In Reply to: A little to look forward to posted by mh on January 11, 2025 at 20:21:18
Other than maybe Rutgers, Penn State, and Washington (a team that also has improved from when the Bruins beat them) that's a pretty tall order.
I believe the other 5 will be very tough outs for the Bruins, even at Pauley. Iowa (12-4) for example is the leading scoring team in the Big 10 at 89.9 a game. They just finished beating Nebraska earlier this week and beat Indiana this evening 85 to 60 (I watched that game). Iowa is reasonably big at 6'10 and three others at 6'8, athletic, tough and really shoot the three point well (39% as a team with 3 players out of their top 6 shooting 40% plus and another at 39%). Against Indiana this even they were 11 for 24.
The others include 13-3 Wisconsin (big team with a 7',248lb and 6'11, 240lb, both averaging in double figures). Their guards are big 6'4 to 6'5 200 lbs +) and are their leading scorers. Recently beat Iowa 116 to 85. They have 5 players in double figures. Lost earlier to Michigan by only 3 points. Very tough out.
And then there is USC who is playing very good basketball yesterday beating Illinois at the Illini's home court 82 to 72. After that it's Oregon (who is playing very well) and Michigan State.
Mich State is also a big, very physical and strong team. Their bigs go 7'245, 6'11,245, 6'9 245 and 6'9, 240. All average 14+ minutes a game. They are currently 13-2 and have won their last 8 games including a 37 point win over Nebraska and last game beat Washington by 34. Also beat North Carolina earlier in December.
To my way of thinking and after watching the Bruins struggle in losing their last 3 games, I believe those computer projections are way off in the 8 games coming up. Hope I'm wrong though as I'd gladly take 8 consecutive wins.