First, if Michigan beats Illinois, Illinois will miss the tournament for the second year in a row. Groce made the tournament and won a game in his first year at Illinois. If he misses this year he'll be under a lot of pressure next season.
Second, can Northwestern knock out Indiana and Tom Crean? Crean is going to have to pace EXTRA hard today. He has a huge buyout, but I have to believe some rabid IU donors would pony up the money to show him the door if they don't make the tournament.
Third, can Tom Izzo overcome the world to lead his team to the Big 10 tourney title? He could "if guys would just do their damn jobs," and if there wasn't rampant cheating by other schools on the recruiting trail. Will Izzo finally catch the break he deserves?
Fourth, can Iowa play its way into a better seed with a nice B10 tourney run? They're hot: they've won 6 in a row and 8 of 10 (though 4 of their 6 wins in a row were against the bottom of the Big 10). Currently a 7 seed per bracketology. A win today and then they could get resume boosting wins against Purdue and Wisconsin.
And fifth, can anyone beat Wisconsin? Will be tough to do - the United Center will be basically a home game for them.
Second, can Northwestern knock out Indiana and Tom Crean? Crean is going to have to pace EXTRA hard today. He has a huge buyout, but I have to believe some rabid IU donors would pony up the money to show him the door if they don't make the tournament.
Third, can Tom Izzo overcome the world to lead his team to the Big 10 tourney title? He could "if guys would just do their damn jobs," and if there wasn't rampant cheating by other schools on the recruiting trail. Will Izzo finally catch the break he deserves?
Fourth, can Iowa play its way into a better seed with a nice B10 tourney run? They're hot: they've won 6 in a row and 8 of 10 (though 4 of their 6 wins in a row were against the bottom of the Big 10). Currently a 7 seed per bracketology. A win today and then they could get resume boosting wins against Purdue and Wisconsin.
And fifth, can anyone beat Wisconsin? Will be tough to do - the United Center will be basically a home game for them.
