Big Ten Tournament: Day Two Part Two
The early games are just about finished, with Michigan State beating Minnesota 64-56 and Ohio State and Wisconsin still going at it and it looks like it could go down to the wire….
5:30 pm (2) Illinois vs. (7) Michigan-
The first issue that comes to mind with this game is the availability of Chester Frazier for Illinois. Frazier isn’t the most talented player on the team, but his importance has been noted here many times. No offense (or pun) to Travis Walton, but Frazier is the best defender in the Big Ten. Michigan and Illinois met twice this season, and played by the rules of the Big Ten and each won at home. Other than the venue, the difference in the two games was easily Mike Tisdale. Tisdale was non-existent in the first game due in part to a slow start and in part to Bruce Weber’s decision to put a smaller, quicker player on DeShawn Sims. In the rematch, the big white had 24 points on 10 of 12 shooting, while Sims was held to seven points.
The teams’ experiences couldn’t be less similar leading up to the game this afternoon. Michigan finished the season on a hot streak that has ensured them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, including a blowout win over Iowa yesterday. The Illini have lost their last two games and haven’t played in eight days. Michigan needs to keep pounding the ball down to Sims to be successful. Sims scored 16 points in the first ten minutes yesterday and the combination of better seals down low and better entry passes has been key to Michigan’s success down the stretch. For Illinois, they’ll need to find gaps in that 1-3-1 zone like they did in their last match-up and McCamey and Meacham will need to knock down shots. If Frazier is indeed out, Brock and Meacham will both need to take on some ball handling responsibilities and Alex Legion will need big minutes. With no Frazier, it could be a little more of a high scoring affair with him not controlling the offense and shutting it down on defense. By higher scoring, I mean 60s.
8:00 pm (3) Purdue vs. (6) Penn State-
Here’s another case of the home teams winning the games in the regular season. The underdog has the momentum in this case too. The Nittany Lions are on the verge of solidifying their NCAA bid and have won three of their last four, while the Boilermakers have lost three of four. Purdue has generally underachieved this season and they should be hungry to prove themselves in the postseason. Penn State will look to keep the good balance with Talor Battle and Stanley Pringle on the perimeter and the nice inside-outside game of Jamelle Cornley. Purdue is more talented than Penn State, but have proven they can struggle against anyone. Robbie Hummel will be the key for the Boilermakers. He needs to step up and be the leader they expected at the start of the season. I know he is playing through injury, but now is the time they need him.
**Update: Sounds like Chester Frazier is out for the Big Ten Tourney and questionable for the Big Dance.
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