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(04/03/18 10:11pm)
The Hoosiers are on a hot streak having won 11 of their last 12. Indiana currently leads the Big Ten in ERA and have gotten done at the plate as well. This weekend, Purdue comes to Bloomington. Can the Hoosiers keep it rolling? Josh and Zain discuss.
(04/02/18 10:22pm)
It was a near improbable turnaround.
Indiana, coming off three straight losses to ranked opponents, limped into East Lansing for a January 20 matchup at Michigan State. They were 8-12 overall and 1-6 in the Big Ten. A road trip was on the horizon to a team they had already lost to by 20.
The plane touched down in East Lansing to news that the men’s team, who was in town at the time, was down 20. Not ideal circumstances, but the women had their own game to worry about.
(03/27/18 10:43pm)
When TCU and Indiana take the floor Wednesday night in a WNIT semifinal, the two teams will see a lot of similarities in their styles of play.
The Horned Frogs and Hoosiers both like to get up and down the floor and score a lot of points. But there are a few areas that IU coach Teri Moren said her team needs to key in on.
Taking care of the ball, not being hurried by a press and rebounding were three key areas of focus for Moren when the Horned Frogs and Hoosiers meet at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
(03/27/18 8:49pm)
With another two wins last week over Purdue and UC Davis, the Hoosiers are on their way to the WNIT semifinals. IU is able to host another home game and will have TCU coming to Bloomington Wednesday night. Can the Hoosiers make it to the WNIT championship? Josh and Austin discuss.
(03/25/18 9:12pm)
Who else would it be but senior Tyra Buss to lead Indiana to victory in the WNIT quarterfinals?
The legend of Buss continued for another game and kept growing Sunday as she led the Hoosiers with 30 points. Her and fellow senior Amanda Cahill combined for 54 points as the Hoosiers raced past the UC Davis Aggies, 81-66.
The next loss will end the career of Buss and Cahill. That may sit in the back of their minds, but they didn’t let it happen Sunday in front of the biggest women’s basketball crowd at Assembly Hall since 2008.
“It really makes us appreciate it,” Cahill said. “Especially the fans. We’ve had some great turnouts the last couple games and we’re very appreciative of how awesome everyone’s support is.”
(03/24/18 9:58pm)
The conditions were less than ideal for teams to qualify for the men's and women's Little 500 Saturday at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Snow, sleet, rain and anything in between was falling all day long as teams tried to put up their best times and get into the race this year. The track was sloppy, but that didn't stop teams.
Because of the conditions, qualifying times took a hit. When it all shook out, most of the teams expected to be at the top were there while the teams expected towards the back placed there.
Cutters took the pole for the men's race with a time of 2:34.93. It is the fifth time they have qualified first. They also qualified first in 1985, 2006, 2010 and 2016.
On the women's side, Delta Gamma took the pole with a time of 2:51.359. It is the second straight year they have been on the pole and third overall.
For reference, the 2017 men's pole time was 2:22.580 and the women's was 2:33.308. This year was a significant rise in times.
Here are the lineups for the 31st Women's Little 500 and 68th Men's Little 500.
All times via Indiana University Student Foundation.
