The Big Ten Tournament got trimmed from 8 to 4 teams on Friday as the quarterfinals took place.
The Big Ten Tournament has been filled with upsets, and that trend continued today as two double-digit seeds (Ohio State and Penn State) made the semifinals for the first time ever.
Takeaway #1: Purdue role players spark the win
Purdue was able to get over some past demons today as they knocked off Rutgers 70-65. Zach Edey did his thing with a 16-point, 11-rebound performance. However, it was Mason Gillis, Ethan Morton, and David Jenkins that really got Purdue the win. Gillis led the way with 20 points and 9 rebounds on 7-of-8 shooting. Morton knocked down a pair of threes, had 4 assists, and played tremendous defense down the stretch. Jenkins had 12 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting, providing a much-needed perimeter threat.
Purdue takes on Ohio State on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on CBS.
Takeaway #2: Ohio State continues to play fearlessly
Ohio State has been playing like they have nothing to lose, and it has benefitted them so far. After winning their first two games, the Buckeyes knocked off Michigan State by 10 points. The only way Ohio State can make the NCAA Tournament is by winning the Big Ten Tourney, and they look capable of doing just that. Bruce Thornton has looked really good as of late, having a game-high 21 points along with 6 assists for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State takes on Purdue on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on CBS.
Takeaway #3: Penn State looks dangerous
Penn State came into the Big Ten Tournament on the bubble for the postseason. After beating Illinois in their first game, it seemed like Penn State was a lock. After beating Northwestern 67-65 in OT, Penn State is a lock. It was not the best shooting night for the Nittany Lions, but they found ways on defense to keep the game close. Seth Lundy hit the go-ahead three with a few seconds left in OT to lift his squad over 2-seed Northwestern.
Penn State takes on Indiana on Saturday at 3:30 on CBS.
Takeaway #4: Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino carry Hoosiers
IU may be dangerous purely because they have one of the best two-man games in the country. Trayce Jackson-Davis put up 24 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks, and 3 steals in the 70-60 win over Maryland. That is not a stat line that anyone has produced all season in college. Hood-Schifino contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds while playing all 40 minutes.
Indiana takes on Penn State on Saturday at 3:30 on CBS.