The Hawkeyes are 6-4 in Big Ten play, but they have rattled off four straight wins – thanks in very large part to lead guard Bennett Stirtz. Perhaps the most indispensable player in the country, Stirtz is the heartbeat of this Iowa team.

An unheralded recruit, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler had played so well in the early part of the season for the No. 9 Illini that some were asking whether he might be a top-10 pick by the time NBA Draft day rolls around.

Keaton Wagler has been on fire recently and it has resulted in Illinois winning two straight road games against top five teams.