Michigan head coach Dusty May holds the net after cutting it down following the Wolverines' Midwest Regional Final win over Tennessee

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Big Ten Conference

2026-3-16 Blog: NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament March Madness

UCLA women's basketball celebrates its win in the Elite Eight

2026-3-16 Blog: NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The Big Ten Conference had at least one wrestler in nine of the 10 final bouts at the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships, and three were Big Ten vs. Big Ten. Take a look at how each championship match went down.</p><p>First things first...</p><h2>The Team Dynasty Continues</h2><p>The Nittany Lions are now back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back (5x defending) NCAA Wrestling Champions. <em>Penn State actually clinched the title before the championship bouts even started</em>. With six finalists, eight semifinalists, a third-place finish at 157 (PJ Duke, Gorriaran Award winner), and a fourth-place finish at 133 (Marcus Blaze), the Nittany Lions' 50+ point advantage was enough to clinch the team title early.</p><p>Penn State also brings four individual titles back to Happy Valley. You can <a href="https://shop.bigtenstore.com/penn-state-nittany-lions?filter.sport_specific=Wrestling&utm_source=big-ten-partner&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=wrestling-national-champs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">rep the Nittany Lions here</span>
      </a>, or <a href="https://gopsusports.com/sports/wrestling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">read more from PSU</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Let's take a look at each bout...</p><h2>Championship Bouts</h2><h3>Buckeyes' title defense falls short</h3><p>The night started at 141, where No. 2 seed Sergio Vega (OKST) defeated No. 1 seed Jesse Mendez (<strong>Ohio State</strong>) in a sudden victory thriller to become the first undefeated true freshman since 1947. The only scores in the match were escapes in the second and third periods, but a takedown with 22 seconds remaining in overtime clinched the Cowboy's victory. <a href="https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/wrestling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">More news from OSU</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Penn Stater takes silver</h3><p>At 149, No. 10 seed Aden Valencia (Stanford) pulled off a shocking upset over No. 1 seed Shayne Van Ness (<strong>Penn State</strong>), again in sudden victory. The Nittany Lion was down 3-1 after the first period, but bounced back with a takedown (second period) and an escape (third period) to force overtime. That's when Valencia came through with the takedown at 1:28.</p><h3>Defending champ finishes second</h3><p>No. 5 seed Landon Robideau (OKST) defeated defending NCAA Champion and No. 2 seed Antrell Taylor (<strong>Nebraska</strong>) to take the title at 157. A nearfall, escape, and Husker penalty earned the Cowboy a 4-2 championship victory. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/wrestling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Updates from Nebraska</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Mesenbrink's reign continues</h3><p>The Big Ten's first 2026 individual champion came courtesy of No. 1 seed Mitchell Mesenbrink (<strong>Penn State</strong>) at 165. In a championship rematch against No. 3 seed Mikey Caliendo (Iowa), Mesenbrink mounted five takedowns in a 20-4 TF victory to improve to 9-0 against Caliendo and take home the belt. Mesenbrink was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler and Most Dominant Wrestler of the Championships.</p><h3>Penn State's second gold</h3><p>The bout at 174 was an exhaustive test of strength, as No. 1 seed Levi Haines (<strong>Penn State</strong>) edged out No. 3 seed Christopher Minto (Nebraska) in a tight 2-1 decision. Each wrestler recorded only an escape, but a second-period stalling penalty against the Husker proved the difference.</p><h3>McEnelly gets his moment</h3>
        <img
          alt="Max McEnelly NCAAs 32126.jpg"
          height="2726"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Max McEnelly NCAAs 32126.jpg"
          width="4096"
        />
      <p>After finishing third at last year's NCAA Championships and falling to No. 1 seed Rocco Welsh (PSU) in the final match of the Big Ten Championships, No. 3 seed Max McEnelly rode a first-period takedown and lockdown defense to win his first NCAA Championship. It's <strong>Minnesota's</strong> first wrestling title since 2022 and the Gophers' first ever at 184. <a href="https://gophersports.com/sports/wrestling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">More from Minnesota</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Raising the Barr</h3><p>No. 1 seed Josh Barr (<strong>Penn State</strong>) defeated No. 7 seed Cody Merrill (OKST) to not only win the individual NCAA title at 197, but also push the Nittany Lions' team score to 177.5, which broke the NCAA-record mark they set last season.</p><p>Barr had won every match by bonus points heading into the title bout, so we were all on the edge of our seats when it was just 3-2 at the end of the second period. But Barr came through with a clutch reversal in the third period, and a Cowboy penalty lifted him to the 6-3 decision.</p><h3>Lightning Luke strikes again</h3><p>No. 1 seed Luke Lilledahl (<strong>Penn State</strong>) escaped a tight 2-1 bout against No. 10 seed Marc-Anthony McGowan (Princeton). The wrestlers traded escapes before a stalling call gave Lilledahl the edge he needed to take another belt back to State College.</p><h3>Davino places second</h3><p>No. 1 seed Jax Forrest (OKST) became the first wrestler all season to take down No. 2 seed Ben Davino (<strong>Ohio State</strong>), and it proved the difference in the 5-2 championship bout.</p><h2>Decades of Supremacy</h2><p>The Big Ten has now won <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2035530547703710109" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">19 consecutive NCAA Wrestling Championships</span>
      </a> dating back to 2007. The conference had 40 of the 80 quarterfinalists and claimed half of the individual national titles in addition to Penn State's team crown in 2026.</p><p><strong>Penn State </strong>finished first with a new NCAA-record 181.5 points, followed by Oklahoma State (131), <strong>Nebraska</strong> (100.5), <strong>Iowa</strong> (92.5), and <strong>Ohio State</strong> (84.5).</p><p>What will next year bring for Big Ten wrestling? Who knows. But click here to <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">make sure you hear all about it</span>
      </a>.</p></div>

