Shootyhoops in Spring? Ranking the 2018 Gavitt Games Matchups

We interrupt your regularly-scheduled Scott Frost ogling/debating to bring you...basketball news?

Look, I don’t know. I’m riding out a leadership meeting and I just want to kill a little time.

Over at FanRag Sports, Jon Rothstein released the lineup for the Gavitt Games, the annual basketball challenge between the Big Ten and Big East. The games have played to thrilling ties each of three years it’s been around. As you know, as well, these games are very indicative of conference success, as Big Ten front-runner Minnesota walked into Dunkin’ Donuts Arena in Providence and walloped the Friars at home. Things went well for Minnesota from there on out.

No, rather than give you actual thoughts on if the Big Ten will win, I will rank these games by watchability. Otherwise feel free to skip to the comments or go back to arguing somewhere else about Scott Frost. If I’m being honest, you’ve already clicked on the article; throw another ducat in the treasury of whichever advertising company my browser’s AdBlocker is currently hiding.

8. St. John’s Red Storm at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The only good thing about this is that it will be quarantined to the East Coast. Do not show this on the Big Ten Network, just put it on FS2 and pretend it’s a Big East game.

7. Georgetown Hoyas at Illinois Fighting Illini

Woof. KP 94 vs. KP 102. This will be the second-toughest non-con game Georgetown’s played under Patrick Ewing. Do not watch this game, especially if you are Thumpasaurus.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions at DePaul Blue Demons

The only reason this game is above Georgetown-Illinois is because it will be fast-paced and possibly even high-scoring. Some people tell me that Penn State won the NIT, as well. I don’t believe them.

5. Seton Hall Pirates at Nebraska Cornhuskers

Sure, there’s something enjoyable about watching Tim Miles’ teams play. I don’t know what it is, because it’s a joyless melange of “is that really what offense is supposed to look like?”, but perhaps the offensively-astute Pirates can liven the proceedings.

4. wisconsin badgers at Xavier Musketeers

If only to watch a 20-point drubbing on FS1.

3. Marquette Golden Eagles at Indiana Hoosiers

It’s disappointing that now that Tom Crean is the coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, he couldn’t possibly be an announcer for this one. Because I would be so here for that. But yeah, an up-tempo Marquette and Year Two of the Archie Miller Experience should make for a watchable game.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes at Creighton Bluejays

A decent matchup of defense vs. offense, played on the offensively-minded team’s home court. It’ll be fun to watch and see if the Buckeyes can keep pace.

1. Michigan Wolverines at Villanova Wildcats

It had to be, right? A championship rematch, hopefully broadcast nationally on FOX.

Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue

Anyways, those are games. I am MNW, and I have produced a content. Now stop calling me, Graham.