In a blink, the script can flip. Just look at the unanticipated neck-and-neck race in the Big Ten.
Champaign thanks you, THE Ohio State.
Four days after head coach Chris Holtmann was fired, the Buckeyes stunningly played spirited basketball against conference behemoth Purdue, an inevitable NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed. Entering the contest No. 93 overall per BartTorvik and north of No. 250 in eFG offense and defense over the previous 30 days, Ohio State channeled the ghosts of Jim Jackson, Greg Oden and Scoonie Penn, scoring an uncharacteristic 1.18 points per possession while committing only six turnovers in a 73-69 victory at Value City Arena.
Because of Brutus Buckeye, Illinois — long thought to be tethered to a breathing machine before the upset occurred in Columbus — received a new lease on life. Only 1 1/2 games out of first, the Orange and Blue have more than a fighting chance of grabbing at least a share of the Big Ten title for the second time in three years.
To reach the summit, Brad Underwood’s club must handle business against the meek (Penn State, Iowa and Minnesota) and rise to the occasion against the mighty (Wisconsin and Purdue). Most attractively, the Zach Edey rematch is in Champaign on March 2. For that hyped matchup, ticket prices inside State Farm Center are sure to match the Orange Crush’s decibel reading.
"I-L-L!"
— Live on the Line (@LiveontheLine) February 19, 2024
-@NoisyHuevos trying to get you to bet Illinois to win the Big Ten 😂 pic.twitter.com/mrB2MriPOh
Recall that Illinois challenged the Boilers in the first tango inside Mackey in January. Though dealing with a sizable deficit for much of the game, the Illini chipped away and nearly overcame a 66-45 hole with 11:30 to go in the second half. Ultimately, they fell short 83-78, but, as Purdue has shown at times this season, it hasn’t closed with conviction.
With Terrence Shannon again executing at an All-American level, Coleman Hawkins beating fools on all points at both ends and Marcus Domask beating the opposition with slick finishes and fadeaways, Illinois is quite the +1500 value (at DraftKings) to win the Big Ten. Keep in mind, the Illini are No. 4 in offensive efficiency since January 19, netting an absurd 1.275 points per possession.
Is this I-L-L graduate biased? Possibly, but the line value, similar to the local Central Illinois pork, is delicious.