And a Bah Humbug... I mean, a Merry Christmas to you, sir! Welcome to the weekly Big Ten Hoops Recap. The time is drawing near for B1G play to begin, but until then, cupcake season is still in session. Losing just two games the entire week, conference teams devoured opponents as though they were as gluttonous as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Everyone's familiar with A Christmas Carol, whether you prefer George C. Scott's, Mickey's, or Bill Murray's version. Like Bob Cratchit, we hope our patience is rewarded, because this time of year requires much of it.
Basketball fans wait for the start of conference season. Football fans wait for the bowl game in which their favorite team is playing. Family and friends wait at airports so they can visit loved ones. Children wait for Santa Claus1. Shoppers wait in line.
Yet, thanks to technological advancements, we require constant stimulation. I fully admit to being guilty of getting the shakes if I'm internet-less for longer than it takes to buy a cup of coffee, and as such, I've been offsetting the hardest part by learning what all the fuss is about tablets. The Motorola Xoom has been the one keeping me occupied2.
Recently, I needed a new power adapter for my laptop, and I used the Xoom as a temporarily replacement. Although I could never give up my laptop, partly because Hulu videos do not play on it, I could easily access other must websites like Twitter, Gmail, and of course, Eleven Warriors.
If I were a shopping procrastinator looking for a last-minute gift, I would seriously consider the Xoom for my mom. One can watch CBS and ABC shows through their respective websites, if, like my mom, you're into those networks. It also supports ESPN3 but unfortunately, BTN2Go is still not available for the Android Market. The 10.1-inch display is a great size, and it's a handy device for travel because along with everything else, it's compatible with Google Books, the Kindle, and the Nook, so you wouldn't need to bring your e-book reader of choice in case you were feeling erudite and decided to delve into the Charles Dickens' original A Christmas Carol.
If anyone was wondering who's the B1G equivalent of Tiny Tim, the answer is Iowa, because as crippled as they are, the Hawkeyes managed a victory in the end. At 1-0, it was tempting to award them team of the week honors, but instead, the faux award goes to Wisconsin, coached by the Big Ten's very own Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Badgers earned this distinction for one reason only: they limited an opponent to 33 or fewer points for the fourth time this year, clearly preparing for another 36-33 outcome versus Penn State later this season. In one evening, it was as if Wisconsin had been visited by the Ghosts of Games Past, Present, and Future, since they have, are, and will lull a foe into an offensively deficient performance.
WISCONSIN (2-0) // Beat Wisconsin-Milwaukee 60-54, Beat Savannah St. 66-33
After a 17-point lead whittled down, Wisconsin managed to escape their Milwaukee branch, who went on a 16-1 run and eventually tied the score. Despite Jared Berggren putting up 17 points for the Badgers, it was Jordan Taylor who came through in the end, mostly notably hitting a dagger of a three-pointer with 40 seconds left in the game. Bah humbug to the Panthers.
Two nights later, Wisconsin handled Savannah State and was stingier on defense than Scrooge was with coal, pre-spirits. Berggren led the way again for the Badgers, who saw four players record double figures. None were able to do so for the Tigers. With only 14 points at the half, they shot a dismal 32.6% for the game and turned the ball over 16 times.
NORTHWESTERN (3-0) // Beat Texas Southern 81-51, Beat Central Connecticut State 70-64, Beat Eastern Illinois 87-72
Pulling some Cratchit hours this week, Northwestern first took down Texas Southern. John Shurna had a game-high 20 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals, and a partridge in a pear tree.
On Saturday, the Wildcats held off CCSU. With just a one-point halftime lead, Reggie Hearn was the star of the game, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the second half. He hit all four of his attempts from behind the arc and added a three-point play with 55 seconds left after the Blue Devils shrank Northwestern's lead back down to one.
Taking the court again on Sunday, Northwestern prevailed over Eastern Illinois. Shurna's nine three-pointers tied a school record, but he fell one short of Jon Diebler's Big Ten record. He totaled 32 points for the game, and teammate Luka Mirkovic, named after the Suzanne Vega song3, posted 18 points and 10 rebounds.
MICHIGAN (2-0) // Beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 63-50, Beat Alabama A&M 87-57
In a second half uglier than Brady Hoke hitting the buffet, Michigan still came away with a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Wolverines turned the ball over 19 times, 13 of which happened after halftime, something John Beilein was upset enough about that he'll probably make his squad wear chains in practice. The game ended on a 12-1 run for UAPB, who must have put out an APB on Trey Burke in the second half, because he only managed two points after scoring 13 in the first 20 minutes. Also, Tim Hardaway Jr. hurt his butt, though apparently not too badly since he re-entered the game afterwards.
Michigan stayed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, roll tiding Alabama A&M. Evan Smotrycz notched a double-double, the first of his career, with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Burke was the top scorer with 19 points.
Not the Drake who was beaten this weekendIOWA (1-0) // Beat Drake 82-68
Taking a break from hating on moxie and performing in a holiday concert with Stevie Wonder and the Bieber, Drake lost to Iowa. Previously thought to be as dead as Jacob Marley, who was as dead as a doornail, the Hawkeyes came out on fire and went into halftime with a 44-30 lead. Five different Iowa players put up double figures, including Matt Gatens with 20 points, as the Hawkeyes finally got that elusive win against an instate school.
