The Big Ten tournament is in the books and our beloved Buckeyes have won it all. On a roll to close the regular season the Bucks swept into Chicago and took care of Nebraska, Michigan State and Wisconsin to claim the crown. We’ll discuss all things hoops, it’s Wednesday, let’s rumble!

Big Ten tournament CHAMPIONS

B1G Tournament

Another Big Ten tournament has come and gone. Many expected the 2013 version to be a knock down, drag out brawl. Did it live up to the hype and expectations?

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Tags: Aaron Craft, Akron Zips, Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Cody Zeller, East Region, Indiana Basketball, Kansas Jayhawks, Keith Dambrot, Marcus Smart, Miami basketball, Michael Carter-Williams, NCAA Tournament, Ohio State basketball, Otto Porter Jr., Roy Williams, Shaka Smart, Thad Matta, VCU Rams, Victor Oladipo, West Regional
Categories: Analysis, Basketball Analysis, College Basketball, Humor, Miscellaneous, Ohio State Basketball

Lots of excitement in your Wednesday updates…

Ah, balloons...

Buckeye Hoops 411

• Congrats are in order! Not only are the Buckeyes headed to the Final Four, but Jared Sullinger was named an All American this week, the first back-to-back honor of that kind since 2009.  His booty was named Honorable Mention as well… nice work.
• This is the most Aaron Craft thing ever-  It just is… trust me.  #Swoon
• Revenge, of sorts- No, I’m not talking about the “payback” angle for this week’s Kansas game, I want to talk about officiating. Since Ohio State has made the final four, that means that officials from their region are disqualified from officiating those games. So, in other words, Ted Valentine and Ed Hightower are benched for Championship weekend.  I’m sure they’ll join the BBN livechat for all the excitement, though.
• Bon Voyage- If you’re in Columbus, you’ve got no reason not to head down to High Street this afternoon to wish the Hoopsters well as they begin their journey to the National Title.  If you don’t want to actually say “bon voyage”, signs and other stuff are appropriate; this alternate moment in French, though, is not.

Buckeye Football 411

• The Wait Is Over! As you’re reading this, the Ohio State football team is preparing for it’s first practice of the spring; and the coaches are as excited as the fans are, it seems. Be on the lookout for news and notes from today’s open practice, as well as a great preview from the Athletic Department later Wednesday. As happy as Buckeye fans are to see the new regime, I’d have to say Badger cheerleaders were even more excited.
• Tonight! We Dine In The WHAC!!!! Monday was the “Champion’s Dinner” as a reward for hard work during spring conditioning, and while details are still forthcoming we know that there was a relatively small number of Buckeyes who were honored for their efforts in the classroom, weightroom, and on the practice field. Sounds as if the “winners” were treated to filet and other goodies, while the rest of the team had “grilling” fare- hot dogs, burgers, etc.  Please note that I said “grilling”…

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Tags: 2012 Final Four, Aaron Craft, Brady Hoke, Champion's Dinner, Ed Hightower, Illinois, Jared Sullinger, Jeff Boals, John Groce, Kansas Jayhawks, Kerry Coombs, Mark Titus, Nick Saban, Ohio University, Penn State, Rick Pitino, Spring Football 2012, Ted Valentine, Urban Meyer, Woody Hayes
Categories: College Basketball, Humor, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

Early in the college basketball season it’s not uncommon to see a high-scoring game, at least for one of the teams involved in any particular matchup.  With a diet heavy in cupcakes in the early going, elite teams are given an opportunity to light up the scoreboard at least a few times as they simply overpower weaker opponents and work on the jump shots and fast break drives they hope to use later in the season in a more limited fashion.  However, there are times when two top level teams get together well into the season and have a good old fashioned shootout.  Such was the case on Monday night in Lawrence when the Kansas Jayhawks played host to the Missouri Tigers.

The final score on the night was 103-86 in favor of Kansas.  The Jayhawks shot a blistering 60.7% from the field and 57.9% from three, which is always going to give you a good shot at picking up a W.  The Kansas scoring was complemented by an impressive 23 assists, and for good measure the team recorded 38 rebounds, 14 of which came on the offensive end.  The Tigers’ field goal percentage of 51.7% would draw the praise of most coaches and commentators on a typical night, but on this date it simply wasn’t enough.  Missouri bested Kansas in the free throw department, shooting 18-22 from the line, but only logged 20 rebounds and ended up having three different players foul out before the game was over. Read More

Tags: Bill Self, Brady Morningstar, Kansas Jayhawks, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Matt Pressey, Missouri Tigers, Phil Pressey
Categories: College Basketball