Men's Lineup
Cutters: 2:34.973
Kappa Sigma: 2:35.052
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: 2:37.798
Sigma Phi Epsilon: 2:39.377
Pi Lambda Phi: 2:39.491
Phi Gamma Delta: 2:39.638
Sigma Chi: 2:40.100
Black Key Bulls: 2:41.349
Forest: 2:43.436
Chi Alpha: 2:43.436
Delta Chi: 2:43.785
Phi Kappa Psi: 2:43.881
Alpha Epsilon Pi: 2:44.571
Gray Goat: 2:45.114
Phi Delta Theta: 2:45.297
Bears: 2:45.625
Alpha Sigma Phi: 2:45.702
Pi Kappa Alpha: 2:46.818
Young Pioneers: 2:46.983
3PH: 2:47.701
Beta Theta Pi: 2:48.269
Lambda Chi Alpha: 2:48.897
Alpha Kappa Lambda: 2:48.935
Black Ice: 2:49.716
CSF: 2:49.839
Evans Scholars: 2:51.033
Acacia: 2:51.457
Delta Sigma Phi: 2:53.483
Delta Upsilon: 2:55.262
JetBlach: 2:56.229
Beta Sigma Psi: 2:56.997
Phi Sigma Kappa: 2:58.424
Theta Chi: 2:58.685
Women's Lineup:
Delta Gamma: 2:51.359
Kappa Alpha Theta: 2:57.661
Alpha Gamma Delta: 2:58.694
Alpha Chi Omega: 3:00.349
Teter: 3:00.452
Phi Mu: 3:03.442
Theta Phi Alpha: 3:03.517
Alpha Omega Pi: 3:03.914
Alpha Xi Delta: 3:08.331
SKI: 3:09.918
Ride On: 3:10.560
Independent Council: 3:11.581
Alpha Sigma Alpha: 3:12.923
Delta Phi Epsilon: 3:14.754
Delta Sigma Pi: 3:15.856
Chi Omega: 3:16.509
Sigma Kappa: 3:17.163
Phi Gamma Nu: 3:17.192
Cru: 3:17.338
CSF: 3:17.870
Centripedal Force: 3:18.479
Alpha Delta Pi: 3:19.499
Melanzana: 3:21.515
Kappa Delta: 3:22.572
Gamma Phi Beta: 3:26.685
Delta Zeta: 3:26.841
Kappa Kappa Gamma: 3:30.460
Alpha Phi: 3:31.115
IU Nursing: 3:34.206
Camp Kesem: 3:35.195
Sigma Delta Tau: 3:47.174
Alpha Epsilon Phi: 4:10.178
The women's race will take place on April 20th and the men's race will be on the 21st.
(03/23/18 4:54am)
Indiana soccer is a program built on tradition. After the commitment of Ben Yeagley for this upcoming season, he becomes the third generation of the Yeagley family to put the Indiana emblem on his chest. He follows in the footsteps of current coach Todd Yeagley and former coach, 'The Godfather,' Jerry Yeagley. Josh Eastern sat down with all three of them.
(03/22/18 4:46pm)
The Hoosiers are riding a six-game win streak as they head into Iowa this weekend to start Big Ten Conference play. During the six-game streak, IU has gotten good contributions on the mound and at the plate. Can the Hoosiers carry the momentum on the road? Josh and Zain discuss.
(03/21/18 10:57pm)
After Spring Break last week, we're back with another episode of 'The Flagship.' We break down a lot of what happened during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. What are our questions of the week? What are the best and worst things we've seen? The whole crew breaks it down.
(03/21/18 1:00pm)
Freddie McSwain joins the HN Indiana basketball podcast to discuss a wide range of topics. We talk about his time at Indiana, what's next for him and his beginnings in JuCo. We also dive into the team playing Fortnite among a few other fun topics. Take a listen.
(03/20/18 10:10pm)
It's been a few weeks since we got together to talk some IUWBB. After the Big Ten Tournament, the Hoosiers have already won two games in the WNIT. But in their Round of 16 matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers come into Bloomington on Thursday. Can the Hoosiers keep their season going?
(03/18/18 9:18pm)
Indiana baseball pulls out the 4-3 walk off win Sunday afternoon over Northern Illinois to get the series sweep and move to 15-4 on the season. @ZainPyarali and @JoshEastern break down today's win from Bart Kaufman Field. #iubase pic.twitter.com/jQAmkkSefN
(03/14/18 6:21pm)
Delta Chi has won the Little 500 on eight separate occasions. However, they haven't won it in 25 years. Coming into 2018, they are looking to change that or at least be more competitive. Josh Eastern has the story.
(03/13/18 12:56am)
For the second straight season, the Indiana women's basketball team will be headed to the Women's NIT, as announced Monday night.
While it is unfortunate that the senior class of Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill will not get to play in the NCAA Tournament, the WNIT is a chance for the Hoosiers to potentially bring home some hardware. A season ago the Hoosiers made it the Elite 8.