MICHIGAN STATE (1-0) // Beat Bowling Green 74-60
Once again, Michigan State started off slowly, this time turning a two-point halftime lead into a 15-point victory over Bowling Green. No doubt Tom Izzo used the break to show them a dire future of abandoned crutches and their own neglected grave, because the Spartans went on a 20-3 run in the second half. Michigan State was fueled by two lesser-known players: freshman Branden Dawson (13 points) and senior transfer Brandon Wood (16 points) from Kokomo, Indiana, where you wanna go to get away from it all. Draymond Green also recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
INDIANA (1-0) // Beat Notre Dame 69-58
In Part One of the Crossroads Classic, Indiana dispatched Notre Dame. Now amongst the Top 25, the #18 Hoosiers are off to their first 10-0 start since 1989. They relied heavily on freshman center Cody Zeller to the tune of 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. Victor Oladipo chipped in 16 points on 6/7 from the field while Jordan Hulls extended his streak of made free throws to 54. The Irish were held to just 38% shooting, a showing as shabby as Mrs. Cratchit's gown.
MINNESOTA (1-0) // Beat Central Michigan 76-56
With their 11th win of the season, Minnesota took care of business against Central Michigan. Although they turned Mr. Fezziwig's ball over 18 times, the Golden Gophers had no problem scoring. Four players, led by Julian Welch, hit double figures. Minnesota's strong defense included 8 blocked shots and a Chippewa field goal percentage of 35.6.
NEBRASKA (1-0) // Beat Alcorn State 60-46
In a low-scoring affair, Nebraska topped Alcorn State. Toney McCray was good for 20 points on 9/11 shooting, but the rest of the Cornhuskers combined for just 12/42. The Nebraska defense forced the Braves into 18 turnovers, and that's enough of this game. This is usually an unpopular opinion, but you know what movie I can't stand? A Christmas Story. As much as I despise the "overrated" chant, I would gleefully start one up all on my own for that film. I'd rather watch the Tori Spelling vehicle A Carol Christmas.
| TEAM | CONF | OVERALL |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 0-0 | 10-0 |
| Minnesota | 0-0 | 11-1 |
| Ohio State | 0-0 | 10-1 |
| Illinois | 0-0 | 10-1 |
| Northwestern | 0-0 | 10-1 |
| Wisconsin | 0-0 | 10-2 |
| Michigan State | 0-0 | 9-2 |
| Michigan | 0-0 | 9-2 |
| Purdue | 0-0 | 9-3 |
| Nebraska | 0-0 | 7-3 |
| Penn State | 0-0 | 7-5 |
| Iowa | 0-0 | 6-5 |
PENN STATE (1-0) // Beat Mount St. Mary's 72-43
Perhaps the one time we'll say this all season, Penn State clobbered their opponent, the Mountaineers of Mount St. Mary's, presumably located near Saint Paul's Churchyard4. Though the Nittany Lions led by just three at halftime, MSM only managed to score 18 points after that as Penn State pulled away. Five Nittany Lions, Tim Frazier pacing the way, scored in double figures, and overall, they connected on 50.9% of their shots.
PURDUE (0-1) // Lost to Butler 67-65
In the other Crossroads Classic matchup, Purdue was edged by Butler. Ahead by 11 at the half, Purdue only mustered 19 points in the final 20 minutes. Robbie Hummel led all scorers with 16 points, but he was a spectre in the second half. Butler roared back, trying to make amends for the Ghost of National Championships Past5.
After Lewis Jackson missed key free throws down the stretch, the Bulldogs had possession with six seconds remaining and the game tied. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jones' jumper failed to fall. However, Andrew Smith was there to tip it in with one second left on the clock. Needless to say, this contest did not take place in West Lafayette; instead, like the Indiana-Notre Dame game, it occurred at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
ILLINOIS (0-1) // Lost to UNLV 64-48
Falling for the first time all season, Illinois couldn't overcome UNLV or their suffocating defense. The United Center hosted the game, a setting in which the Illini have lost five of their last six. They probably said, "remove me from this place" because the site must be as painful as witnessing memories of happier times with Belle, their long-lost love. Despite the team shooting a paltry 25.4%, including a 1/10 effort from Sam Maniscalco, D.J. Richardson was able to put up 19 points for a frustrated Illinois. The Runnin' Rebels, who have already beaten North Carolina this season, forced 15 turnovers and received a double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds) from Mike Moser.
For UNLV, who was ousted from the NCAA tournament last season by Illinois, it was a little bit of payback. Though coach Dave Rice wouldn't admit it, he most likely left Chicago proclaiming, "I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody! A Happy New Year to all the world."
- 1 For the children reading this, don't listen to Zoltan Mesko! He graduated from Michigan, after all.
- 2 FCC disclaimer: as presented to 11W by Verizon. I'm testing it out, and promise that all words are my own. In case you don't believe me, who else would reference three different 80s movies in the second paragraph?
- 3 Probably not.
- 4 I hear it's breezy there.
- 5 Butler, don't think I've forgiven you or UConn for that atrocious title game in which I spent the entire time screaming, "OHIO STATE WAS SO MUCH BETTER!"
