I'm a little under the weather right now, listening to The Lonely Island's new album for like the third time. Hopefully neither of which will affect me in making this week's picks:
Tuesday
Michigan State at Purdue: This is the kind of match-up Big Ten fans have been waiting to see all season. The two best teams in the conference go at each other in West Lafayette and almost at full strength. Michigan State forward Raymar Morgan seems poised to return to action tonight after missing the last two weeks with pneumonia while Purdue forward Robbie Hummel continues to make his way back after playing in last Saturday's win at Iowa. If both teams are 100%, or as close to that as you can get, this should be a dandy. Michigan State is a little deeper and has been perfect on the road in the Big Ten this season (6-0). I'm going with the Spartans in a close road victory.
Wednesday
Penn State at Illinois: The only thing lacking on Penn State's NCAA Tournament resume (besides a weak strength of schedule) would be a quality win. They've already got one in their back pocket (at Michigan State), but winning at Illinois would quiet some doubters. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen. Penn State cannot guard Illinois' low-post scoreres in Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis, though a Talor Battle-Chester Frazier match-up will be fun to watch. Illinois wins.
Ohio State at Northwestern: Northwestern has completely fallen apart the last few weeks and are slipping further away from that elusive post-season berth. Ohio State took a minor step back last Saturday at Wisconsin, but they've got more talent than Northwestern. Ohio State rolls.
Thursday
Minnesota at Michigan: For the second game in a row, Minnesota will run into a team desperately needing a win. Michigan is hanging on to their NCAA Tournament hopes by a thread, but they can boost their chances by beating Minnesota at home, which I think they will. The Golden Gophers have more depth, but Michigan has more star power. Michigan takes it.
Wisconsin at Indiana: Wisconsin has been hot-and-cold all season long and right now, they are hot. If they want to get back into the mix for an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, they need to keep their eye on the prize and not take Indiana lightly. They'll take care of the Hoosiers in Bloomington.
Season Record: 28-4
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I agree with your picks. Just watch out for an Indiana upset. We all remember Brian Butch's heroics, and I think IU will come out and try and get revenge. Don't be surprised if the Hoosiers keep it close.
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