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Big Ten Basketball: What each team is thankful for so far in 2019-20

By Ryan Kay

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 14: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates the win over the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on November 14, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 76-73. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 14: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates the win over the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on November 14, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 76-73. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Luka Garza #55 of the Iowa Hawkeyes handles the ball during the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Luka Garza #55 of the Iowa Hawkeyes handles the ball during the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Iowa – The Hawkeyes have the leading scorer among Big Ten players

Luka Garza is the player averaging the most points per game among all Big Ten players currently. Garza is also currently the only Big Ten player averaging 20 or more points in non-conference play. He will be tested as the Hawkeyes have some tough non-conference opponents coming up.

Penn State – The Nittany Lions impressive road victory in the Gavitt Tipoff Games

The Nittany Lions are off to a strong start with their only lose being a two point loss to Ole Miss in the NIT Season Tip-Off. What Penn State should be thankful for is their impressive road victory over Georgetown int he Gavitt Tipoff Games. The Nittany Lions showed that night that they are a team to be taken seriously with their 15 point victory over the Hoyas.

Illinois – They have scored 117 or more points their past two games

The Fighting Illini are off to a strong start at 6-1 this season. They lost their only non-conference marquee game this season at Arizona but have played well for the most part in their other games thus far this season. Granted they have played two inferior opponents their last two game but to score 117 and 120 points in back to back college basketball games is impressive and something to be thankful for.

Rutgers – They beat the team that won at Duke by double digits

Yes, the Scarlet Knights are won five of their first six games but their win against Stephen F. Austin is something to be thankful for especially since the very next game for the Lumberjacks resulted in a road victory at No. 1 ranked Duke. Rutgers wants to make a leap this season from last season where they have shown glimmers of hope for the future. The Scarlet Knights will look to use the non-conference schedule this holiday season as an opportunity to prove to themselves that they can compete in conference play.

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