Mitchell Mesenbrink celebrates his NCAA title

2026-3-21 Blog: NCAA Wrestling Championships

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 7 seed <strong>Purdue</strong> is your 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Champion after defeating No. 1 seed Michigan in the championship game of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The Boilers become just the second Big Ten team (and third team overall) to defeat the defending tournament champions this season after claiming their third tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.</p><p>The first half reminded us all why we love March basketball. <strong>There were five lead changes and four ties, and neither squad took a lead larger than six points at any time in the half.</strong> Every single basket came with a roar and a standing ovation as the teams threw punches early and often. Trey Kaufman-Renn led Purdue on a 9-0 run that put the Boilers ahead with just 1:26 remaining in the first period, but Aday Mara and Elliot Cadeau responded immediately for the Wolverines to tie the game at 38 at halftime.</p><p><strong>Whatever head coach Matt Painter said to his Boilermaker crew at the break? Worked.</strong> Purdue came out of the locker room full steam ahead, opening scoring with a 7-0 run in the second half and never trailed the rest of the way. The Wolverines persisted with big pushes from Yaxel Lendeborg (20 points), Mara (14 points, seven rebounds), and Cadeau (10 points, 10 assists), but every time there was a hint of Michigan momentum, Purdue responded. The Boilermaker faithful were on their feet for the final minute, clapping and cheering along with the rest of the fans back in West Lafayette (and around the nation).</p><p>Braden Smith was named the Jim and Kitty Delany Most Outstanding Player after finishing the championship game with 14 points and 11 assists. Oscar Cluff led the Boilers in scoring with 21 points, followed by Kaufman-Renn (20 points), and Fletcher Loyer (14 points).</p><p>Smith heads into the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament just two assists away from breaking the NCAA's all-time career record. The Boilers head to the tournament as a No. 2 seed and will face the Queens Royals in the first round.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 <a href="https://shop.bigtenstore.com/purdue-boilermakers?filter.sport_specific=Basketball&filter.sport_specific=Mens%20Basketball&utm_source=b1g-partner&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=mbbtourneychamps-purdue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Get the official Big Ten Champ gear here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Buckle up, folks.</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >This is what you came for. It's a back-and-forth battle off the bat. Nimari Burnett buries two early threes for Michigan, while three different Boilers get on the scoreboard early. It's 7-6 Purdue at 17:25.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Oscar Cluff puts up his sixth point already to push Purdue's advantage to three. </strong>He had just four tallies in the last meeting with the Wolverines.<strong> </strong>It's 11-8 Boilers with 15:53 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Yaxel Lendeborg takes the lead for Michigan with a solo 5-0 spurt.</strong> It's 13-11 Wolverines at the media (14:37).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Trey Kaufman-Renn counters with four straight of his own to grab it right back</strong>. 15-13 Purdue (12:43).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Morez Johnson Jr. Trey McKenney. Braden Smith. Another tie, another lead change, another tie. 8:47 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >An Elliot Cadeau triiple and Aday Mara dunk put Michigan back up five. 22-17, 6:48.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Loyer counters with a four-point play to put Purdue back within one before Lendeborg slams one down of his own. 24-21, 6:08.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >The teams tade buckets, but Michigan maintains its lead thanks to four points from both Burnett and Johnson Jr.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        ><strong>PURDUE GOES ON A 9-0 RUN to take the lead!</strong> Kaufman-Renn leads the charge with four points, while Jack Benter and Smith add a triple and a jumper, respectively. 1:26 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Smith gives Purdue a four-point advantage, but a Mara dunk and a last-second layup from Cadeau leave us <strong>tied at the half! 👀</strong></li></ul><h3>Second Half: It's all coming up Boilers</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Purdue comes out of the break hot with a 7-0 run! The Boilers lead by seven at 17:45.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Mara, Lendeborg, and Mara all score for the Wolverines, but Smith and Kaufman-Renn have combined for Purdue's last 12 points to maintain a 57-46 edge! Michigan calls timeout with 12:06 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Back-to-back dunks from Mara cut the Wolverines' deficit to single digits, but Cluff nails two free throws to put the Boilers back up 64-54 with 8:29 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >A Lendeborg triple puts Michigan within five, but Cluff and Loyer both score to stay ahead. 72-63 with 2:44 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >McKenney, Mara, Lendeborg, and Burnett all strike for the Wolverines, but Benter and Cluff sink free throws down the stretch (and an awesome dunk), and...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>PURDUE WINS THE BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TITLE, 80-72!</strong></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want updates throughout March Madness? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p></div>

