What’s Trending is a column examining the week that was in college basketball social media. Griffin Wong (@griffwong90) is your weekly host.
Big Ten Cruises to Victory
The Big Ten took the 2014 ACC/Big Ten Challenge by a final margin of 8-6. Although the B1G is undefeated in the Challenge since 2009, this is its first outright victory since 2011. After jumping out to a 6-1 lead through Monday and Tuesday, wins from Iowa and Penn State clinched the Challenge on Wednesday night.
King Karl Strikes Again
On Monday, Nebraska held off Florida State 70-65, but the final score wasn’t the story coming out of Tallahassee. ACC official Karl Hess, often referred to as “King Karl,” called a double-foul on a play could have gone as either a block or a charge. This double foul just happened to also be Nebraska junior Terran Petteway’s fifth personal foul.
1-And-1
Penn State put up 61 points in its victory over Virginia Tech last night, none easier than this pair scored after Virginia Tech failed to realize that the Nittany Lions were shooting a 1-and-1.
For once I think I may be not be exaggerating when I say that even I could have scored there.
Duke Stakes its Claim for #1
Much love has been given to Kentucky this season – and rightfully so – but Duke may have something to say about that #1 ranking after last night. The Blue Devils, led by freshmen Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones, went back in forth with Wisconsin all night before pulling away late in the second half. Duke shot over 65 percent from the field, making it the first team ever to shoot above 60 percent at the Kohl Center.
Jahlil Okafor went toe-to-toe with fellow preseason All-American center Frank Kaminsky, but it was point guard Tyus Jones who stole the show for Duke with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The unsung hero of the night may have been Justise Winslow, though, as he provided a defensive spark that clearly impressed Coach K.
And here’s the slam Winslow threw down to stick a final dagger into the Badgers:
Quick Hitters
- Michigan State continued its disappointing season with a loss at Notre Dame, but Gavin Schilling had this vicious put back slam:
- Virginia’s Justin Anderson threw down a monster alley-oop. The dunk – and, of course, the win – was extra sweet for Anderson, because as a former Maryland commitment, the crowd at Xfinity Center was a bit harsher on him:
- Michigan’s Zak Irvin sends the crowd at Crisler Arena into a frenzy after this dunk:
- Florida State’s Jarquez Smith came up with a huge rejection against Nebraska:
- Montrezl Harrell shows off his hops with this alley-oop in Louisville’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge win over Ohio State:
- Here’s a bonus! Not from the ACC or B1G, but here’s Delon Wright‘s game winner against Wichita State late Wednesday night. Utah, behind Wright’s shot, ended the Shockers’ 35-game regular season winning streak: