Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: 2018-19 non-conference grades for each team

By Ryan Kay

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 and Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a three point play during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Crisler Center on November 28, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated North Carolina Tar Heels 84-67. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 and Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a three point play during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Crisler Center on November 28, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated North Carolina Tar Heels 84-67. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Northwestern Wildcats

Overall Non-Conference Record:       9-2

Neutral Court Games Record:             2-1

Record versus Power 5 opponents:   2-1

Most Impressive wins: Utah and Georgia Tech

Least Impressive Loss (Based on margin of defeat and other factors): Fresno State

Overall Grade: C

Northwestern did not play any true road games in non-conference play and their two quality wins look good in name only as both Utah and Georgia Tech are not having good seasons thus far. The loss on a neutral floor to Fresno State by 19 points was not a good game at all for the Wildcats. Northwestern had a chance for redemption with a home contest with Oklahoma a quality opponent but lost at home. The Wildcats look to be very competitive in Big Ten play this January.

Ohio State

Overall Non-Conference Record:     10-1

True Road Games Record:                    2-0

Neutral Court Games Record:             1-0

Record versus Power 5 opponents:   2-1

Most Impressive wins: At Cincinnati and At Creighton

Least Impressive Loss (Based on margin of defeat and other factors): Syracuse

Overall Grade: B +

Ohio State not only beat an in-state rival on the road, they beat a good quality opponent in Cincinnati. The Buckeyes also have two true road wins as well in non-conference play. Ohio State, however, has played two bad non-conference games with a two-point home victory against a middle of the road mid-major opponent in Bucknell and a double-digit loss to a Syracuse team that is not good this season at home. However, the Buckeyes have overall played well and non-conference play and look to compete for a Big Ten title this season.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Overall Non-Conference Record:      7-4

True Road Games Record:                  1-2

Neutral Court Games Record:            1-2

Record versus Power 5 opponents: 1-2

Most Impressive wins: Virginia Tech and at Duquesne

Least Impressive Losses (Based on margin of defeat and other factors): Home loss to Bradley and at DePaul

Overall Grade: C-

You can’t fault Penn State for their non-conference scheduling as they went out on the road and played some decent to quality opponents. They gave top 10 ranked Virginia Tech their only loss of the season and even in some of the Nittany Lions losses, they were very competitive games as the loss in overtime by 2 at DePaul and by 3 on a neutral court to Bradley. Penn State played 6 games away from home and they look to use that as an advantage when the play on the road in Big Ten play.

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