Big time Big Ten showdown
Indiana should be getting used to all this.
Students lining up in chilly temperatures long before tip-off so they can see America’s No. 1 team play at Assembly Hall. A nationally televised game that will become the focal point of the college basketball universe for one day. And the Hoosiers vying again for the Big Ten lead.
On Saturday, it’s all about facing Michigan.
“It’s going to be a big game, and I really can’t wait for it,” freshman guard Kevin Ferrell said.
Nobody in Bloomington can.
After stumbling in December against Butler and again early in conference play against Wisconsin, the Hoosiers (18-2, 7-1) have been trying to play their way back to the No. 1 spot they held through the first month of the season. A win Saturday might finally get them back on top, and Indiana is playing its best basketball of the season.
National player of the year candidate Cody Zeller broke out of his two-game shooting funk Wednesday night, dominating the middle against Purdue.
Indiana slugged it out with then-No. 13 Michigan State on Sunday before pulling away for a 75-70 victory, moved up four spots to No. 3 in Monday’s AP poll and then handed Purdue its worst ever home loss, 97-60.
If they can beat a No. 1 team at home for the second time in 14 months, the Hoosiers will sweep their biggest week of the season.
“Everybody can play, they can run, shoot, play defense, they can do everything,” Indiana guard Jordan Hulls said of Michigan. “So you know we’re excited for this opportunity.”
Michigan is playing well, too.
Since losing at No. 15 Ohio State on Jan. 13, following their first perfect nonconference season since 1985-86, the Wolverines (20-1, 7-1) have won four straight — including their last three by at least 14 points. Sophomore guard Trey Burke is averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 assists and, like Zeller, is a national player of the year candidate and a preseason All-American.
A win would allow Michigan to retain its first No. 1 ranking since 1992-93, the second season of the Fab Five, for a second straight week.
Plus, the winner would take sole possession of the conference lead at the midway mark.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a lot of hype. It’s going to be a really hectic crowd and atmosphere,” Burke said. “I know guys are ready. Indiana’s a really good team. We’ll be ready for them. It should be a fun game.”
The Hoosiers have only faced a No. 1 team twice before when they were ranked No. 3: Losing at Iowa in January 1987 and beating UNLV in the Final Four two months later.
Indiana understands what it’s up against this time, too.
Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas are all averaging double figures and are ready to prove they really are America’s best team.
“We know they’re a talented team. They’re on top of the Big Ten,” Zeller said.