The Big Ten Tournament is just around the corner, and this year, it's bigger than ever with 18 teams vying for glory in Chicago. As the regular season winds down, we're getting a clearer picture of the seedings, but questions remain about which teams are true contenders.
Nebraska's Rollercoaster Season
Nebraska has been a revelation this season. Predicted to finish near the bottom, the Cornhuskers defied expectations with a stunning 20-game winning streak.
Although their momentum was halted with a loss to Purdue, they bounced back with a commanding win over Northwestern. Yet, inconsistency has been their Achilles' heel, as seen in a narrow defeat to Iowa and a resounding victory over Penn State.
Against Iowa, Nebraska's defense held firm, limiting the Hawkeyes to under 35% shooting. However, their offense faltered, with only two players scoring in double digits. Conversely, against Penn State, forward Pryce Sanford stole the show, dropping a career-high 33 points and setting a new program record with eight three-pointers.
Nebraska's up-and-down performances raise concerns as they head into the postseason. They’ve shown they can dominate weaker teams but have struggled against tougher competition.
Michigan's Hardwood Drama
In Michigan, the basketball scene has been electric, with both Michigan State and Michigan showcasing high-scoring offenses that have positioned them as national championship hopefuls.
Last week, both teams faced tough challenges. Michigan clashed with Duke in a much-anticipated showdown.
The game lived up to the hype, with Duke edging out a 68-63 victory at the Chrisler Center. Yaxel Lendenborg led the charge for Duke, outscoring Michigan's star freshman, Cameron Boozer.
Despite Boozer's 18 points, Michigan couldn't capitalize in the final moments, marking their lowest-scoring game of the season.
The loss dropped Michigan from their top spot in the AP Poll, while Michigan State climbed to No. 13 after a hard-fought win over Ohio State. The Spartans faced a nail-biter, with the game hanging in the balance until the final seconds.
Ohio State's Bruce Thornton was outstanding, scoring 32 points without a single turnover. Yet, it was Carson Cooper's 20 points that propelled Michigan State to victory, despite a quiet night from assist leader Jeremy Fears Jr.
As the Big Ten Tournament approaches, both Nebraska and the Michigan teams have shown flashes of brilliance. However, consistency will be key if they hope to make deep postseason runs. Fans should buckle up for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.