Michigan-Ohio State rivalry takes Big Ten center stage

• Published date: 11 February 2022
• Publication title: The China Post

A look at the weekend action around the Big Ten Conference:

GAME OF THE WEEKEND

Michigan (13-9, 7-5) is trying to play its way back into title contention, and Saturday's game against No. 16 Ohio State could dictate whether either team remains in the hunt. The defending regular-season champion Wolverines are facing their fourth game in eight days, the result of schedule changes stemming from an earlier COVID-19 outbreak. And, after facing No. 3 Purdue (21-4, 10-4) twice during that stretch, they welcome their most bitter rival to Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes (14-6, 7-4), meanwhile, are trying to keep pace with three teams tied for the conference lead - the Boilermakers, No. 13 Illinois and No. 14 Wisconsin. A win would keep Ohio State within one loss of all three.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jaden Ivey, Purdue. The 6-foot-4 guard just keeps turning heads and, after scoring 22 of his 26 points in the second half of Tuesday's 84-68 victory over No. 13 Illinois, Ivey may be the frontrunner for player of the year. Coach Matt Painter told reporters Ivey had improved greatly, even since November, and he's increasingly becoming a matchup nightmare. If he keeps it up, the Boilermakers - with their strong inside game - should have the balance they need to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

TEAM TO WATCH

Wisconsin's victory over Michigan State put the Badgers (19-4, 10-3) back in the lead pack. Now they have a chance to really assert themselves. Six of their last seven games are against unranked teams. Two of...