Over the weekend, the Big Ten basketball landscape saw some unexpected shake-ups as top teams faced formidable opponents. UCLA secured a crucial victory that could be their ticket to March Madness, while Illinois grapples with a tough loss after squandering a significant lead. Meanwhile, Michigan is set to channel its frustration against Minnesota, and USC's struggles continued with another late-game collapse.
Minnesota 80-61 vs Rutgers
Minnesota is on a roll with back-to-back 20-point victories, showcasing the kind of basketball they've been aiming for all season. Cade Tyson was the star, dropping 27 points and hitting 7 of 9 from beyond the arc.
He's been a consistent force, averaging 19.5 points per game and shooting 40.9% from three. Langston Reynolds also shone, contributing 19 points on 7-10 shooting.
With their offense firing on all cylinders, the Gophers face a stern test against Michigan next. The question is, can they maintain this momentum and pull off another upset?
No. 9 Nebraska 87-64 vs Penn State
Pryce Sandfort delivered a career-best performance, scoring 33 points to lead Nebraska to a dominant win over Penn State. Sandfort was unstoppable, especially in the first half, and the Cornhuskers shot an impressive 40% from three.
Penn State, on the other hand, struggled mightily, hitting just 20% from deep. Nebraska's key players stepped up, with Braden Fager adding 15 points and Sam Hoiberg achieving a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.
This win puts Nebraska in a strong position as they aim for optimal seeding in the tournament.
Maryland 64-60 vs Washington
Andre Mills followed up his stellar 39-point game with a 20-point effort, guiding Maryland to a gritty win. The Terrapins dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Huskies 34-19, and shot 43.5% from three.
It was a fiercely contested game, with both teams desperate for a win. Freshman Guillermo Del Pino came up big off the bench, providing the spark Maryland needed.
The Terrapins showed resilience, overcoming adversity to snap a two-game losing streak.
Oregon 71-70 vs USC
Kwame Evans Jr. was pivotal for Oregon, contributing 21 points and 8 rebounds in a nail-biting win over USC. The Ducks staged a dramatic 7-0 run in the final minute, dashing the Trojans' hopes of a tournament spot.
Chad Baker-Mazara's 21 points off the bench were not enough for USC, as they suffered a third straight loss. Alijah Arenas struggled, hitting only 1 of 6 from three.
USC had control but let it slip away, marking a devastating end to their regular season.
No. 3 Duke 68-63 vs No. 1 Michigan
In a clash of titans, Duke toppled the top-ranked Wolverines, paving their way to a potential #1 seed. Cameron Boozer was outstanding, tallying 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks.
His clutch three-pointer late in the game gave Duke the cushion they needed. Yaxel Lendeborg added 21 points, with 16 in the first half.
Michigan, riding an 11-game win streak, must now regroup to reclaim their standing among the elite.
UCLA 95-94 vs No. 10 Illinois
UCLA proved their resilience with a thrilling last-second victory over Illinois. After tough losses to Michigan teams, the Bruins bounced back with a buzzer-beater to hand Illinois their sixth defeat.
Six Bruins scored in double figures, showcasing a team effort that could be pivotal for their tournament hopes. This win might just be the catalyst they need as March approaches.
Sunday Highlights
- No. 15 Michigan State 66-60 vs Ohio State: The Buckeyes remain on the bubble, vying for a tournament spot.
- No. 24 Wisconsin 84-71 vs Iowa: The Badgers continue their strong form, while Iowa missed a chance to boost their seeding.
Overview
As the Big Ten season winds down, Michigan and Illinois are looking to rebound from tough losses, while UCLA and Nebraska celebrate pivotal victories. The final stretch promises to be thrilling, with teams jostling for position ahead of the conference tournament. The stakes are high, and the drama is far from over.