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Battle gets Big Ten started on way to winning war with ACC - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Sports News
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Battle gets Big Ten started on way to winning war with ACC

Penn State's Talor Battle had never scored 30 points in a game.

But it happened Monday night at Virginia.

The Big Ten has never won the Big Ten-ACC Challenge.

Keaton Grant and Purdue will try to do their part for the Big Ten against Wake. (AP)  
Keaton Grant and Purdue will try to do their part for the Big Ten against Wake. (AP)  
But it's happening this week, guaranteed.

"Coming into this game, I was struggling from the 3," Battle told reporters after leading Penn State to a 69-66 victory in the first game of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. "I needed a couple of easy baskets, and I got that at the start of the second half, and then I hit a 3, and once I hit that one, I started feeling good. I got a smile on my face and I really had fun in there."

So that's one down, five to go.

Those five are coming, I'm predicting, and I'm not just predicting it after Penn State's win over the Cavaliers. I actually predicted in early November that the Big Ten would win this event, back when I ranked the Big Ten ahead of the ACC in the CBSSports.com conference previews. I listed all 11 games, picked winners in each and, yes, I had Penn State beating Virginia to take a 1-0 advantage.

Now the focus turns to Tuesday night's schedule featuring five matchups, three of which -- North Carolina over Michigan State, Maryland over Indiana and Virginia Tech over Iowa -- I believe the ACC will win to even the series heading into Wednesday. But that's when Minnesota will beat Miami, Michigan will beat Boston College and Ohio State will beat Florida State to give the Big Ten the necessary six wins to clinch.

Now I know what you're thinking: "Hey, Parrish, if you're so smart why'd you have Butler and Clemson playing in the 76 Classic championship game?" To that, I say, let's not dwell on the past. And either way, I'm willing to acknowledge up front that Miami might beat Minnesota just like Florida State might beat Ohio State. But on the other hand, Michigan State might beat North Carolina just like Wisconsin might beat Duke. Point being, it'll work itself out, one way or another and the end result will be the Big Ten -- after 10 consecutive losses in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge -- celebrating a victory in this event for the first time ever.

(Cue the music!)

Need more convincing?

ACC-Big Ten Challenge videos

Michigan State-North Carolina preview

Duke-Wisconsin preview

More ACC-Big Ten Challenge links

Challenge facts and figures

Scoreboard

Consider that home teams are 61-28 all-time in Big Ten/ACC Challenge play, and that the Big Ten -- which entered with home-court advantage -- already has a road win thanks to Penn State winning at Virginia. In other words, six of the final 10 games in this year's event are in Big Ten arenas, and the Big Ten only needs five more wins to clinch. So things are shaping up nicely, and for those who think I'm making a big deal out of this for no reason, I'll have you know this is very much a big deal to the parties involved.

I know because I asked.

"Sure we care," said Clemson coach Oliver Purnell. "If you're a competitor you want to win it."

So badly, in fact, that you find yourself rooting for rivals.

"We have to take care of our business first," said Clemson's Trevor Booker. "But I want all the ACC teams to win."

Sorry, Book, but that isn't happening.

Not this year.

This is the Big Ten's year.

"It's obviously for bragging rights," said Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, "and they've had them for a long time."

Yes, they have.

But not much longer.

 
For more from Gary Parrish, check him out on Twitter: @GaryParrishCBS
 

Talk Back
Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 21, 2008

December 2, 2009 3:33 pm
My top 25 includes several teams from both the big east and the ACC.  UNC surprised last night by winning fairly comfortably against a great Michigan State team.  If you would like to see my top 25, go to http://wp.me/GDti  Comment if you disagree
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 8, 2008

December 1, 2009 11:45 pm
If all goes to Gary and many other people's plan the challenge will be tied 5-5 before this game comes to an end.  So essentially this game could be for the challenge winner.  As a Florida State alum I kinda like the possibility of our basketball team diverting some of the attention away from the fiasco that is our football team right now, even if it is for only 40 minutes.  I do be ...(more)
Reputation:90
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 1, 2009

December 1, 2009 3:06 pm
Illinois still thinks the games are still a high school 32 minutes so they have no chance away against Clemson. Bucky over Duke? Not happening this year. Michigan and Minnesota have found out how to lose and at least one of tehm will.  MSU still hasn't found its game and doesn't play well on the road. They are way too hyped to have a chance. NC will play focused and MSU will be tossing t ...(more)
Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 15, 2008

December 2, 2009 8:26 am
Everyone!  This "challenge" is a joke -- the ACC has more decent teams than the Big 10, year-in and year-out.  This series sucks for that reason, and because you will never get ACC or Big Ten fans to like the way the other league plays basketball.  This should have been Pac-10/ACC or SEC/Big 10...whatever, says I.

Once again: this "best league" stuff
...(more)
Reputation:79
Level:Pro
Since:Dec 19, 2007

December 1, 2009 11:44 pm
Does anyone else think Gary Parrish's profile picture looks like he stuck his finger in a electrical socket?  Literally, what's up with the hair and fake tan.  If you haven't seen it go look.  It helps understand his

Oh yeah, he also doesn't know anything about college basketball.  I find it funny that he is gloating about his infiinite wisdom in calling a win for t
...(more)
Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 15, 2008

December 1, 2009 5:24 pm
....win 3 BIG 10/ACC matchup games in a row. 

Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech
Virginia

Not exactly the cream of the crop in the ACC, but we'll take it.  PSU basketball doesn't get the opportunity to get excited about much of anything.
Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 13, 2007

December 2, 2009 10:21 pm
do they place these games based on last year's record or something?  Why did NC State play and Derrick Favors and GT weren't allowed to get a W for the ACC?
Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 8, 2007

December 1, 2009 4:45 pm
curious little situation, i might say.

well, why shouldnt a team ranked 9th preseason be playing an unranked team that did not even get ONE preseason vote??? it is not like the big ten has 5 other ranked teams they could have been matched up with.
Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 28, 2008

December 1, 2009 1:39 pm
Gary,
All this writing about Big 10 and ACC teams is nice, but you haven't really written about UK for a few days.  I'm guessing that you're waiting until after the UK-UNC game on Saturday, but I just wanted to let you know that us UK fans aren't exactly "patient."  Also, I don't have cable which may explain why I'm not interested in all these other games I can't see...
Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 12, 2008

December 2, 2009 11:28 pm
Just had to gloat a little, especially for my Badgers.  Let's Go Red!
Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Apr 24, 2007

December 1, 2009 1:39 pm
You say such silly things all the time, just precious......Laughing
Reputation:5
Level:Amateur
Since:Jun 4, 2009

December 2, 2009 9:48 pm
Mr. Parrish your forecast looks to be in jeporady. NUFF SAID! lol lol lol
 
 
 
 
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