Here it is, the moment we've all been waiting for. Fellow Stormers, in the next week or so we will finally know who this year's Big Ten champion is! Please, please - hold your applause until the very end. Michigan State, a preseason favorite of mine, is no longer in contention for the title. However, the Spartans could easily play the role of spoiler with games at Wisconsin and against Indiana in East Lansing. A win against either team could spell their demise. And while all of that drama is taking place, don't forget about those Boilermakers - they are still right there in contention, just waiting for the Badgers and/or Hoosiers to slip up.
Team with the Best Week - Northwestern. Well there you have it, folks - the first and only time this season that this prestigious award will be bestowed upon the Wildcats. But in all honesty, they sort of deserve it. It all started last Saturday...the Wildcats went the distance with the Indiana Hoosiers and, while they failed to prevail, they were impressive nonetheless. Then, to follow up that performance, the Wildcats picked up their first conference win against Michigan. Way to go, fellas - way to go.
Player of the Week - Armon Bassett, Indiana. Bassett is one of the most underrated and underappreciated players in all of the Big Ten. He's only a sophomore, yet he has been the most clutch player for the Hoosiers this season. He's consistently the most reliable ball handler and passer, and when the game's on the line, Armon is by far the most reliable free throw shooter. His stats have skyrocketed over the past week, (albeit against Northwestern and Ohio State) but consider this more of a season-long achievement award. Regardless of what happens with the Hoosiers in the nearby future, Bassett is the key to this team's success.
Team with the Worst Week - Illinois. Three straight losses - including road defeats at Penn State and Michigan - does not bode well for the struggling Illini. They're now 3-12 in the Big Ten and 11-17 overall. But at least Alex Legion is transferring in next year. Right?
Bruce Weber Moment of the Week - The Illini scored 43 points in a loss to Michigan last Saturday. So what did Brucey have to say about it after the game? "We keep trying to be enthusiastic and positive," Weber said. "But our guys are beaten down. You can just see it emotionally. The body language is not great." Stop complaining, Bruce and do something about it already.
Games to Watch - 2/28 Michigan State @ Wisconsin (If Wisconsin wins, they're essentially conference champs)
3/1 Ohio State @ Minnesota (a battle of the bubble teams?)
3/2 Indiana @ Michigan State (another key game for the conference title race)
3/4 Purdue @ Ohio State
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