It was announced late Monday night that the Hoosiers will host UT Martin in a first round WNIT matchup. IU hosted each of its WNIT games last season.
(03/09/18 5:48pm)
This. Is. March. And 'The Flagship' is back! We're talking everything that has gone on in the past week before we head our separate ways for Spring Break. March Madness, NBA and more. Eddie, Josh and Zain discuss it all.
(03/08/18 11:18pm)
The Hoosiers are back at home after traveling around the country to find the warm weather. Coming off a disappointing loss Tuesday vs. Cincinnati, Indiana looks to rebound with a solid weekend. IU baseball broadcaster Greg Murray joins Eddie, Josh and Zain in studio.
(03/02/18 8:16am)
NEW YORK - When Indiana led by 16 with just over eight minutes to play in the first half, everything was satisfactory. The Hoosiers were clicking on offense, playing solid defense and Rutgers couldn’t get anything going offensively.
And that’s where it all spiraled out of control. Just seven minutes later the game was tied at 28. Just 15 minutes later, Rutgers had their lead all the way out to eight. It was a 24-point swing.
“I think we didn't do a good enough job of keeping our foot on the gas once we had them down in that type of situation,” senior guard Robert Johnson said. “They responded and we never did.”
As the final buzzer sounded on a night where Indiana lost 76-69, the disappointment was evident. What looked like was going to be a blowout early, nearly turned into a blowout the other way.
[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHoosierNet/status/969445370748133377[/embed]
Rutgers started off shooting abysmal from the field while Indiana was hitting, what seemed like, everything. Once that switched, it never returned to the former.
In the past it has been whether or not Indiana could get a few more buckets to nab a win. Thursday it was different. The Hoosiers were leaning on their defense and calling out that part of their game following the loss.
“I think it just comes down to us not getting enough stops, not so much shooting,” junior Juwan Morgan said. “If we were getting stops we would have got out and our offense would have been flourishing, but we didn't get those.”
[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHoosierNet/status/969448940528693248[/embed]
The offense just wasn’t there Thursday night for Indiana. They held Rutgers to 24 percent shooting in the first meeting in early February. Nearly a month later, they were the team shooting 36 percent.
In the second half, Rutgers as a team shot 68 percent from the field. Much of that was due to what junior guard Corey Sanders was doing for the Scarlet Knights. He finished with 28 points and the Hoosiers didn’t have an answer. IU’s highest scorer was Morgan with 15 points.
[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHoosierNet/status/969447662012465153[/embed]
“In the second half we were not able to stop the ball,” IU coach Archie Miller said. “We just couldn't. Whether it was Sanders at the basket. I thought Deshawn Freeman really hurt us throughout the game with his ability to play off the lane and drive.”
Miller was very direct when talking about postseason basketball. A NIT bid seems out of the question. He even said he’d be surprised if they played postseason basketball.
[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHoosierNet/status/969449914609651712[/embed]
There was a certain point in the game where Indiana turned it over and Rutgers went down to score a fast break bucket. Miller just crossed his arms and leaned back on the scorer’s table. The game slipped away from IU in the end.
“For our guys, I'm really disappointed,” Miller said. “Wish we could have done a better job. They gave everything they had all season long through a lot of ups and downs. Saw a lot of guys grow throughout the course of the year and do some things that a lot of people probably didn't anticipate. From that standpoint I'm proud of them.”
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(03/01/18 9:22pm)
NEW YORK - The 2018 Big Ten Tournament is now in full swing from Madison Square Garden.
Thursday will see eight teams take the floor after Wednesday's first round games. The top four seeds will still wait one more day before they find out their opponents for Friday.
Below you can find quick recaps from each game. (Will update when games become final.)
#9 WISCONSIN 59, #8 MARYLAND 54
SYNOPSIS:
In the first game of the day Thursday, points were at a premium between the Terrapins and Badgers.
