with inconsistent play and some tough losses. They will need to improve in the second half of the season to make a push for the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa Hawkeyes: A+
Iowa has been dominant this season, led by star player Luka Garza. They are a top contender for the Big Ten title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan Wolverines: B+
Michigan has had a solid season so far, with key wins and a strong showing in conference play. They will need to continue their strong play in the second half of the season.
Michigan State Spartans: C-
Michigan State has struggled this season, with losses to unranked opponents and inconsistent play. They will need to turn things around quickly to salvage their season.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: B
Minnesota has had a solid season, with some key wins and competitive play in the Big Ten. They will need to continue to improve to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State Buckeyes: B-
Ohio State has had a mixed season, with some strong wins and some tough losses. They will need to improve their consistency in the second half of the season.
Wisconsin Badgers: A
Wisconsin has been one of the top teams in the Big Ten, with strong play on both ends of the court. They are a serious contender for the conference title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Overall, the Big Ten has been highly competitive this season, with several teams vying for the top spot. It will be exciting to see how the rest of the season unfolds and which teams will come out on top.