Purdue men's basketball raises the trophy

2026-3-15 Blog: MBBT Champ Game

The Big Ten Men's Basketball trophy surrounded by falling confetti

2026-3-10: MBBT Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">With standout individual victories and personal bests across the board, the 2026 NCAA Track and Field Championships highlighted the depth of talent in the Big Ten Conference. Take a look at this year's top team finishes and individual national champions.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">A Trio of Top-Three Team Finishes</h2><p style="text-align: left;">At the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, defending champion <strong>Oregon</strong> finished as the runner-up in both the men’s <em>and</em> women’s team competitions won by Arkansas and Georgia, respectively. The women’s team from<strong> Illinois</strong> also claimed third place overall, which marks the highest team finish in school history.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Check out the full team recaps from <a href="https://goducks.com/news/2026/3/14/track-and-field-runner-up-team-finishes-at-ncaa-indoor-championships" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Oregon</span>
      </a> and <a href="https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/3/15/womens-track-field-illini-womens-track-and-field-earns-bronze-at-ncaa-indoor-championships.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Illinois</span>
      </a>.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Repeats, Records, and PBs, Oh My!</h2><p style="text-align: left;">There were plenty of individual victories to celebrate around the conference.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Women's winners:</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="1"
        ><a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/03/14/johansson-goes-golden-at-ncaa-championships" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Nebraska’s</strong></span>
      </a> Axelina Johansson won her second straight gold in the shot put with 64’ 1 ¾”. Teammate Mine De Klerk placed fifth.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="2"
        >Aaliyah McCormick (<strong>Oregon</strong>) topped her 2025 silver medal in the 60m hurdles with gold in 2026</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="3"
        >Hana Moll (<a href="https://gohuskies.com/news/2026/3/14/track-field-hana-moll-reigns-again-with-third-ncaa-title" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Washington</strong></span>
      </a>) reached 15’ 9 ¾” to reclaim the pole vaulting crown after her sister Amanda took it from her last year.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="4"
        ><strong>Oregon’s</strong> Wilma Nielsen ran the fastest mile (4:40.06) to defend her 2025 gold medal.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="5"
        >Sophia Beckmon (<strong>Illinois</strong>) added just under seven inches to her long jump distance from 2025, moving from fifth to first place.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="6"
        >In the weight throw, Anthonett Nabwe (<a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2026/3/13/womens-track-field-ncaa-championships-day-one" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Minnesota</strong></span>
      </a>) won gold as the only woman to top 81 feet, reaching even further for a personal best of 82’ 5½”.  Phethisang Makhethe (<strong>Illinois</strong>) took the silver with a PB of her own (80’ ¾”).</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="7"
        >Freshman Liisa-Maria Lusti (<strong>Oregon</strong>) won the pentathlon over second-place finisher JaiCieonna Gero-Holt (<strong>Illinois</strong>).</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="8"
        >The <strong>Ducks'</strong> dominance in the DMR continued courtesy of Juliet Cherubet, Lakely Doht-Barron, Silan Ayyildiz, and Wilma Nielsen's gold. </li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">Men's champions:</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="1"
