Title: Ohio State Buckeyes Make History with First-Ever Big Ten Game vs. USC
Post: The Ohio State Buckeyes recently wrapped up their trip to Los Angeles, where they made history by playing their first-ever Big Ten game against the USC Trojans. The highly anticipated matchup drew in fans from both sides, as the Buckeyes showcased their talent and determination on the field.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams putting up a strong fight. In the end, the Buckeyes emerged victorious, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten conference.
This historic game not only showcased the Buckeyes’ skills and teamwork but also highlighted the growing rivalry between Ohio State and USC. Fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two powerhouse teams as they continue to compete at the highest level.
Congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes on their impressive win and for making history with their first-ever Big Ten game against USC. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for this talented team. #GoBuckeyes #BigTenFootball #OhioStatevsUSC
Title: How to Watch and Stream Big Ten Games Online: A Comprehensive Guide
Post:
Are you a fan of Big Ten football and basketball games? Do you want to catch all the action live, but aren’t sure where to watch? Look no further! In this guide, we will show you how to watch and stream Big Ten games online from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to catch a game here and there, we’ve got you covered. With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to access all the Big Ten action on your favorite devices. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement – tune in and cheer on your favorite teams today!
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines basketballhead coach Dusty Maymade a comment after a big win over Purdue Tuesday night that he’s been trending toward saying for a while: “All summer, I underestimated the physicality of the Big Ten.”
“We didn’t work the way we needed to all summer, all fall,” May said. “And credit to our guys. They’ve adjusted, they’ve adapted.”
Michigan certainly has adjusted and made incremental improvement with its physicality, after a few wake-up calls. The Wolverines were roughed up and shot only 42.5 percent from inside the arc in a loss at Minnesota and were overwhelmed in every aspect in a 27-point blowout at Purdue. Even in some close wins, like against Northwestern, Michigan had struggles on the interior or in rebounding.
Michigan’s loss at Purdue Jan. 24 was a brutal setback at the time, but the lessons learned have helped the Wolverines grow.
“Understanding that these road environments in the Big Ten are as elite as any,” Michigan assistant coach Justin Joyner said of what the group took from the loss. “Just being able to compartmentalize the things that are important and the thing that win games.
“A lot of people like to talk about, how do you shoot the ball, and your turnovers and your assists and all the things that go into winning. But understanding that the hard things win games — your ability to be really tough and your ability to have great composure, your ability to rebound the ball and do the things that, from a scouting report perspective, help you win games.
“Just a maturity level after that game, for sure, has kinda seeped into our locker room, and guys are taking it to heart.”
The Wolverines have won their last five games and are back to their ways of dominating on the inside. They’ve shot 50-plus percent from inside the arc and have been much better on the boards during the win streak.
Michigan has worked on its physicality and focusing on those finer details that can determine the outcome of games in recent weeks. At the same time, the Wolverines often have multiple games in stretches of only a few days, so they have to balance their time between improving themselves and preparing for the next opponent.
Michigan will have five days between the last Purdue game and Sunday’s tilt at Ohio State and then another five between that and the next contest against Michigan State. But a stretch of five games in 13 days is coming right around the corner.
“It’s hard,” Joyner said of that balance. “You gotta be mindful of the fact that a lot of times you’re playing three games in seven days, so saving your guys’ bodies. But at the same time, making an emphasis in how you structure your practice on a day-to-day basis, certainly your film sessions. We’ve done a mixture of both: teaching through film, teaching through live reps.”
The games also help, and Michigan is getting more comfortable.
“But ultimately, it’s gotta get through to your players the physicality that’s needed to win games in the Big Ten — certainly on the road,” Joyner continued. “Our players going through the wars — we’ve played 13 wars in the Big Ten now — they’ve felt it first hand, and they’ve adjusted in a great way.”
