Nov. 6, 2007
CHICAGO -- Intense rivalries, improbable buzzer-beaters and impossible comebacks. These are the ingredients of some of the most exciting moments in Big Ten history. Throughout the winter, basketball fans will have the opportunity to re-live 36 epic match-ups on the Big Ten Network series, "THE BIG TEN'S GREATEST GAMES." The series will highlight some of the best moments in the rich histories of all 11 Big Ten basketball programs.
Series producers have interviewed many legendary players and coaches from those games along with those who were on hand to cover the event. Their insight and memories will be integrated into each episode.
Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman said the "Greatest Games" series honors the legacy of the conference's past, and will be a consistent presence year-round.
"As a fan, you never forget your team's most emotional wins or heartbreaking losses. We know fans will enjoy watching these games," Silverman said.
The series premieres at 6 p.m. ET Thursday with the 1989 Michigan-Duke match-up. In that game, Sean Higgins led the Wolverines with a career-high 32 points as Glen Rice, Rumeal Robinson and Michigan defeated Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley and Duke, 113-108 in overtime.
Earlier this fall, the Big Ten Network became the first new network in cable or satellite television history to reach 30 million homes in its first 30 days. The network is available through DIRECTV, DISH Network, AT&T U-Verse, Insight Communications, WideOpenWest, RCN, Service Electric and more than 150 other cable operators.
Northwestern's Classic Games To Be Featured
Tuesday, December 18th
Indiana at Northwestern -- 1/11/1988
Playing without three of its starters, Northwestern ended a six-game losing streak with an upset of defending national champion Indiana, 66-64. The Wildcats shot a perfect 21-for-21 from the free-throw line. Shon Morris led the Wildcats, scoring 10 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists and making many other key plays that didn't show up in the boxscore. Morris and his teammates seemingly dove after every loose ball, leading Bobby Knight to comment, "they just completely outplayed us."
Tuesday, January 22nd
Illinois at Northwestern -- 1/14/2004
Forward Davor Duvancic scored a career-high 22 points to lead the Wildcats to victory over the 25th-ranked Illini, 70-60. Illinois led Northwestern 38-29 at halftime, but a strong defensive effort from the Wildcats held the Illini to only 38 percent shooting from the floor. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Northwestern fans poured onto the court, celebrating the first win over their intrastate rivals in 10 years.
Tuesday, March 4th
Iowa at Northwestern -- 2/8/2006
Northwestern was looking for a marquee win when they took on 18th-ranked Iowa, but the Wildcats got off to a slow start. Midway through the second half Northwestern made its move, behind the solid play of Vedran Vukusic, who chipped in 26 points. Vukusic converted a traditional three-point play late in the game and the Wildcats hung on to secure the 51-48 victory.
About the Big Ten Network: The Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more major men's and women's events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The network is available to all cable and satellite carriers and television distributors nationwide, with most programs offered in stunning high-definition television (HDTV). The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. For more information regarding the Big Ten Network, visit www.BigTenNetwork.com.