Wisconsin shot just 36 percent from the field while Maryland shot a slightly higher clip of 44 percent. The Badgers had four players score in double figures led by Ethan Happ who finished with a team-high 14 points. Brad Davison also chipped in 13 in the win.
The game came down to the wire and was tied at 53 after a Kevin Huerter jumper with just over one minute remaining. On the other end, Brevin Pritzl nailed a jumper with 28 seconds left to take the lead. Huerter then went to the line for two free throws, but made just one of two.
The Terrapins couldn’t recover from there and the Badgers came away with the win. Wisconsin moves into the quarterfinal round and will match up with No. 1 seed Michigan State Friday at Noon ET.
What they said:
Maryland coach Mark Turgeon: “I felt like we were fighting uphill all night. We had the lead 24-23, that was the only time we had the lead. We tied it a bunch of times. Really came down to two things: We fouled too darn much and we couldn't get a rebound when we had to get a rebound.”
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard: "I think today's game was kind of a epitome or microcosm of how we've grown when you only shoot 30 percent for the game and you get to the line that many times and do the job defensively that we did, take care of the ball, rebound the ball the way we rebounded. It's a credit to these guys to my right and also the guys back in the locker room. How they've grown over the last month has been fun to watch and hopefully we've got a lot more basketball yet to play."
#5 MICHIGAN 77, #12 IOWA 71
SYNOPSIS:
The first game of the day between Wisconsin and Maryland was exciting, but Iowa and Michigan may have surpassed it.
The Hawkeyes, coming off a win Wednesday night over Illinois, gave the Wolverines all they could handle. Iowa led going into halftime, but Michigan ripped off an 11-0 run to start the first half and take a six point lead.
As the second half wound down, both teams traded big buckets. Charles Matthews made a three to go up by six with just over two minutes then Nicholas Baer answered with a minute left.
After a five-second infraction by Michigan, Jordan Bohanon had a chance to tie it up. He missed. But Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman missed the front end of a one-and-one. From there, Bohanon went down the court and nailed a three to tie it up and send it to overtime.
In overtime, Iowa hung tough, but couldn’t overcome the Wolverines. Michigan advances to the quarterfinals to face Nebraska Friday at approx. 2:30 ET.
What they said:
Michigan coach John Beilein: “I'm proud of our guys, because it was not -- if you just look at the stat lines, the only way we could win that game was defense. The foul shots didn't go in. The 3s didn't go in. I think one guy made a 3. That was the exact opposite of what we saw at Maryland last week. But we'll take it. Our defense won the game.”
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery: "They're [Michigan] long. They're athletic. They've got veteran guys. And they were physical and moved their feet. I don't think there was anything tricky. Just good, solid, fundamental defense, which you would expect from one of John's teams."
#7 PENN STATE 65, #10 NORTHWESTERN 57
SYNOPSIS:
The first session provided the fans at Madison Square Garden with loads of drama. The first game of the second session didn't disappoint either.
Most of the game was played within a 14-point window. Northwestern had a lead as large as seven and Penn State did as well, until late in the game. The Nittany Lions desperately needed a victory to keep alive their postseason hopes.
Led by Tony Carr who finished with 25 points, the Nittany Lions were able to advance. Carr's 3-pointer with 2:18 remaining put Penn State up seven and Northwestern could never respond.
Even with Northwestern's 16-3 first half run, Penn State was still able to grab the victory. Putting in 13 shots from behind the arc certainly does help. Penn State will now take on Ohio State Friday at 6:30 ET in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
What they said:
Northwestern coach Chris Collins: “It's always a tough night when your season ends. And I've been lucky to coach these guys sitting next to me over the last four years. And I couldn't have been more proud of the fight that we showed, undermanned, banged up. And we had every reason, even early in the second half, we had every reason to kind of lay down when they hit us with a little spurt. But that's not who these guys have been. I'm not surprised. We kept fighting.
Penn State coach Pat Chambers: "Really proud of this team. We played without Mike. And we heard all the noise. And these guys really responded and stepped up, played really good Penn State basketball... On the offensive end, obviously these (Tony Carr and Shep Garner) played terrific basketball. But they stayed in that zone and dared us. And these guys stepped up to the challenge.
