BTN.com staff, BTN.com staff, March 15, 2014
College basketball fans were treated to another outstanding day of the Big Ten tournament. In addition to some great games, we had plenty of exceptional individual performances on the hardwood. With four more games in the book and an exciting semifinal round set up for Saturday, BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart and BTN.com web editor Sean Merriman provide their all-Friday team from Day Two of the tourney.
[ MORE: Which team impressed the most in Friday's semifinals? ]
DIENHART'S ALL-FRIDAY TEAM:
Ben Brust, Wisconsin. He notched a career-high 29 points, more than any other player on this day. The sharp-shooting guard hit 8-of-15 shots overall, 4-of-10 from three-point range, and all nine of his free throws. Brust also had three rebounds and three steals. Simply great.
Branden Dawson, Michigan State. He missed significant time with a broken hand this season. But he looks to be rounding into form. The brawny Dawson muscled in a team-high 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting and yanked down nine rebounds. What a force.
Nik Stauskas, Michigan. He didn?t shoot well from the field, hitting just 4-of-12 overall and 2-of-10 three-point range. But he hit 9-of-10 from the charity stripe en route to scoring 19 points.
LaQuinton Ross, Ohio State. The guy excelled for a second day in succession, pouring in 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Ross connected on 9-of-18 shots as he continues to emerge as a Big Ten star. Ohio State may ride him all the way to the title.
Terran Petteway, Nebraska. He did what he could to lift the Huskers, tallying 20 points with five rebounds and two assists. But, to no avail.
[ MORE: Get Merriman's Best of Day 2 at the Big Ten tourney ]
MERRIMAN'S ALL-FRIDAY TEAM:
Glenn Robinson III, Michigan. The sophomore forward poured in 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Michigan's win over Illinois. A guy who has been inconsistent at times this season was anything but that today.
LaQuinton Ross, Ohio State. For the second day in a row, Ross was the best player on the court. He notched yet another double-double, putting up 26 points and 13 rebounds, while shooting 9-of-18 from the field. Ross is my early favorite for Big Ten Tournament MOP.
Ben Brust, Wisconsin. The Badgers' senior guard shot lights-out in Wisconsin's blowout victory over Minnesota. He poured in a career-high 29 points, which was the highest point total of any Big Ten player on this day. In fact, Brust outscored Wisconsin's other starters. How about that for a stat?
Branden Dawson, Michigan State. After missing a month with a broken hand, it looks like Dawson is officially back, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The bruising forward had a team-high 16 points and nine rebounds for the Spartans. Even more impressive, he shot 8-of-12 from the field in the win. That is huge for this team.
Drew Crawford, Northwestern. The senior forward did everything he could to keep his season and career alive. He scored a game-high 20 points and added four rebounds while playing all but one minute in the game.