Almost OT: Big Ten is 2-0 in its challenge with the ACC.
I used "Almost OT" in the subject because the posts will be football-heavy for a few days.
The Big Ten is off to a good start in its yearly challenge with the ACC. Illinois beat ND at home and Iowa held off Virginia on the road to win by a point.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401369964
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401370041
November 30th, 2021 at 9:24 AM ^
Tonight
Indiana @ Syracuse
Minnesota @ Pittsburgh
Florida St @ Purdue
N'W @ Wake Forest
Clemson @ Rutgers
Duke @ OSU
Tomorrow
Michigan @ UNC
Louisville @ MSU
Nebraska @ NC State
Virginia Tech @ Maryland
Wisconsin @ Georgia Tech
Miami @ PSU
Likely ACC - Wake Forest, Clemson, Duke, NC State
Likely Big Ten - Purdue, MSU, Wisconsin
The rest are tossups IMO
November 30th, 2021 at 10:00 AM ^
I...still don't know how they come up with these specific matchups. For years, it seemed like they went by the previous season's record. But considering we won the Big Ten and North Carolina should have gone to the NIT and only made the tourney because of their name...that's obviously not a thing anymore.
So do they simply take a guess at what particular matchup sounds the most appetizing? But if that were the case, wouldn't Sparty be playing Duke?
November 30th, 2021 at 11:15 AM ^
In your latter scenario, I would have expected that to mean we would play Duke (especially with the Fab Five (Juwan) / farewell tour angle).
I think it's meant to match up this year's expected (as opposed to last year's actual) conference finish while balancing things like participation over time, alternating home/away sites, etc.
November 30th, 2021 at 12:07 PM ^
But the media loves Izzo and considers him to be on the same level as Coach K...even though they're not even close. So I just assumed.
November 30th, 2021 at 9:31 AM ^
Go Duke.
November 30th, 2021 at 9:36 AM ^
FUCK DOOK, except for today, today go dook a little
November 30th, 2021 at 12:41 PM ^
go dook
November 30th, 2021 at 9:35 AM ^
BEAT UNC!!
November 30th, 2021 at 9:35 AM ^
looking forward to getting things back on trace vs UNC. Hunter is going to go off....
November 30th, 2021 at 9:37 AM ^
I really hope so, I had really high expectations for this team. It’s still early and plenty of time to fix things but I gotta see some effort tomorrow. Hell I’ll take a 3 point loss just show me something
November 30th, 2021 at 9:46 AM ^
If we continue to struggle on the perimeter, I expect Juwan to lean on Hunter while we get the outside game ironed out. Hunter has proven to be a figgin' beast and he's done work in the off season. sometimes you gotta....
LET THE BIG DOG EAT!!!!!
November 30th, 2021 at 9:55 AM ^
Us struggling from the perimeter is exactly why Hunter is getting so few shots. Teams are doubling him and he's making the right read to pass to the open guy. But those guys are either missing threes or hesitating and then driving into a crowded paint and missing there. As long as teams can consistently double with no consequences, feed the post isn't going to be a viable strategy. Its one of the reasons its tough to build a team around a center, they need other players to be good for them to succeed whereas guards and wings can create their own shot on the perimeter can't be shut off from the game.
November 30th, 2021 at 10:06 AM ^
I want the Big Dog to show some defensive presence. I know he's going to get his (or eat), as I'm sure most other coaches know all too well themselves. However, he's constantly having shots float just out of his reach and going in this season. It feels that way at least. If he starts getting his mitts on some of those shots, we'll be able to run more fast breaks and limit the need for the perimeter until the shooting confidence of the team can improve. He's easily our best player and offensive option, I just want to see some defensive improvement (and I may be the only one that feels this way). There's a good chance that he's doing too much and taking himself out of position on defense (limiting his effectiveness) due to lack of trust. We have a lot of new pieces learning to gel. Johns should have been the confidence boost here...hope HE turns it around soon. If not, I'm happy to take our licks and go with the most emotionally excited player on this years team Diabate!!!
Regardless, I have a strong feeling that this team will look completely different by early February and the nation will take notice. A great mix of superb talent and experienced leadership!
November 30th, 2021 at 9:48 AM ^
After the Big East Challenge, I'm really hoping the B1G shows well tbh. I understand the idea of becoming the Kentucky of the SEC (if the B1G were to suck), and making the tournament and big runs into them is all that really matters. I really do enjoy watching ranked matchups regardless how superficial the ranking system is. Beating MSU is always great, but so much better when they're ranked high and their fans are cocky.
So, I'll be watching and rooting on all B1G teams for a couple days. Though, my comment above is a little misspoke. I enjoy beating a highly ranked MSU, but can never cheer on that team or Ohio State unless it has "Direct Impact" on Michigan's standings. Even then, I just try to black out and ignore the game. The conference still gets a huge boost by winning all but 2 of the games. Screw you MSU and OSU!!!
Conference loyalty goes out the window if Michigan loses though!!!
November 30th, 2021 at 10:29 AM ^
The Big East torched us, but amazing how we seem to step up lately when it comes to the ACC rivalry.
November 30th, 2021 at 12:57 PM ^
Go Big Ten!