STF Conference Report - Big Ten

And then there was one. The Wisconsin Badgers have now (nearly) assured themselves the Big Ten title, after weeks of battling with the Hoosiers and Boilermakers. Unfortunately, it was kind of a weak finish to a somewhat interest and heated stretch of games for the three squads that culminated with the Hoosiers being absolutely demolished by Michigan State and Purdue bowing out to Ohio State on the road. But, after all, it's just the Big Ten, right? As we quickly approach the postseason, stay tuned - I'll be giving all of you loyal Stormers the rundown on the Midwest region for March Madness. Man it feels good to say that...

Team with the Best Week - Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers have now earned at least a share of the Big Ten title for the third time in seven seasons with their victory yesterday (and with Purdue and Indiana choking the big one lately). But regardless of how they did it this year, one thing remains clear - Bo Ryan is one hell of a coach. Sure it was a "down" year in the Big Ten, but Ryan got the absolute most out of his players, yet again, and has guided them to six straight wins heading into the season finale against Northwestern. Quite simply, the Badgers are the team to beat and won't be losing anytime soon.

Player of the Week - Brian Butch, Wisconsin. This is definitely the first time this season that Butch has received this award. He's had a solid year for the Badgers - not great - and has hit some big shots with games on the line (on the road against Indiana and Michigan State). Though his stats haven't been that impressive, it's the fact that this guy finally recognizes his role and plays it out that has impressed me the most. Mostly Butch just sits in the paint and waits for the occasional rebound before deciding that his home is beyond the arch, but I guess whatever he can do to help Bo and the Badgers is a good thing for them. The Badgers will certainly need Butch to man up in the next few weeks as they head into the postseason.

Team with the Worst Week - Indiana. The Hoosiers blew it. They absolutely blew it. With a Big Ten title (or at least a share of it) within their grap, the Hoosiers collapsed/fell apart/absolutely sucked against Michigan State up in East Lansing earlier this week. It was an absolutely pathetic showing by an uninspired and flat IU squad that will now be limping a bit heading into the postseason. The Hoosiers have been able to string together some wins in recent weeks, but they're not playing very impressive basketball whatsoever. Defense wins games (as the Badgers are finding out) - not the occasional defensive stop mixed with DJ White and Eric Gordon switching off on offense.

Bruce Weber Moment of the Week - TBD. Senior Day is coming up on Saturday for the Illini. How will Bruce send off the beloved Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt? Hopefully with a few screechy words and a kick in the ass. But we shall find out soon enough.

Games to Watch - 3/6 Michigan State @ Illinois
3/8 Wisconsin @ Northwestern
3/9 Michigan State @ Ohio State
3/9 Indiana @ Penn State
3/9 Purdue @ Michigan