Wednesday, March 02, 2005
More on IU Basketball
Back in December and January, I was complaining about IU Coach Mike Davis and his job with the team. Over the past few weeks, Davis has changed my point of view. The team has played great basketball, with big wins at Michigan, Purdue, and at home over Michigan State. While the team lost last night, their inspired play is clearly better than during the pre-Big Ten losing streak. Davis deserves another shot next season, when he should have the talent in place to compete for a Big Ten Championship and NCAA Tournament spoils. In January I thought getting 10 wins in the Big Ten would be a tall order, but with a win Saturday on Senior Day against Northwestern, IU will reach 10 wins heading into the Big Ten Tournament. If IU wins the 4-5 game (likely against Minnesota), IU would be 16-12 heading into a potential showdown with #1 Illinois.
I'm going to call it right now, IU beats Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, ending the Illini's hopes for a perfect season. The win sends IU to the NCAA Tournament, where it will probably get a #10 seed and have to pull a first round upset against a team from the ACC or Big East. Mark it down. I'll see how accurate I am on March 17 or 18.
Update - Today's Bracketology on ESPN has Texas Tech at a #7 seed playing #10 seed Minnesota. If IU beats Minnesota next week in the 4-5 game, put IU in that slot. Come on Tournament Committee, please pair up Texas Tech and IU! It would be a ratings blockbuster - Bob Knight facing IU for the first time as Texas Tech Coach. Just the thought of the potential match up has me giddy for March Madness.
I'm going to call it right now, IU beats Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, ending the Illini's hopes for a perfect season. The win sends IU to the NCAA Tournament, where it will probably get a #10 seed and have to pull a first round upset against a team from the ACC or Big East. Mark it down. I'll see how accurate I am on March 17 or 18.
Update - Today's Bracketology on ESPN has Texas Tech at a #7 seed playing #10 seed Minnesota. If IU beats Minnesota next week in the 4-5 game, put IU in that slot. Come on Tournament Committee, please pair up Texas Tech and IU! It would be a ratings blockbuster - Bob Knight facing IU for the first time as Texas Tech Coach. Just the thought of the potential match up has me giddy for March Madness.
