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Big Ten Weekend Preview

January 19th 2011 18:15

As usual, the Big Ten basketball season has brought us home court upsets and many tight games. These next few games shouldn’t stray from that statement.

Ohio State @ Illinois - Saturday

Ohio State is the class of the conference thus far, but they really haven’t had to play a tough team on the road yet and haven’t played a team with a winning record in the conference. That will change when the Buckeyes head to Champaign.

Deciding Factor: Can Illinois handle Jared Sullinger?

Wager of the game: Mike Tisdale over/under 24 minutes played. Big Mike likes to foul - a lot. Well, that’s not entirely true. Big Mike likes to not move his feet and pick up dumb fouls.

Minnesota @ Michigan - Saturday

Michigan has been disappointing thus far, only winning one game in conference (a home game against Penn State) and Minnesota has been where we thought they would be: 3-3 after their first six conference games. Minnesota has lost road games at Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State; however they beat Indiana, Purdue, and Iowa all at home. Something will have to give in this one.

Deciding Factor: Will Michigan’s underclassmen measure up to Minnesota’s veterans?

Wager of the game: How many NBA references will there be towards the families of the Michigan players? Over/Under 3.5 (Tim Hardaway Jr., Jordan Dumars, Jon Horford, and 2012 signee Glenn Robinson III).

Wisconsin @ Northwestern – Sunday

Northwestern is a very tough out, especially at home. Dan Shurna will try to lead the Wildcats to their third consecutive home victory in conference play, while Wisconsin will be looking for their first road victory of the conference season.

Deciding Factor: How well will Northwestern handle the height of the Badgers?

Wager of the game: How many times will the announcers talk about how John Shurna is one of the most underrated talents in the country? Over/Under 2.5.

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