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Ryne Smith is continuing his scoring blitz in Big Ten play. After averaging just five points per game in Big Ten play the junior sharpshooter had his fourth straight game of 13 or more Sunday as Purdue blasted Iowa 75-52. Smith had 18 points on 6 of 8 3-point shooting, shocking the crowd with a late miss. The junior has hit on 13 of his last 15 3-point attempts and is averaging 17 points per game in Big Ten play.
Purdue stayed in first place early int he Big Ten season at 4-0 in conference play. JaJuan Johnson add 16 points and both Kelsey Barlow and E’Twaun Moore had 11 as the boilermakers led by as much as 30 at one point. Their defense stifled the Hawkeyes into 36.5% shooting from the field.
South Bend, IN (Sports Network) – Ben Hansbrough scored a career-high 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, and No. 14 Notre Dame was never challenged by St. John’s in a 76-61 win that handed the Red Storm their first loss in Big East play.
The Fighting Irish (14-2, 3-1 Big East) could have melted the two feet of snow outside the Joyce Center by shooting a scorching 51 percent from the field.
Tim Abromaitis chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds and Scott Martin went for 12 and eight, as Notre Dame continued to roll following Tuesday’s win over nationally-ranked Connecticut.
St. John’s (10-4, 3-1), on the other hand, failed to build on an upset win over Georgetown earlier in the week, shooting a meager 38 percent in the loss. Justin Brownlee posted team-highs of 17 points and seven boards.
Neither team shot well in the opening five minutes, but Notre Dame scored on three straight possessions — highlighted by two Hansbrough three-pointers — to take a 15-4 lead with a little under 13 minutes left in the half.
Notre Dame ended the half shooting 7-of-12 from long range and scored the final nine points of the stanza to build a 44-25 cushion.
Two D.J. Kennedy free throws cut the deficit to 46-33 less than four minutes into the second half, but the Irish took control from there.
Jack Cooley converted a three-point play at the 12-minute mark for some added breathing room, and an 11-0 stretch a little later, fittingly capped by a Hansbrough three-pointer, put the game away.
Notre Dame improved to 11-0 at home…The Red Storm had opened conference play with three consecutive wins for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign. They won their previous five games coming in…The Fighting Irish own a 20-16 series lead…Dwayne Polee II scored 12 points for St. John’s.
It didn't take long Friday night for Butler to take control of their critical match-up with Horizon League leader Cleveland St, as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 26-7 lead in the first 10 minutes and never looked back, en route to a 79-56 beatdown of the Vikings at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler hit 10 of their first 14 shots to help jump out to that huge lead, including making their first three 3 pointers.
Sophomore C Andrew Smith led the way for the Bulldogs with a career high 22 points, well over his season average of 7, and added 10 rebounds. Smith was 7 for 9 from the floor, and a perfect 8-8 from the foul line. Matt Howard added 17 for the Bulldogs, who stayed out of foul trouble in the first half, helping spring the big run. Ronald Nored had 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists as well.
Cleveland St. G Norris Cole led all scorers with 26, as well as 10 rebounds. This was only the second loss of the season for the Vikings, who lost to West Virginia earlier this season. Butler now sits a half game behind CSU in the Horizon League standings at 3-1, and 11-5 on the season overall. They host Youngstown St. on Sunday afternoon.
If you're a fan of college basketball in Indiana this weekend is for you. Starting tonight, all three days feature at least four games involving teams from the Hoosier State. Small schools Butler, Valparaiso, and IPFW all have critical conference games, while Notre Dame, Louisville, Indiana, and Purdue each continue their Big East and Big Ten play. Here is what is on tap around the state this weekend:
Friday:
Cleveland State (15-1, 4-0) at Butler (10-5, 2-1)
This may be the biggest game of the weekend, and it is critical for Butler to defend its home court after getting whacked at Wisconsin-Milwaukee earlier this week. Cleveland State has its toughest two conference games this weekend when it plays both Indiana schools on the road in Horizon League play. Should the Vikings sweep, they may be in line for an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament, while Butler would see their own at large chances diminish. At the very least, Cleveland State could lead the Horizon league by two full games with both of its road contests against its nearest challengers out of the way. Butler's profile took a major hit with the 76-52 loss at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Bulldogs can still get an at large bid, but winning the regular season Horizon League title would be a good idea. That becomes more difficult with a loss at home to Cleveland State.
