Big Ten Basketball Weekly: A Week of Triumphs and Thrills

Men's Basketball Highlights

Game of the Week: No. 3 Michigan defeats Oregon, 81-71

The Wolverines bounced back from a shocking home loss to the Badgers by heading west to face Oregon. The second half of this matchup was a showcase of Michigan's resilience as they soared, shooting a blistering 60% from the field to secure the victory despite trailing at halftime.

Player of the Week: David “Diggy” Coit (Maryland)

In a week bursting with talent, Coit's 43-point explosion against Penn State stood out. Not only did he become the first Terp since Nik Caner-Medley to notch back-to-back 30-point games, but he also set a new record at XFINITY Center. His first-half dominance was particularly stunning, outpacing the entire Penn State squad in scoring.

Team of the Week: Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers have emerged as one of the most captivating stories of the season, achieving their highest AP poll ranking at No. 7. With dominant victories over Oregon and Northwestern, their 96.4 defensive rating—ranking 12th nationally—proves they are more than just a feel-good story; they're a serious contender for March Madness.

• Freshman of the Week: Braden Frager (Nebraska) - Frager showcased his sharpshooting prowess, racking up 23 points against Oregon and following up with 20 against Northwestern. His partnership with Pryce Sandfort has become a potent weapon for the Huskers.
• Clutch Performance of the Week: John Blackwell (Wisconsin) - With the Badgers relying on a last-second jump shot to clinch a thrilling win at Minnesota, Blackwell proved he could deliver when the stakes were highest.

Women's Basketball Highlights

Game of the Week: Wisconsin edges Oregon, 94-92 (2OT)

Fans were treated to a nail-biter as Wisconsin and Oregon battled it out in a game that required two overtime periods to resolve. With 14 ties and 12 lead changes, this marked a pivotal win for the Badgers, snapping their three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion.

Player of the Week: Berry Wallace (Illinois)

Wallace's week was radiant, highlighted by a career-high against Northwestern. Scoring 29 points and dominating the boards with nine rebounds, she was instrumental in leading the Illini to a crucial victory.

Team of the Week: No. 3 UCLA Bruins

The Bruins continued their roll, impressively defeating No. 15 Maryland by 30 points. With their strong offensive strategies and robust defense, they solidify their position as title contenders heading into the final stretch of the season.

• Freshman of the Week: Addie Deal (Iowa) - Proving her mettle against top-ranked teams, Deal's efficient shooting has provided a much-needed spark off the bench as Iowa climbs the AP rankings.
• Clutch Performance of the Week: Destiny Howell (Wisconsin) - Howell set a new school record for three-pointers with 10 made in a crucial game against Oregon, propelling her team to victory in overtime.

Looking Ahead

As we near the February stretch of the season, the intensity will only rise. Fan favorites like Nebraska and Wisconsin are proving they belong in conversations not just for conference titles but for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament. Prepare for more thrilling matchups and heart-stopping moments—this is the season we live for!