Joyner was previously an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s and, just like most of the rest of the staff, had never coached in the Big Ten. However, he did see Indiana in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, with his Gaels beating them 82-53 in the round of 32. He understood what it took to win games like that, but didn’t realize how much of a grind it is on a game-to-game basis.
“I knew how physical it was,” Joyner said. “We actually played Indiana in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. We beat ‘em pretty good. But going into that game, we knew they’re coming from a Big Ten league, it’s big boy ball over here. Just understanding the physicality of the league.
“Obviously, you don’t necessarily know it until you see it every night. But again, it is what it is. At Saint Mary’s, we were going to usually be the most physical team in our league and probably even on the West Coast. It’s going to be hard to find teams that are more physical than us. But here, it really is every night. Every night, you’re going against men, you’re going against teams that pride themselves on physicality.
“And the other piece is just how the game is officiated. There’s a lot more physicality that’s tolerated, so just adjusting to that as a staff and certainly our players. And I think we’ve done a pretty good job of it.”
The Michigan Wolverines came into the 2021-2022 Big Ten season with high expectations, but they quickly learned that the physicality of the conference was something they had underestimated.
After a tough start to the season, head coach Juwan Howard and his team have made adjustments to better compete in the rugged Big Ten. Howard acknowledged that they were not prepared for the level of physical play they encountered early on, but has since worked with his players to improve their toughness and resilience.
The Wolverines have shown signs of progress in recent games, with key wins against tough conference opponents. They have embraced the challenge of playing in the Big Ten and are determined to prove that they can compete with the best teams in the conference.
Michigan may have initially underestimated the physicality of the Big Ten, but they have shown that they are willing to make the necessary adjustments to succeed in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. Fans can expect to see a more resilient and competitive Wolverines team as they continue their Big Ten campaign.
It’s Indiana vs Wisconsin in a men’s Big Ten basketball showdown tonight on Peacock – part of a three-game thriller which kicks off with Purdue vs Iowa at 7:00 PM, followed by Indiana vs Wisconsin at 9:00 PM ET, and Michigan State vs UCLA at 10 PM ET. See below to find out how to live stream tonight’s games as well as additional information on how you can keep up with all of the Big Ten college basketball action this season.
The Hoosiers are coming off a disappointing 81-76 loss against No. 10 Purdue on Friday. Indiana held a one-point lead with just 12 seconds left on the clock but allowed Purdue to score six straight points to claim the win. This was the second straight game in which the Hoosiers dropped the lead with under 15 seconds remaining.
“It’s very frustrating,” expressed fifth-year guard Trey Galloway after the loss. “We’re right there. We have to finish. It’s making the right plays down the stretch. That’s the difference.”
Indiana (14-8), having now lost five of its last six games, looks to bounce back tonight. However, Wisconsin has won 20 straight home games against Indiana dating back to March 2000. The last time the Hoosiers won at Wisconsin was during the 1997-1998 season.
Wisconsin:
The No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a 75-69 victory against Northwestern on Saturday. Graduate guard John Tonje led the team with 27 points, while senior guard Carter Gilmore posted a career-high 15 points.
Tonje, who was one of 50 Division I players named to the U.S. Basketball Writers Association 2024-25 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List on Monday, has led the Badgers in scoring in the last four consecutive games. The North Omaha, Nebraska native is tied for fifth in the Big Ten in scoring this season with 18.6 points per game.
What other college basketball games are on Peacock tonight?
Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 PM ET with College Countdown
How do I watch Big Ten Basketball games on Peacock?
You can watch Big Ten basketball games by first subscribing to Peacock. Then, either go toPeacockTV.com/Sports in your web browser or download the Peacock app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device and navigate to the Sports section. Find the LIVE game you want to watch and start streaming.
Are all Big Ten Basketball games available to watch on Peacock?
Peacock will stream 56 men’s basketball games and 26 women’s basketball games across the 2024-2025 season. Peacock subscribers will also get the first rounds of both the Big Ten Men’s & Women’s tournament live.