The Vikings currently boast a top 25 RPI and their lone loss was at West Virginia. They sit alone atop the Horizon League standings at 4-0 thanks to Norris Cole, who averages almost 21 points per game. Their offense, averaging 73 per game, will test Butler's normally stout defense. It is critical for Matt Howard to stay out of foul trouble, something that plagued him against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Youngtown State (6-7, 1-3) at Valparaiso (10-5, 2-1)
Valpo gets what should be a win before hosting Cleveland State on Sunday. Like Butler, the Crusaders need to keep pace with Cleveland State and take advantage of their one chance against the Vikings at home. Valpo is already a game down after losing at Hinkle Fieldhouse last week, and likely has no at large chances unlike the other two Horizon favorites. Still, they can have a say in the league thanks to Brandon Wood.
Northern Iowa (10-5, 1-2) at Indiana State (7-7, 2-1)
The Sycamores are off to a solid 2-1 start and they host last year's NCAA darling Northern Iowa tonight. The Panthers were the Missouri Valley favorites coming in, but they have stumbled out of the gate and blown any at large chances they once had. The Trees are looking for a top 6 finish so they can avoid playing on the first day of Arch Madness, and so far their lone conference loss was at Evansville. Their 2-1 start has come with wins over the only two winless teams in conference play. The last one, over Illinois State, came without leading scorer Dwayne Lathan.
Evansville (7-6, 1-2) at Missouri State (11-3, 3-0)
The Purple Aces travel to MVC leader Missouri State, who is coached by former Purdue star Cuonzo Martin. Martin has gotten eh Bears off to a great start in his second season as head coach, and he is hoping to take Missouri State to its first NCAA Tournament since 1999 when Indiana legend Steve Alford had them in the Sweet 16
Saturday:
St. John's (10-3, 3-0) at Notre Dame (13-2, 2-1)
Notre Dame has been hot at home, while the Red Storm has been hot period. Steve Lavin and Gene Keady have revitalized the St. John's program, and a win at Notre Dame would have them in the discussion for the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Irish have consecutive wins over top 10 foes at home, however, so they won't fear St. John's. Tim Abromaitis has been especially hot of late for Notre Dame.
Ball State (8-4, 0-0 at Northern Illinois (4-8, 0-0)
Ball State begins conference play with the best record in its division of the MAC, making them an early favorite for the MAC title. If they can maintain that success they could play in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years. They open at Northern Illinois, a fellow West Division opponent. Jarrod Jones leads Ball State at 16.6 points per game.
IUPUI (8-9, 2-2) at IPFW (10-4, 5-0)
One could call this the alphabet bowl, but the Mastodons and Jaguars meet for the first time this season in Ft. Wayne with Summit League implications on the line. IPFW, led by Ben Botts, sits in first place with Oakland, while IUPUI dropped a game to the Golden Grizzlies 85-71 Thursday night. Their second game will be played on February 3rd at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Michigan State (10-4, 2-0) at Penn State (8-6, 1-2)
Saturday's lone Big Ten game could be interesting since Michigan State has historically had a rough time playing at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center. The Spartans barely escaped Northwestern this week after surrendering a double digit lead with three minutes to play. Purdue held Talor Battle in check, but Jermaine Marshall came out of nowhere to score 18 against the Boilermakers.
Sunday:
Louisville (12-2, 1-0) at South Florida (6-10, 0-3)
Louisville should have an easy time against the last place Bulls. South Florida only averages 61 points per game, making them one of the lowest scoring teams in Division I. The Cardinals counter by being one of the most balanced teams.
