You probably hadn't heard of anyone on their team before the beginning of the season, and you probably didn't give them a chance in the Big Ten against teams like Illinois or Iowa. Nevertheless, No. 20 Ohio State (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) is in first place in the conference and the hottest team in the Big Ten.

The Buckeyes' 73-67 victory over Indiana in Columbus Saturday gave them sole possession of first place in the conference, after not being picked in the top three at the beginning of the season. They have won eight straight overall, and their 5-0 Big Ten start is their best since starting 7-0 in the 1990-1991 season

Ohio State has done it with balance, getting solid guard play and developing a good inside game. They have experienced guards in seniors Brian Brown and Boban Savovic and junior Brent Darby, and their young frontcourt of sophmores Zach Williams and Velimir Radinovic and freshman backup forward Terrence Dials has been very productive.

All three guards are averaging points in double figures, and the frontcourt has garnered the Buckeyes the second best rebounding margin in the conference, pulling down 8.4 more boards per game than their competition in Big Ten play.

Mr. Consistency

Though Buckeye guard Brian Brown is far from being the most heralded player in the Big Ten, he has contributed more than any other player to Ohio State's start.

The Buckeye captain torched Indiana with a career-high 26 points to up his average to 15.2 points per game thus far this season. Brown is flourishing in his third year as a starter and second year as a captain for the Buckeyes.

"Brian Brown is Mr. Consistency, he's been that way his whole career," Ohio State assistant coach Paul Biancardi said.

"He always feels the pressure on himself, because he knows as the leader on this team he has to step up and play well for us to do well. He's practiced that way his whole career, he's approached every game that way, and he's been a very good leader for us and our program."

Christmas curse

Iowa, the Big Ten Tournament defending champs, have hit a serious skid since returning from Christmas break. After starting the season 12-3, they've now lost four of their last five games, including a shocking upset at the hands of perennial conference doormat Northwestern.

They shot just 15-32 from the free throw line. Coach Steve Alford says he hasn't seen the effort and desire return since his team returned from the break.

"Christmas hit, and everyone had to go home and apparently got a bucket load of Christmas presents," Alford said. "And we've been spoiled since. . .We've not played the way we're capable of playing since Christmas break."

"I don't know if it's the structure that's gone without kids going to class, we're pretty excited about class getting class going again on Tuesday morning just to get the structure back. I've learned some lessons this season as far as what I will do and what I won't do in the future with Christmas holidays."

The Hawkeyes will be battling with another team that did not expect to be in the position it's in Saturday when they host Michigan State.