Students, now you can get Peacock at a special discount — just $1.99/mo for 12 months. Visit Peacock to learn more and get started
Are you ready for some exciting Big Ten basketball action? The Indiana Hoosiers are set to take on the Wisconsin Badgers in what promises to be a thrilling matchup tonight. If you can’t make it to the game in person, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the live stream info you need to catch every basket, steal, and slam dunk.
To watch the Indiana vs Wisconsin game live, you can tune in to ESPN or stream the game online through the ESPN app or website. The game is scheduled to tip off at [insert time] and is sure to be a can’t-miss showdown between these two powerhouse teams.
In terms of a preview, both Indiana and Wisconsin have been performing well this season, with each team boasting a solid record in conference play. Indiana will be looking to build on their recent successes and secure a key victory on the road, while Wisconsin will be aiming to defend their home court and continue their winning streak.
Key players to watch include [insert key players from each team], who have been instrumental in their team’s success so far this season. With their talent and determination, this game is sure to be a nail-biter from start to finish.
So don’t miss out on the action – be sure to tune in tonight to catch all the excitement of the Indiana vs Wisconsin matchup. Let’s see who comes out on top in this battle of Big Ten titans!
Over the past several months, a handful of contenders have emerged as the Big Ten’s best hopes for its first men’s basketball national championship team since 2000.
The program that won that now-25-year-old title, Michigan State, is one of them, with a surprising 18-3 record. Purdue isn’t quite where it was last season with Zach Edey, but it’s not terribly far off with Braden Smith leading the way. Wisconsin, with a potent and shockingly fast-paced offense, is excelling. Newcomers Oregon and UCLA have turned heads. Few teams in the country are playing better than Maryland right now. And Michigan, behind a pair of versatile 7-footers, has impressed in its first season under Dusty May.
The past week included some notable results that shape both the conference and national landscape. Tom Izzo’s Spartans saw their 13-game win streak come to an end in a loss at USC. Maryland knocked off Wisconsin 76-58. UCLA blew out Oregon 78-52. Purdue held off archrival Indiana 81-76.
This section will be updated when the poll is released Monday.
The Big Ten conference is making moves in the latest college basketball rankings! Check out where our teams stand in the updated Coaches Poll and AP Top 25. #BigTenBasketball #Top25Rankings
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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.
With the Big Ten regular season just about at its halfway point, Michigan State looks to be on pace for its first conference regular season title in four years.
In its lone game of the week, Tom Izzo’s seventh-ranked Spartans (17-2, 8-0 in Big Ten) kept alive their undefeated start to conference play with an 81-74 win over Rutgers at Madison Square Garden in New York. It’s the 12th consecutive win for Michigan State, and their best start in Big Ten play since 2018-2019.
Spartans freshman guard Jase Richardson hit 6 of 9 shots from the field on the way to a career-high 20 points in his first game inside The World’s Most Famous Arena. The Spartans, who are 12-0 since Tre Holloman entered the starting lineup, have a one-game lead over Purdue in the Big Ten standings.
Speaking of Purdue, the Boilermakers split the week 1-1 at Mackey Arena with a loss to Ohio State and a win over then-No. 21 Michigan. Purdue senior guard Braden Smith finished three rebounds shy of recording a triple-double in the Boilermakers’ 91-64 romp over the Wolverines, who split last week’s games with an 80-76 overtime win vs. Northwestern.
Wisconsin appears to be back on track after a rocky December start to Big Ten play, as the Badgers defeated Nebraska 83-55 on Sunday at the Kohl Center for their eighth win in their last nine contests.
Here are the latest updates of where Big Ten teams standing in the Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 poll:
Big Ten teams in bold. First-place votes in parentheses.
