Indiana Basketball: Sunday look around the Big Ten
By Eric Brown
There were two games on Sunday afternoon in the Big Ten basketball conference, let’s look at how they played out.
Despite not playing, Indiana basketball had a chance to move into the sixth spot in the Big Ten standings. They would only move up if Illinois, who have been flat out awful this season could find a way to defeat Penn State. Just as we all expected, they did no such thing, as a result the Hoosiers will stay in seventh place for the time being. There was one ranked team in action on Sunday in the conference, as Michigan traveled to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers. Let’s take a look at how each game went.
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Michigan vs Wisconsin
Long gone are the days of Wisconsin being a national powerhouse in basketball. Just a few years ago they had Nigel Hayes, Sam Dekker, and Frank Kaminsky tearing up Big Ten play, then feasting on the rest of the collegiate world in the NCAA Tournament. Now, they may not have that trio anymore, but they do have potential Wooden Award winner Ethan Happ, who could be better than all three. In the loss versus the Wolverines, Happ finished with 29 points on 12-23 shooting, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was one of only three players in double figures for the Badgers.
On the Michigan side of things, the game was more of a team aspect, as four players finished in double figures with another just two points away. As has been for most of this season, the Wolverines were led by last years tournament breakout darling, Moritz Wagner. Averaging 14 points, and 7 rebounds this season, Wagner surpassed both against Wisconsin, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Penn State vs Illinois
Penn State seems to be riding a carr to the finish line, Tony Carr that is. Once again the sophomore guard let the Nittany Lions to an exhilarating finish over the Fighting Illini. Finishing with 15 points including 3-7 from downtown, Carr continues to prove that he deserves contention for the Big Ten player of the year. Penn State defeated Illinois by a final of 74-52 in this contest.
Next: Saturday look around the Big Ten
Indiana may not have played on Sunday, as they next play on Wednesday. However if they win that game against Illinois they can secure a first-round bye during the Big Ten tournament, which might be crucial to their success.