Semi tough
For just the second time in the Big Ten tourney’s 12-year history, the top three seeds have reached the semifinals.
That should lead to a competitive Saturday on the court at Conseco Fieldhouse, where the top two seeds will be looking for their third win of the season over their semifinal opponent and a spot in Sunday’s finale.
Here’s a breakdown:
Michigan State vs. Ohio State: The league’s best team faces the league’s best player. Balance has been huge for the Spartans this season and don’t expect that to change against the Buckeyes, a team MSU beat by nine at home and by 11 on the road in a pair of January games. Evan Turner and fifth-seeded Ohio State played strong fundamental basketball to get past Wisconsin on Friday. They’ll need their best game of the season to beat Michigan State, which has outrebounded OSU by 10 each time they met. If the Spartans hit the boards as usual, and continue to get solid play from their bench, the Buckeyes could be in for a long afternoon.
Illinois vs. Purdue: The steadiness of Illinois’ play despite the absence of Chester Frazier was impressive in Friday’s win over Michigan, which got a taste of what it dished out against Iowa in the loss to the Illini. The third-seeded Boilermakers, who know a little about playing without a leader themselves, dropped two regular-season games to the Illini, losing 71-67 in overtime in late December and getting blown out 66-48 in Champaign on Feb. 8. Robbie Hummel and Chris Kramer appeared to be back in good health in Friday’s rout of Penn State and if both can stand the wear and tear of playing on consecutive days, they will give Purdue a chance. The Boilermakers, however, must find a way to match the Illini’s tenacity, something they were unable to do in either regular-season meeting. Expect a close, defensive battle.
Today’s picks: Michigan State, Purdue.