Auburn (31)
Duke
Iowa State
Alabama
Houston
Florida
Michigan State
Tennessee
Marquette
Purdue
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi State
St. John’s
Texas A&M
Memphis
Wisconsin
Oregon
Texas Tech
Illinois
Missouri
Louisville
Ole Miss
UConn
Clemson
Others receiving votes:Michigan 67; Gonzaga 55; Maryland 50; Vanderbilt 44; Saint Mary’s; Arizona 41; Utah State; Creighton 18; West Virginia 17; Georgia 6; Baylor 4; New Mexico 3; UC Irvine 1.
AP Top 25
Big Ten teams in bold. First-place votes in parentheses.
Auburn (62)
Duke
Iowa State
Alabama
Florida
Houston
Michigan State
Tennessee
Marquette
Purdue
Kansas
Kentucky
Texas A&M
Mississippi State
St. John’s
Oregon
Wisconsin
Illinois
Memphis
Missouri
Louisville
Texas Tech
Ole Miss
Vanderbilt
UConn
Others receiving votes: Michigan 129; Maryland 116; Utah State; Clemson 92; Arizona 47; Saint Mary’s 45; Gonzaga 34; Texas 22; Creighton 12; Baylor 8; New Mexico 4; VCU 4; West Virginia 3; Oklahoma 2; Bradley; UCLA 1.
In the latest Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 rankings, the Big Ten conference continues to be well represented with several teams making their mark on the national stage.
The Michigan Wolverines have climbed to the top spot in both polls, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in college basketball. Right behind them are the Purdue Boilermakers, who have also been turning heads with their impressive performances.
Other Big Ten teams making appearances in the rankings include the Wisconsin Badgers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Each of these teams has shown their ability to compete at a high level and are poised to make a run in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
With March Madness just around the corner, it’s clear that the Big Ten conference will be a force to be reckoned with. Stay tuned as these teams battle it out for conference supremacy and a shot at the national championship.
We’ve cracked the halfway point of the Big Ten Conference men’s basketball season, and if some of the preseason championship favorites want to be involved they’d better wake up.
Preseason No. 1 Purdue remains right there in striking distance of still-unbeaten Michigan State. Winning in East Lansing in a couple of weeks might be crucial, though.
The ship has probably sailed for preseason No. 2 Indiana. Hoosiers need to focus on not completely embarrassing themselves and missing the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.
Mick Cronin already grumbles about preseason No. 3 UCLA’s travel burden and has not yet been to Champaign or West Lafayette. All of the analytics sites still love preseason No. 4 Illinois. Like the Bruins, though, the Fighting Illini already hold four losses and might need to run the table to hoist the trophy.
Winning percentage of the eight teams Spartans have played so far: .338. Winning percentage of the 10 still to come: .592.
2. Purdue (16-5, 8-2)
Prev: 2
Trey Kaufman-Renn living up to Matt Painter’s preseason All-Big Ten prediction — and then some.
3. Maryland (17-3, 7-4)
Prev: 6
If not for an overtime loss at Northwestern, Terrapins would be working on a seven-game winning streak.
4. Michigan (15-5, 7-2)
Prev: 3
The team that got molly wopped at Purdue last week did not look like a Big Ten championship contender.
5. Illinois (14-6, 6-4)
Prev: 4
Illini are retiring Kofi Cockburn’s jersey in a couple of weeks. Sorry, just wanted to type Kofi Cockburn again.
6. Wisconsin (16-5, 6-4)
Prev: 5
February and March could set up nicely for the Badgers, but only if they survive sneaky road games like Northwestern on Saturday.
7. UCLA (15-6, 6-4)
Prev: 7
Four-game winning streak pushes Bruins’ record back to 14-2 in Pacific time zone, 1-4 everywhere else.
8. Oregon (16-5, 5-4)
Prev: 8
Opened a stretch of four roadies in five games by losing the “easy” one at Minnesota. Sub-optimal.
9. Ohio State (12-8, 4-5)
Prev: 9
It’s only a two-game winning streak, but could the Buckeyes be gearing up for another late-season run?
