The Big Ten had a fantastic slate of games on Tuesday, highlighted by the Champions Classic, where Michigan State faced off against Kentucky. Five other Big Ten teams were also in action.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–No. 17 Michigan State Spartans 83, No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats 66
The Champions Classic is always one of the best events of the college basketball season. It features four massive name brands of college basketball facing off in a raucous environment. It many ways, it signals the unofficial start of the college basketball season, as the nation’s
focus begins to shift from the gridiron to the hardwood.
As part of this event, Michigan State found itself set to face off against Kentucky on Tuesday. The Wildcats entered the season with lofty expectations and an elite rankings, but had underwhelmed through its first four games, falling on the road to Louisville last week. That put the pressure on Mark Pope and his staff to get the job done against the Spartans on Tuesday.
Fortunately for Spartan fans, that wouldn’t be the case.
Michigan State not only went on to win the game, but did it in blowout fashion, cruising to an 83-66 win that was as dominant as the final score. Kentucky limped to just 0.93 points per possession, which Jaxon Kohler scorched the Wildcats down low for 20 points on the evening. Kur Teng also had a nice showing with 15 points off the bench. Eight Spartans saw at least 12 minutes of playing time and most finished with offensive ratings above 100.
It’s hard to overstate the significance of this win. It not only pushed the Spartans to 4-0, but got the team what projects as a top-tier victory for Selection Sunday. If Michigan State hopes to get back in the Final Four and national championship picture, it needed to prove it can beat elite opponents and this certainly fits the bill. Moreover, it should serve as an emotional boost, as the team prepares for its holiday tournament. The team will now return home and face Detroit Mercy at home on Friday.
The Rest:
–Iowa Hawkeyes 99, Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 70
This was a blowout from the start, as Iowa jumped out to a double-digit lead early on and never looked back. Bennett Stirtz led the way with 15 points and nine assists. All told, 10 Hawkeyes saw at least 10 minutes of action, as the bench was unloaded in the victory. Iowa improved to 4-0 with the win and will now prepare for Chicgao State at home on Thursday.
–Minnesota Golden Gophers 66, Chicago State Cougars 54
The Gophers nearly blew a game against Green Bay last weekend, so fans were worried about this one heading into tip. Fortunately, the team played better and was able to score a 12-point win at home against a horrid Chicago State squad. Cade Tyson led the way with 22 points and six rebounds.
Minnesota improved to 4-1 overall with the win, though the team continued regressing on KenPom and fall to 94th following the effort. Overall, the Gophers have dropped 21 spots since the season began. Fans will hope that trend changes on Saturday, as Minnesota faces San Francisco in Sioux Falls.
–Rutgers Scarlet Knights 80, American University Eagles 71
Another night and another lackluster showing for Rutgers against a lower-tier opponent. While Rutgers got hte job done, American University was able to keep things annoyingly close, thanks in large part to a fast start that certainly upset Scarlet Knight fans. Fortunately, Dylan Grant’s 22 points and 11 rebounds was enough to push Rutgers to a win.
The Scarlet Knights improved to 4-0 with the win and the team will now prepare for another tune up game against Central Connecticut at home on Friday.
–No. 19 UCLA Bruins 79, Sacramento State Hornets 48
The Bruins continued showing improved play on Tuesday, taking care of business against Sacramento State at home. Eric Dailey led the way with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Trent Perry also had 11 points. UCLA’s defense also looked improved, holding the Hornets to just 0.68 points per possession. UCLA will now get a few days off before hosting Presbyterian on Friday.
–Washington Huskies 99, Southern Jaguars 93 (2OT)
This was a ridiculously close game that took two extra sessions to decide before Washington eeked out a 99-93 win. Wesley Yates led the way with 23 points and six rebounds in his 37 minutes of action. Quimari Peterson also played an absurd 50 (!!!) minutes in the win.
Obviously, Husky fans weren’t pleased with how close the game was, considering Washington entered as a solid favorite. The biggest worry would normally be about how the wear and tear of a game like this would carry over into future matchups. However, Washington will be off until Thanksgiving, so the team will get some time to recover before facing Nevada in Palm Springs. The team will need a better effort to win that one.