#14 RUTGERS 76, #6 INDIANA 69
SYNOPSIS:
The final game of the day was probably the biggest shocker of day two at Madison Square Garden.
The team that finished last in the Big Ten found themselves down 24-8 midway through the first half. From there, Rutgers caught fire and Indiana went ice cold. The Hoosiers couldn't get enough stops and shot just 36 percent for the ballgame.
Led by 28 points by Corey Sanders, the Scarlet Knights coasted. The made the big plays when they needed to be made and Indiana couldn't get it done. The Hoosiers hung around, but it never felt like they would be able to get over the hump.
Indiana had a chance to face rival Purdue in the quarterfinals. Instead, Rutgers will get that matchup at approximately 9:00 ET Friday at Madison Square Garden.
What they said:
Indiana coach Archie Miller: "For our guys, I'm really disappointed. Wish we could have done a better job. They gave everything they had all season long through a lot of ups and downs. Saw a lot of guys grow throughout the course of the year and do some things that a lot of people probably didn't anticipate. From that standpoint I'm proud of them."
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell: "Just real proud day. These guys kept fighting. I'm real happy for Rutgers Nation. Happy for these two guys (Corey Sanders and Deshawn Freeman). All of our seniors. Two stepped up, made big plays. We kind of just hung around and we toughed it out. It was an exciting game. Rutgers Nation got excited, made it loud and proud. A great day today for us, and we get 40 more. So we're excited about that."
(02/28/18 9:07pm)
The Big Ten Tournament is upon us! The conference will descend on the Big Apple and Madison Square Garden this weekend. The Hoosiers could have a game against Purdue if they can win their first game. How far will Indiana go? Who will win the tournament? Josh, Eddie and Zain discuss.
(02/28/18 6:14am)
Big Ten Tournament time is here! Because of the men's tournament being moved up a week, both tournaments will take place simultaneously.
The men will head to New York City and Madison Square Garden while the women will descend on Indianapolis and Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
All of us at The Hoosier Network filled out some brackets and you can find them below.
Big Ten Men's Tournament
Zain Pyarali
All of the “experts” have Nebraska (22-9, 13-5) in the “First Four Out” for the NCAA Tournament and that’s just disrespectful. Tim Miles will have his group playing hard at Madison Square Garden and I think they’ll get past both Michigan & Michigan State to get to the championship.
Indiana will beat the winner of Minnesota/Rutgers and give Purdue a good game in the quarterfinals, but the Boilermakers size causes too many issues for the Hoosiers. Purdue will use their size and seniors to a Big Ten Tournament Championship and a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Josh Eastern
For this year's men's tournament, I don't foresee many upsets. I truly believe the talent gap between the top five and the rest is too great for a lot of upsets. I think Nebraska has a chance to be a sleeper in this tournament, but getting past Michigan State in the semis seems like too steep of a test. Purdue is going to get a chance at redemption twice. First against Ohio State then Michigan State in the final. Purdue is going to get that sweet taste of revenge and snag a number one seed for this year's NCAA Tournament.
As for Indiana, they will get a favorable matchup in its first game, but will have a tough game waiting them against Purdue. Unfortunately, they aren't playing at Assembly Hall with the crowd backing them. Don't be surprised if Purdue runs away as the fresher team.
Eddie Cotton
All aboard the Michigan hype train. The Wolverines enter the Big Ten Tournament as one of the hottest team in the field winning five straight to end the season. If my short-lived college basketball experience has taught me anything, always ride the hype train of the hot team come March. The Wolverines are playing their best basketball of the year and they play basketball in a way that suits them best for tournament play. Michigan is second in the nation in offensive turnover percentage and sixth in steal percentage. Quite simply, they force turnovers and make mistakes of their own.
