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Big ten notes
Illini still looking for big win
Bubble team might need a signature victory to get into the tourney, but the schedule offers few opportunities.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The University of Illinois probably has the easiest Big Ten men's basketball schedule. For coach Bruce Weber, that's not necessarily good.
The Illini (18-9, 6-6 Big Ten) played No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Wisconsin just once apiece — both Illinois home losses. The schedule rotation may have eliminated two more losses. Or, one huge victory.
Extras
"Before the season, we were probably happy we didn't have the chance," Weber said during Monday's Big Ten teleconference. "I think now, you wish you could have them.
"We had them early and we were going through some transition of new players and injuries. I guess now you wish you could play them again to get that marquee win if you had that opportunity late in the season."
Illinois could be an NCAA tournament bubble team. An upset of the Buckeyes or Badgers in the Big Ten tournament would change that.
"We've just got to get ourselves situated where we are up in the top half of the league in the end," Weber said. "Then, hopefully, you get a chance to play them again either on Saturday or Sunday (March 10 or 11) in Chicago."
Movin' on up
Ohio State (22-3, 10-1) has won nine straight and ascended to second in both major polls. Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said he hasn't paid much attention to rankings since November.
But after Saturday's tight 63-56 victory against Purdue, Matta said he and his players understand being a target.
"We're in a unique position here," he said. "Last year, we were trying to climb up. Right now, people are trying to knock us off. I think that takes a special element of toughness and mind-set when you take the court."
Cook's next step
Daequan Cook averaged 15.9 points in Ohio State's first 13 games and 7.7 in the last 12. Part of that is Greg Oden's return and Mike Conley Jr.'s scoring.
But Matta said it also has to do with scouting. "Your No. 1 move is going to be taken away — let's give the other team credit," Matta said. "Now you've got to be able to counter and do those things. (Cook) can do that."
Cook is second (.457) in Big Ten 3-point shooting. But Matta said the Dunbar High School product can hit midrange shots and drive more: "When he puts his entire game together — he's knocking down 3s; he's driving, finishing, getting fouled — I think he's a great player."
Players of the week
Conley shared the honors with Wisconsin's Alando Tucker. Conley averaged 18.5 points and 5.0 assists in wins over Michigan and Purdue. Conley scored a career-high 23 points against Michigan.
Tucker averaged 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in victories against Penn State and Iowa. Tucker also became the second Badger and 23rd Big Ten player to eclipse 2,000 points. He is 128 points away from breaking Michael Finley's school record.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951
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