10. USC (12-8, 4-5)
Prev: 12
While some teams on this list are still looking for their first Big Ten road win, the Trojans and their treacherous travel have tallied three.
11. Penn State (13-8, 3-7)
Prev: 10
Has not won a game played outside the Keystone State since before Thanksgiving.
12. Northwestern (12-8, 3-6)
Prev: 11
Wildcats likely need big surge down the stretch to extend program-record NCAA Tournament streak to three.
13. Nebraska (12-8, 2-7)
Prev: 13
Starting to wonder if there will be actual corn in the ground before the Cornhuskers win again.
14. Iowa (13-8, 4-6)
Prev: 14
It’s almost as if beating up on East Texas A&M — the purchased win formerly known as Texas A&M Commerce — and USC Upstate does not prepare a team for a Big Ten schedule.
15. Indiana (14-7, 5-5)
Prev: 15
When was the last time a Hoosiers coach needed a win at Purdue this desperately?
16. Rutgers (10-10, 3-6)
Prev: 16
Needed Ace Bailey big time at Northwestern on Wednesday, and he turned in his third 30-plus point performance in the last eight games.
17. Minnesota (11-10, 3-7)
Prev: 17
Oregon visited the Land of 10,000 Lakes only to drown in Dawson Garcia’s 31 points.
18. Washington (10-10, 1-8)
Prev: 18
Check out Sub Pop’s old “world headquarters” on 2013 Fourth Street before grabbing some deep fried salmon at the Pike Place Market.
Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings: Maryland makes jump
After a strong week of performances, the Maryland Terrapins have made a significant jump in the Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings. With key wins over ranked opponents and standout performances from their star players, the Terrapins have solidified their position as a top team in the conference.
Maryland’s impressive victories have been led by their dynamic duo of Eric Ayala and Aaron Wiggins, who have been lighting up the scoreboard and making big plays in clutch moments. Their strong play has propelled the Terrapins to the top of the standings and has caught the attention of the rest of the conference.
As the season continues, Maryland will look to build on their recent success and continue their climb up the rankings. With tough matchups ahead, including games against other top teams in the Big Ten, the Terrapins will have the opportunity to prove themselves as one of the best teams in the conference.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings as the season progresses.
Tags:
Big Ten basketball, men’s basketball rankings, Maryland basketball, Big Ten power rankings, college basketball rankings
The Michigan men’s basketball team is back on the road this weekend, as the Wolverines travel to New Jersey to take on Rutgers in the first of what could be seven straight quadrant-1 games for Michigan.
In addition to trying to bolster their resumé, the Wolverines will also try to snap a two-game losing streak in Big Ten road games, and move to 8-2 in league play. Read up on Saturday’s game below, including how to watch or listen to the game, and some of the keys for Michigan to win the matchup.
Game information
Matchup: Michigan (15-5; 7-2 Big Ten) at Rutgers (11-10; 4-6 Big Ten)
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Tipoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
Arena: Jersey Mike’s Arena (8,000)
TV: FOX
Talent: Kevin Kugler (p-by-p) and LaPhonso Ellis (analyst)
Radio: Michigan Sports Network from LEARFIELD
Talent: Brian Boesch & Terry Mills
Flagship: WWJ-Radio (950 AM; Detroit)
Local: WWWW (102.9 FM, Ann Arbor)
Satellite: SiriusXM: 83 | SXM App: 83
Line: Michigan -5.5, O/U 154.5
Preview
About Rutgers: Led by projected top-five NBA Draft picks Ace Bailey (20.7 points per game, 1st in the Big Ten) and Dylan Harper (18.6 pig, 4th in the Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights have plenty of size and athleticism, but have struggled to make it count against fellow power-conference opponents, as they enter the weekend 11-10.
So far this season, Rutgers has been a two-man game, with both Bailey and Harper averaging more than 11.0 points per game more than any of their teammates. So far this season, the duo has attempted 44.8 percent of Rutgers’ field-goal attempts.
