Big Ten Saturday Recap: Michigan, Nebraska, and Purdue Flex; Ohio State, Iowa Left Searching for Answers
Saturday’s slate of Big Ten basketball delivered a clear message: the conference’s top-tier teams are starting to separate themselves-and they’re doing it with authority. From Michigan’s statement win to Purdue’s balanced dominance, contenders made their presence felt. Meanwhile, teams like Iowa and Ohio State are still looking for consistency as the postseason inches closer.
Let’s break down the action across the conference:
No. 2 Michigan 86, UCLA 56
Michigan didn’t just win-they made a statement. The Wolverines extended their win streak to 10 games with a commanding 30-point rout of UCLA, and with Arizona stumbling elsewhere, Michigan is now firmly in the conversation for the nation’s top spot.
Yaxel Lendeborg was the engine behind the blowout, finishing with 17 points and 8 rebounds. But it wasn’t just the numbers-it was the how.
Lendeborg knocked down three straight triples in the second half, part of a stretch that turned a manageable game into a runaway. His scoring burst broke the Bruins’ momentum and ignited a Wolverines team that looks increasingly dangerous with every passing game.
UCLA came in hot, having won five of their last six, but this loss halts that momentum in its tracks. Michigan, on the other hand, looks like a team built for March-and maybe even April.
No. 7 Nebraska 68, Northwestern 49
Nebraska looked every bit the top-10 team they’re ranked to be, dismantling Northwestern in a game that was never really in doubt. Pryce Sandfort was electric, dropping 29 points on 6 made threes while also grabbing 6 boards.
His shooting opened everything up for the Cornhuskers, who shot 44% from deep and 45% overall.
Defensively, Nebraska was just as impressive. They held Northwestern’s top scorer, Nick Martinelli, to just 11 points and dominated the glass 37-19. That kind of physicality and shot-making is a recipe for a deep postseason run-if this version of Nebraska shows up consistently.
After a midseason lull, this felt like the Cornhuskers team that steamrolled opponents earlier in the year. With the Big Ten Tournament on the horizon, Nebraska is heating up at the right time.
Oregon 83, Penn State 72
This one wasn’t about who’s heading to the top of the standings-it was about pride and progress, and Oregon brought both.
The Ducks rode big performances from Nate Bittle and Takai Simpkins, who each poured in 22 points. Simpkins was especially lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 5 from deep as Oregon shot a blistering 51.9% from three as a team. That kind of marksmanship proved too much for Penn State, which struggled from distance at just 28.6%.
The Ducks capitalized on Penn State’s mistakes and used their perimeter shooting to create separation late. It’s only Oregon’s second conference win, but it’s a step in the right direction for a team looking to build something down the stretch.
No. 13 Purdue 78, Iowa 57
Purdue is starting to look like a team that’s figured things out. Coming off a huge win over Nebraska, the Boilermakers kept the momentum rolling with a 21-point win over Iowa.
What stood out? Balance.
Five different players hit double figures, and Purdue won the rebounding battle 36-28. They didn’t need a superstar performance-just solid contributions across the board and a defense that made life miserable for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa, typically a team that lives off its perimeter shooting, couldn’t find the range. Purdue, meanwhile, shot 40% from deep and controlled the tempo from start to finish. The Boilermakers have now won four straight, and with a showdown against Michigan looming, they’re peaking at the right time.
No. 15 Virginia 70, Ohio State 66
This one stings for Ohio State. Bruce Thornton was brilliant, scoring 28 points on an efficient night, but the Buckeyes couldn’t get enough help around him.
Their bench was outscored 28-4, and they lost the battle on the boards 36-24.
Missing John Mobley Jr. was a big blow-his scoring would’ve made a difference-but credit Virginia for executing down the stretch. The Cavaliers hit clutch free throws and made key plays late to extend their win streak to six.
For the Buckeyes, it’s another missed opportunity to build momentum. Every time they take a step forward, they seem to take one back. With the postseason picture still forming, Ohio State needs to find consistency-and fast.
Washington 69, Minnesota 57
Washington snapped a three-game skid behind a monster performance from Hannes Steinbach. The big man filled the stat sheet with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, anchoring a Huskies team that dominated the paint despite a cold night from three-point range.
Zoom Diallo added 17 points on near-perfect shooting, and Cade Tyson chipped in 22 points and 9 boards of his own. The turning point came late in the first half, when Washington ripped off a 14-0 run to seize control. From there, they never looked back.
Minnesota, coming off a high from their upset over Michigan State, has now dropped two straight. For Washington, the win brings them back to .500 and gives them a shot to finish the season strong.
Big Ten Takeaways
Saturday’s games helped clarify the Big Ten hierarchy.
Michigan, Nebraska, and Purdue all looked like teams ready to make serious postseason noise. Their wins weren’t just convincing-they were complete, showing depth, shooting, and defensive toughness.
On the flip side, Iowa’s reliance on the three-point shot continues to be a double-edged sword. When they’re hot, they’re dangerous.
But when the shots don’t fall, they struggle to stay competitive. Ohio State’s inconsistency remains a concern, and with the clock ticking toward March, the Buckeyes are still searching for a rhythm.
Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington may not be in the title hunt, but they’re showing signs of life, and that matters in a conference where every game is a battle.
As the regular season winds down, the contenders are sharpening their tools-and the pretenders are running out of time to find theirs.