All aboard the Michigan hype train until that train rams into a seven foot tall brick wall. Ultimately, I've got the most versatile and balanced team in the Big Ten winning it all. Purdue can do it all offensively, and the emergence of Carsen Edwards has killed their reliance upon Isaac Haas. Nothing is coming close to stopping the Boilermakers in my eyes.
Jacob Vinson
For the men, it is pretty wide open with the exception of Purdue and Michigan State. Michigan State has been on a tear this season amidst everything they’ve had to endure as a team. Purdue started the season off roughly and then righted the ship as they didn’t lose a game in the United States until February 7th when they faced Ohio State. I did pick Nebraska to defeat Michigan State in the semifinal just because there always seems to be that fluke game/upset in the Big Ten tourney. I think Indiana takes care of Minnesota or Rutgers, but will have another matchup nightmare with Purdue and proceed to lose that one again. Purdue should be able to get to the championship game and win the Big Ten Tournament.
Connor Hines
On the men's side, it's a bit more straightforward. In an underperforming year for the Big Ten, chalk should hold through the quarterfinals in NYC. Michigan State will see no threat in its path to Sunday's championship, with the exception of possibly the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who have been playing their best basketball of the year. A quarterfinal matchup with Michigan is perhaps the most intriguing. Indiana will take the six seed in the bottom half of the bracket and should be able to get at least a win before a primetime meeting with in-state rival Purdue.
Still, in a year for IU that's been as unpredictable as Austin Render's sudden obsession with olympic curling, Hoosier fans shouldn't be promised anything just yet. Purdue gets to the finals over Ohio State; the Buckeyes have been shaky at times down the stretch and their narrow escape win in Bloomington last week was indicative of that kind of inconsistency. Tom Izzo will cement his team's place among the elite in the country (if he hadn't already) with a win over the Boilermakers on Sunday afternoon.
Mark Timko
Let’s kick off with the men’s tournament. In my bracket, I’ve got Michigan State going all the way. Miles Bridges and the crew are doing some incredible things this year in the Big Ten, and are looking to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament this year as well. Currently ranked number two in the nation, the Spartans have won the Big Ten outright, and I believe that they can go through the tournament with some relative ease. On the opposite side of the bracket, Purdue goes to the final game, which is the only team I see that gives Michigan State much trouble.
As much as I would like Indiana to advance far into the tournament to spark the hopes of an NCAA berth, I don’t see them beating Purdue considering the matchup. Purdue has beat Indiana quite well over the last couple of meetings, and I doubt that a neutral site in Madison Square Gardens will do anything to benefit either team. That will be a battle of raw talent, and as it stands, Purdue has the edge.
Watch out for the sleeper team, number five Michigan. I do have them in the small upset of Michigan and Nebraska. While the matchup will be close, look for Michigan being able to pull away in the last few minutes of regulation to secure their victory. Then, when the in state rivalry comes to the semifinal matchup, expect to see Michigan State come out with a harder fought victory. Once again, for as much clout as there is for the rivalry, a neutral site in NEW YORK will not be attracting very many Michigan students during the school week and weekend before midterms begin around the country at universities.
Austin Render
Only numerical upsets are Wisconsin, Michigan and then Purdue later on. MSU is one of the hottest teams in the country right now and I'm going to continue to ride that through NYC. OSU gets revenge on PSU in their third matchup of the season as well. And Nebraska doesn't do enough to get into the tournament with their early loss to Michigan.
Big Ten Women's Tournament
Zain Pyarali
Indiana needs to do well in this tournament in order to make it to the championship, and I think they will. The Hoosiers won 8 of the last 9 to end the year and they’ll keep rolling past Michigan State. They only lost to Maryland by 4 on the road and that was before the win streak started. I think they pull off a big win vs the Terps and then beat Nebraska for the second time this year to get to the championship. In the end, Ohio State will be too much for Indiana to take down, but if the Hoosiers make the championship game that should be enough to make the NCAA tournament.
Josh Eastern
Indiana has to win at least two games to get into the NCAA Tournament. It's as simple as that. Getting a win over Maryland isn't as crazy as you may think. They took the Terrapins to the wire in College Park earlier this season. The Hoosiers have been playing a good brand of basketball as of late and have a chance to make some noise. However, I just don't see it.