Stylistically, Rutgers leans into its physicality, averaging 21.9 free-throw attempts per game and ranking 258th in percentage of field-goal attempts coming from 3-point range. Defense has been a weak point at times — 211th in points per possession allowed, 107th in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency — but Rutgers has scored quadrant-1 wins over UCLA, at Nebraska, and at Northwestern on Wednesday.
Matchup to watch: With Harper out to injury, the matchup of Bailey vs. Michigan’s Danny Wolf will be the key matchup. Bailey, who scored 37 points in Rutgers’ win Wednesday, is averaging a Big Ten-leading 20.7 points per game to go with 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10, 200-pounder can score at every level, as he is currently the only high-major player in the country with at least 40 made field goals each from 3, the midrange and by the rim, per BartTorvik.com. Bailey has scored 17 points or more in six straight games, and at least 15 points in all but three games this season.
On the other side, Wolf has been in something of a slump lately. In Michigan’s last five games, Wolf has 10.6 points per game (he averaged 14.6 the prior nine games), is shooting 36.2 percent from the field (previously was 58.7 percent from the field) and has struggled especially to make a different in the first half of games.
How well Wolf can defend Bailey’s scoring by himself, and what he’s bringing to Michigan’s offense on the other end, will go a long way in this matchup
Keys for Michigan
Keep Bailey contested. Odds are that Bailey will score a lot, draw fouls and control his matchup at times. But keeping him inefficient on his shots will limit Rutgers’ chances, especially with Harper out.
Match the Scarlet Knights’ physicality. Rutgers wants Saturday to be a bruising game for the Wolverines, and has played like it for much of Big Ten play. Just a few days after Dusty May said he wants his team to show more physicality, Saturday offers a test on the Wolverines’ ability to win a grittier game.
Get area 50-1 going. In addition to Wolf’s slump above, Vlad Goldin is coming off a four-point, 17-minute performance affected by an illness. If he and Wolf can come out strong Saturday, Rutgers will struggle to keep pace with the Wolverines.
Be sure to join the discussion in the comments section for updates before, during and after the game!
Michigan Wolverines are hitting the road once again as they gear up to face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten clash. After a tough loss in their last game, Michigan is looking to bounce back and secure a much-needed win to stay in the hunt for the conference title.
The Wolverines have been showing flashes of brilliance this season, with standout performances from key players like Hunter Dickinson and Eli Brooks. However, they will need to bring their A-game against a tough Rutgers team that has been playing well and will be looking to defend their home court.
This game will be a test of both teams’ skills and determination, as they battle it out for crucial conference points. Michigan will need to play smart and execute their game plan effectively in order to come out on top.
So, grab your maize and blue gear and get ready to cheer on the Wolverines as they take on Rutgers in what is sure to be an exciting Big Ten showdown. Let’s go Blue!
Tags:
Michigan football, Big Ten, Rutgers, college football, Michigan Wolverines, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Big Ten clash, Michigan football game, Michigan vs Rutgers, college football matchup
It wasn’t the game of the night, but Northwestern’s 79-72 loss to a Dylan Harper-less Rutgers team was certainly the statement of the night.
Unfortunately for Chris Collins and his Wildcat bunch, the statement was: Northwestern is going to bow out of contention for the NCAA Tournament and maybe even the Big Ten Tournament.
A reminder for folks, the bottom three in the conference will no longer be allowed entrance into the end of the year chance to dance tournament that will take place this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. I think we can all agree that that’s exactly where that tournament is supposed to take place, and while Minnesota is nice and all, the midwest deserves its post season basketball.
Anywho, this directly leads to the major award for the night.
The Ace Bailey, are you kidding me, he scored how many, award of the night:
Ace Bailey, who damn near tied his already impressive freshman scoring record of 39, was everything for Rutgers on his way to scoring 37 points and was everything his soon to be NBA Draft pedigree will say he is. Bailey was 5 of 8 from three, 8 of 12 from inside the arc, and even knocked down all six of his free throws and added in three blocks while turning the ball over just once in 35 minutes.
