Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, March 21, 2014
Former Nebraska coach Doc Sadler isn?t envious of the success Tim Miles is having as Cornhuskers coach. To the contrary: The current Iowa State assistant is enjoying it.
By the way: Sadler recruited Ray Gallegos, Shavon Shields and Benny Parker, who will attempt to deliver Nebraska?s first ever NCAA victory as it takes on Baylor. I think it will happen, people. I wonder if Huskers fans know that spring football is going on.
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It?s always nice to get that first win of the tourney under your belt. And that?s just what Big Ten champ Michigan did yesterday.
Was it a ho-hum win? Unimpressive? Pedestrian? Who cares? It was a win.
?Wofford is a good team,? Jordan Morgan said. ?They played us defensively really well. There?s obviously a talent disproportion, but I think they played us really well. They guarded us well and they guarded our action.?
What?s interesting is it was Michigan?s oft-criticized defense that won this one. Here is video of Caris LeVert and Glenn Robinson III discussing the Wolverines? first March step.
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Michigan State also opened with a victory. And it was the Adreian Payne Show, as the big fella tallied 41 points. But lost in the glow of MSU?s win and Payne?s point fest over Delaware was the play of Travis Trice, who had 19 points. The kid has been on a role of late.
?Travis has been really good,? Tom Izzo said. ?He?s been good in practice, he?s making shots, and it?s been more than just the Big Ten tournament. I think he was Sixth Man of the Year-worthy and … he?s a better defender than people give him credit for. He is playing very well.?
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Wisconsin joined Michigan and Michigan State as Big Ten winners on Thursday. And the Badgers were the most impressive of all, hammering American by 40 points.
Could this be a Final Four team? Think about it. Here is a nice photo gallery from the Badgers? victory.
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Unlike Wisconsin, Michigan and Michigan State, Ohio State?s NCAA run was short ? very short, ending with a loss to Dayton yesterday. One-and-done for the Buckeyes, who season was a series of fits and starts and left many unsatisfied.
As Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com put it: This was a team that just never got it. Still, it was a tough way to see gritty Aaron Craft end his career. Was he fouled on that last shot?
While Craft is gone, will LaQuinton Ross follow by declaring early for the NBA draft? I think the guy needs some more work. His disappearing act yesterday is more proof of that.
Iowa?s season is over. And so is the career of Roy Devyn Marble, who said ?good-bye? to Hawkeyes fans via Instagram.
http://instagram.com/p/lycsVBRrm8/#
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TWEETS THAT MATTER
Every year, someone says a No. 16 seed will beat a No. 1 seed some year. That's one more foolish belief that holds the human race back.
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) March 21, 2014
My take: It will happen one day ? I think ? maybe.
John Beilein is now on win No. 699 … and I bet he's completely unaware of that fact.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) March 21, 2014
My take: Another reason to love Beilein.
Big Dog Robinson showed on the big screen and gets a huge cheer from the crowd where he played
— Mark Snyder (@Mark__Snyder) March 21, 2014
My take: Nice.
Chris Webber has not played in six years, but he is all over my TV screen. I will never understand how advertising works.
— Rob Oller (@rollerCD) March 21, 2014
My take: Amen.
There were 16 players from Minnesota in NCAA tournament and half were on rosters of NDSU, Harvard & St. Louis. All advance. #minnygottalent
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) March 21, 2014
My take: Yes.
Healthy Adreian Payne = Big Ten player of the year and Spartans at least sharing the conference title. He's going for 40 today.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) March 20, 2014
My take: Not gonna argue with that.
So it's Oregon, 87-68 winner over BYU, for #Badgers. One writer in media room just predicted UW has no shot.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) March 20, 2014
My take: Funny guy.
Pretty sure that's not true. RT @MagicJohnson: Spartan Nation: We are going to have to play our best game of the year to beat Harvard.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 21, 2014
My take: Yes, a slight overstatement.