Iowa (7-7, 0-2) at Purdue (14-1, 3-0)
This should be Purdue's last breather before the schedule toughens up with trips to Minnesota and West Virginia next week. The Boilermakers have been pleasantly surprised by Ryne Smith, who after averaging five points per game in non-conference play, has exploded for 50 points in the three Big Ten games. His 16.667 average against conference opponents gives Purdue three of the top five scorers in Big Ten games. Iowa's Melsahn Basabe had 22 points and 13 rebounds earlier this week against Ohio State, but the freshman will find reproducing those results against JaJuan Johnson difficult.
Indiana (9-7, 0-3) at Northwestern (9-4, 0-3)
Both of these teams are already in emergency mode for their postseason hopes. Indiana must win this game if it wants to salvage anything, while the Wildcats have missed on three chances against Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois to get a big win for their NCAA profile. If Northwestern is going to finally make the NCAA Tournament they simply cannot afford a loss to the Hoosiers. John Shurna has been held back by a sprained ankle of late, but Northwestern must still find a way to hold serve at home.
Kansas (14-0) at Michigan (11-4)
The Wolverines challenged Syracuse earlier in the season, so a home non-conference game against the third ranked Jayhawks is an excellent opportunity for both Michigan and the Big Ten conference. A Michigan win would thrust the Wolverines into the NCAA Tournament discussion. It would also boost the profile of every team in the conference.
Minnesota (12-3, 1-2) at Ohio State (15-0, 2-0)
The Golden Gophers need to win this game or their dreams of challenging for the Big Ten title will be over. They have already dropped games against Michigan State and Wisconsin on the road and they must host Purdue this week. The matchup between Jared Sullinger and both Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson should be fun to watch.
Youngtown State at Butler
Butler gets a much easier task on Sunday against the Penguins, but they cannot avoid a letdown if they beat Cleveland State on Friday.
Cleveland State at Valparaiso
This is Valparaiso's turn at Cleveland State. The Crusaders would very much like to stay in the Horizon League title discussion, but winning this game at home is a must.
Indiana State at Drake
The Sycamores need to get separation from the bottom of the conference, and Drake (6-8, 1-2) is the type of team they need to beat in order to avoid a first day game in the conference tournament.
Creighton at Evansville
Creighton is one of the conference favorites, so the Purple Aces face a difficult home challenge on Sunday.
College Basketball: Purdue, Butler, Valparaiso, and Louisville Remain On Top
A busy Sunday of college basketball has seen a bevy of Hoosier State teams stay at or near the top of their respective conferences. Here is the full update from Sunday's action:
Purdue - The Boilermakers continued to roll through Big Ten play with their fourth straight double-digit conference win. Purdue stomp Iowa 75-52 behind another stellar shooting display from junior guard Ryne Smith. Wmith had 18 and his fourth straight game in double figures. He is averaging 17 points per game in Big Ten play after averaging only five during the non-conference season.
Louisville - The Cardinals moved to 2-0 in the Big East with an 86-77 road win at South Florida. Five Louisville players reached double figures with Indianapolis' own Stephan Van Treese scoring a season high 12.
Butler - The Bulldogs struggled to put away Youngstown State, but a tip in by Andrew Smith with a minute left broke a 79-79 tie and Butler went on to win 84-79. Shelvin Mack had 28 points and Matt Howard 26.
Valparaiso - The Crusaders helped Butler out by knocking off Cleveland State 64-58 at home. The Vikings, who came into the weekend as the last unbeaten team in Horizon League play, had an 0 for 2 trip to the Hoosier State Thanks to 20 points from Cory Johnson. Valpo, Butler, Detroit, and Wright State are all tied for the Horizon lead at 4-1 in conference play, with 4-2 Cleveland State a half game back.
Evansville - The Purple Aces dropped a home game today to Creighton 74-69 to fall to 1-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Their lone win came over Indiana State
Indiana State - The Sycamores have been a surprise so far in Missouri Valley play, sitting in second place at 4-1 after a 62-57 win over Drake today. Their lone loss came at Evansville. Carl Richard led the Trees with 17 in the win over Drake.
Jan 09 7:41p by Travis Miller - 0 comments