Bailey is starting to come into his own, and the only shame in Piscataway is that it hasn’t happened while fellow freshman Dylan Harper was healthy enough to join him on the floor. Harper was ruled out before the game after hobbling and struggling off the bench in Rutgers last game. The lower leg injury has hampered Harper for weeks at this point.
It’s been a disappointing journey for coach Steve Pikiell this season as the Scarlet Knights have struggled to defend anyone. But Rutgers does still have a chance to make the Big Ten Tournament and if Harper gets healthy and can join this form of Ace Bailey, there’s not going to be many Big Ten teams lining up to face the Scarlet Knights in a win or go home scenario.
The Derik Queen is not human, this isn’t fair, real game of the night award goes to:
Don’t look now, but the Maryland Terrapins are turning into quite the little team.
Maryland took down Wisconsin, 76-68, behind a 12 points, 12 rebound double-double by freshmen Derik Queen game and a banked in, you have to be kidding me three-pointer by Ja’Kobi Gillespie.
It was a team effort though as Maryland hounded Wisconsin defensively, forcing the Badgers to shoot under 40% from the field and just 9 of 27 from three while five Terrapins scored in double-digits.
Maryland has now won four straight games including away wins at Indiana and Illinois and has won six of its last seven games. It’s now 17-5 on the season and holds at four losses in conference play with one of the more managable closing schedules in the conference.
But for every triumph there is sadness.
We regret to inform you that the Wisconsin Badgers are no longer vying for the B10 title.
Wisconsin now moves to 6-4 in conference play with three of those being road losses. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in Wisconsin’s profile, it has lost to a game Michigan team, a juggernaut Marquette team on the road, and to Illinois, UCLA, and now Maryland on the road.
Unfortunately, Wisconsin still has to go to East Lansing and Mackey Arena. Five wins is not going to win the Big Ten this season, so even if it goes 1-1 in the hardest to win environments in the conference, the Badgers chances for the conference title are now over.
Official pour one outs to Northwestern and Wisconsin
So overall, a sad night for the Big Ten, as a cellar dwellar emerges, but a contender falls out of the race and a Northwestern team full of spunk hangs on the rim and falls straight on its face at home.
What do we have going on tomorrow night?
Ohio State at Penn State | 6:30 pm FS1
#18 Illinois at Nebraska | 8:30 pm FS1
#16 Oregon at UCLA | 10:30 pm FS1
Now we’re talking. A triple-header on the Fox Sports One channel that features three games that should all be competive, good, and important for the Big Ten conference.
One of the west coast teams will eliminate themselves from contention in the conference, Illinois will attempt to stop an absolute landslide, and Ohio State will try to add to its metric darling status against a desperate Penn State team that’s probably already past saving.
Game of tomorrow:
Let’s throw it out west where two four loss in conference play teams, Oregon and UCLA, battle it out to stay the last of the west coast teams able to stay within four games of Michigan State. Viewing warning: this might, almost definitely will be, an absolute rock fight.
Thanks for reading, and come back tomorrow where we’ll have a whole slew of late night Big Ten basketball to talk about.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Northwestern University has been eliminated from the Big Ten tournament late at night. Despite a valiant effort, the Wildcats fell short in a close game, bringing an end to their postseason hopes.
The Big Ten tournament has been full of surprises and upsets, with every game proving to be a battle until the very end. Northwestern’s loss serves as a reminder of the fierce competition within the conference, as even the top teams can be taken down on any given night.
As the tournament continues, fans can expect more intense matchups and thrilling moments as teams fight for a chance to advance. While Northwestern may be out, their resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed, and they will surely be back stronger next season.
Stay tuned for more updates and results from the Big Ten tournament as the remaining teams battle it out for a shot at the championship title.
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