Maryland is a stern test and I see chalk almost all across the board save for some smaller upsets. Ohio State won the regular season title and I don't see them slipping up in Indianapolis.
Eddie Cotton
Megan Gustafson is the Big Ten Player of the Year. That is all. She's about to be the MVP of the Big Ten Tournament, and on this wild ride Iowa is only going to need to ride her success. Gustafson is the Kemba Walker of the 2018 Big Ten Women's Tournament and I'm all in.
Jacob Vinson
On the women’s side, I think the Buckeyes are the clear favorites to win it. There won’t be too many teams to challenge them. They had 3 losses in the Big Ten and all three came in a row against Michigan, Maryland and Iowa. The Hoosiers do have a chance to make it to the championship. They’re coming fresh off a loss to Iowa after riding an 8-game win streak so they will be focused and ready to go.
Connor Hines
For Indiana, the Hoosiers immediately face a test in the form of the Michigan State Spartans, who rocked IU at Assembly Hall in December. Still, the Hoosiers should hope to draw confidence from a superb comeback win in the second game of the season series on January 20 -- one of the team's finest wins of the season. IU will look to play with added focus and urgency as the final collegiate postseason for Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill begins.
Come Friday evening, #2 Maryland will need to be ready for the Hoosiers, who played close the entire way in a narrow 74-70 victory for the Terps. If Maryland can get the job done against IU, it might be a different story versus a Nebraska team that fought hard in a two-point loss just this past Sunday in College Park. On the other side, Iowa shouldhave enough to get the job done in a quarterfinal bout against #4 Minnesota; the Hawkeyes ride a 7-game win streak into Indy and Megan Gustafson has been excellent leading the way. Top-seeded Ohio State will have the chance to avenge an earlier season loss to Iowa in the tournament semifinals.
In the end, the Buckeyes' Kelsey Mitchell and Stephanie Mavunga will be too much for the rest of the field and Ohio State captures its first conference championship in eight years.
Mark Timko
Now for the women’s tournament, which is something that Indiana should be much more excited for. Teri Moren and the Hoosiers are looking to boost their chances right before Selection Monday, coming up in the week after the tourney. While I don’t have them winning the whole bracket, making it to Saturday and the semifinal matchup can very possibly land them in the NCAA Women’s Tournament this year. You can thank Indiana’s strength of schedule and eight game winning streak towards the end of the season for a nice résumé boost. While the streak was broken when the Hoosiers played Iowa in their final regular season game, it was most likely a good thing, showing the Hoosiers a look at humility before they dive into the tournament.
My take: Nebraska walks away with the Big Ten Tournament to share with Ohio State. Cornhusker basketball has done very well for the men, but the women have been overlooked in the wake of that. Their draw is perfect for it, especially with the upset in Indiana/Maryland. Even if Maryland does win that, Nebraska can still be prepared for a good game of basketball following and get the win. If my winner is wrong, though? Indiana fans rejoice. It’s possible you see the Hoosiers causing havoc in the final game.
I’ve got another upset team though. It’s none other than the Iowa Hawkeyes and their not-so-secret weapon: Megan Gustafson. I’ve got them going to Sunday’s final, and they’ve got quite the chance to do it. It’s a tough route to go, with wins over Ohio State and Minnesota, but during the regular season, Iowa beat OSU, 103-89, and then beat Minnesota not three weeks later, 92-84. With wins like that in late January and early February, it gives me more and more confidence in the Hawkeyes. However, I do have them falling short to Nebraska similar to how they did in the regular season with the Cornhuskers.
Austin Render
On the women's side. An early upset my Michigan over Nebraska pits them against Maryland, a team they just beat last week. However, I don't think they get the job done this time. The hottest team in the conference is Iowa, and I'm sticking with that. The Hawkeyes have a lot of talent and I'm all in on a deep run for Iowa. However, they don't completely sweep the board as Maryland is able to win the Big Ten tournament over Iowa