It has been a long season for Michigan.
The Wolverines (12-15 overall, 3-10 Big Ten) have lost 10 straight games, including a 70-63 setback to Indiana at home. Before the losing streak, U-M had won six games in a row, including its only three conference wins.
"We've certainly been struggling with our team with a number of consecutive losses," U-M head coach Tommy Amaker said.
Guard Daniel Horton, who was suspended Jan. 25 on domestic violence charges, is now suspended for the rest of the season. Amaker said Horton will be allowed to practice with the team but not travel.
"The decision was made by a number of people at the university, including myself," Amaker said.
Amaker said it's important for Horton to have structure in his life as he goes through his troubles.
U-M will look to Penn State tonight and Northwestern on Saturday before finishing the regular season March 5 against Iowa.
"We've certainly been better in some games than we have previously," Amaker said.
Last year, the Wolverines won the NIT Tournament, but this year, barring a miracle Big Ten Tournament win, it appears they will not make the postseason.
Game of the weak
Tonight's U-M-Penn State game will feature the Big Ten's cellar dwellers, as the two come into the game with a combined 19-33 record, including 4-21 in Big Ten play.
On the other side of the tracks is Thursday's MSU-Wisconsin game. The Spartans and Badgers boast a combined 36-10 record. One of MSU's two conference losses came at the hands of Wisconsin.
Player of the week
Illinois continues to pick up wins and accolades, and this week is no different - guard Dee Brown was named Big Ten Player of the Week after averaging 18.5 points and seven assists per game in the Fighting Illini's road wins at Penn State and Iowa.
This is the second time Brown has picked up the award this season.
The Fighting Illini can clinch at least a share of the Big Ten Championship with a win against Northwestern tonight.
Rank and file
The Big Ten once again has three teams ranked this week in the latest Associated Press poll.
Illinois held steady at No. 1, MSU moved up from No. 11 to No. 10 and Wisconsin also stayed on course at No. 20.
