This time Northwestern could not upset Wisconsin who convincingly won the game and the Big Ten Title outright. Congratulations to Wisconsin.

However, Wisconsin fans are the biggest bunch of babies I have seen (and heard). Two guys in front of me, the man to my left and the man to my right complained about calls against Wisconsin the entire game. Then, of course, when calls went against Northwestern, they acted like it was the “right” call. I kept thinking (after my ears stopped ringing) – are Wisconsin fans that worried that 1-16 Northwestern may upset Wisconsin and make Wisconsin “share” the Big Ten Title? I mean come on! Take this game off from your obsessing behavior. I can understand being worried if Northwestern was ahead, but you had a 9 point lead at halftime. At that point, you should be smoking your cigars (figuratively – no smoking in the arena) and enjoying your Big Ten Title. Save your energy for the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. When are you going to enjoy your success? A final game against Northwestern is the perfect time. Also, there is no way Northwestern is coming back from 9 points (let alone 2 points) against the #10 team in the country.

So a little bit of advice to all you Big Ten fans out there. Only be concerned if Northwestern is ahead with 10 minutes left in the second half. Even then, you are probably safe.

As for getting a ticket – I barely missed a free one as I walked into the arena. Of course, the guy was a Wisconsin fan and gave the freebie to a kid wearing Wisconsin gear. The game was sold out but I found another fan who wanted face value ($20) for his ticket.

Pre Game Comments
For the 3rd time this season, I will see Northwestern host a Big Ten team ranked in the Top 15. The first game, against Michigan St., Northwestern was never really in the game. The second game, versus Indiana, I had envisions of storming the court before Indiana “squeaked” by with a victory.

The last time I saw Wisconsin play in Evanston was 4 years ago. The Badgers were ranked #11 in the country at the time and Northwestern won the game by 18. Hopefully, today will be a repeat of that game.