The Michigan State Spartans have methodically paced themselves to a 25-8 season. Led by legendary head coach Tom Izzo, MSU has run through the out-of-conference competition and performed at a high level against a stacked Big Ten. So what do you need to know about this powerhouse? 1. The Michigan State Spartans own victories over current No. 6 Michigan, No. 7 Kansas, No. 10 Ohio State and two over No. 22 Wisconsin. They did so without a single first team All-Big Ten
Quietly but surely, the Ohio State Buckeyes have reclaimed their status as one of the nation’s elite. They’ve done so by reaching 25-7 overall and 13-5 in the Big Ten, which earned them a season-ending ranking of 10th in the AP Polls. So what do you need to know about the Buckeyes? 1. The Ohio State Buckeyes boast an elite defense that ranks in the Top 25 in opponents points and steals. Led by Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott, whom were both
1. Often viewed as a defensive-minded team, the Indiana Hoosiers are second in the nation in points per game. shot attempt. They’re lead NCAA Division 1 schools in points per shot attempt, are seventh in field goal percentage and third in three-point field goal percentage. This supposedly defensive-minded team is an offensive juggernaut. 2. You know how Indiana’s offense is all high-powered and disproving the notion that Indiana is all about defense? Well, the Hoosiers are holding opponents to 38.8 percent
For the first time since 2010, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are back in the NCAA Tournament. They’re on their way there behind head coach Tubby Smith and a starting lineup worth marveling. So what is it that you should know about Minnesota? 1. If there is only one name you should know on Minnesota’s team, it’s third team All-Big Ten selection Trevor Mbakwe. Mbakwe is a massive load on the interior, standing at 6’8″ and 245 pounds. He puts his size to
Illinois’ nickname is the Fighting Illini. That is a fitting name, as they fought their way to a season to remember at 22-12. As they enter the NCAA Tournament, however, we must ask—what should we know? 1. Illinois owns victories over two No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament—Gonzaga and Indiana. They won 85-74 at Gonzaga and 74-72 during a home game against Indiana. 2. Illinois has won five games by two points or less. Three of those victories have come on buzzer-beaters,
The Miami Hurricanes are this season’s most pleasant surprise. After finishing 20-13 in 2011-12, Miami worked their way to 27-6 overall and 15-3 in the ACC. So what do you need to know about the ACC Regular Season and Tournament champions? 1. Oftentimes, a team rises up the Top 25 by winning a high volume of games against average opponents. That couldn’t be further from the truth about Miami. Thus far in 2012-13, they’ve defeated No. 2 Duke, No. 8 Michigan State,
It certainly wasn’t pretty, but the North Carolina Tar Heels have managed to right the ship. Once believed to be on the outside looking in, UNC has fought their way back into the NCAA Tournament after losing in the ACC championship. So what should you know about the Tar Heels? 1. On February 13, the North Carolina Tar Heels fell to an unimpressive 16-8. Many believed their NCAA Tournament chances to be dashed and their season to be lost. Fortunately, the Tar
The Georgetown Hoyas are back in the NCAA Tournament, and this time around, they appear to have boom potential. They were the 2013 Big East regular season champions and are led by a National Player of the Year award candidate. So what do you need to know about the Hoyas? 1. The Georgetown Hoyas are led by head coach John Thompson III. JT3 is the son of Naismath Basketball Hall of fame legend and former Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr., whom led