Ohio State are superb this year, but no fun to watch: Davenport is a juggernaut, Matter shoots threes, and Wilburn or Hoskins might steal or drive or dish. Same thing every time.

Michigan State, on the other hand, are amazing to watch. Four guards share the ball, with room for everyone; any one of them can shoot. Shimek scores from close range while Roehrig pushes people around, they play together well in (and against) a pressure defense, and each trip up the floor shows flair. The two best teams in the Big Ten (and in the Midwest) meet Sunday in a much-anticipated showdown on ESPN2 at 2pm Eastern.

Both teams have recently had some trouble in Iowa. Last night the Spartans preserved a 7-point first-half lead for a win in Iowa City despite 23 turnovers.

The two big centers shut each other down: Cavey, whose scoring Iowa needs, shot just 5-15. "I should have made them," said Cavey; "it's my fault." Roehrig, whose scoring MSU rarely needs, fouled out. Shimek, whose scoring MSU does need, finished with 20 points, 13 boards.