        >Establishing a new personal best (6503 points), <strong>Oregon’s</strong> Peyton Bair won the heptathlon for a second straight year. <strong>Illinois</strong> teammates Jip Degreef and Luuk Pelkmans finished in third and fourth.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="2"
        >Ryan Johnson (<a href="https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2026/03/13/johnson-wins-ncaa-weight-throw-title" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Iowa</strong></span>
      </a>) added an NCAA championship to his back-to-back Big Ten titles with a meet-record 84’ 1½” weight throw.</li><li
          class=""
          style="text-align: left;"
          value="3"
        >Sprinter Garrett Kaalund (<a href="https://usctrojans.com/news/2026/3/14/track-field-kaalund-shatters-200m-collegiate-record-at-ncaa-indoor-championships" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>USC</strong></span>
      </a>) set a new college record and came within 0.03 of a world record in winning the 200 meters.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">Now, Outdoor Season</h2><p>There's no rest for the wicked – in just a couple weeks, we'll open the doors and head outside for the 2026 outdoor track and field season. Check out the <a href="https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Indoor/2026/index.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">full list of indoor championships results</span>
      </a>.</p></div>

Oregon's women's DMR team celebrates its national championship

2026-3-15 Blog: NCAA Track & Field Championships

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 7 seed <strong>Purdue</strong> secured its spot in the Big Ten Tournament title game with a hard-fought 73-66 victory over No. 6 seed UCLA. <strong>The Boilers came out blazing</strong>, opening with a 15-2 run fueled by Fletcher Loyer’s scoring, but UCLA quickly countered with a 7-0 spurt to stay within striking distance. Despite the Bruins tying the game, Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn and Omer Mayer helped the Boilers maintain a 34-27 halftime lead.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with Loyer’s back-to-back triples giving Purdue early momentum. UCLA, led by Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark, chipped away at the lead with multiple runs, including a 9-0 surge that brought them within one late in the game. <strong>Each time, however, Purdue had an answer. </strong>Oscar Cluff dominated the boards, finishing with a double-double (17 points, 14 rebounds), and made clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Braden Smith’s nine assists and Purdue’s rebounding edge (37-26) proved pivotal as the Boilers held off UCLA’s late push.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Oh – and Smith is now just 13 helpers shy of breaking the NCAA's all-time career record.</strong></p><p><strong>No. 7 seed Purdue advances to take on No. 1 seed Michigan in the championship game</strong> at 2:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on CBS. The Boilers fell to Michigan during the regular season and in last year's Big Ten Tournament. Want to see the title game in person?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Start hot, stay hot</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Purdue starts out scalding with a 15-2 run,</strong> capped off with five straight points from Fletcher Loyer. The Boilers have a 13-point edge with 16:07 to go in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >UCLA responds with a 7-0 spurt of its own with scores from Eric Dailey Jr., Trent Perry, and Donovan Dent. It's 15-9 Boilers with 12:28 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Braden Smith has six assists already (6:38). Fletcher Loyer leads Purdue with eight points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Xavier Booker leads UCLA on an 8-0 run to tie the game, but Trey Kaufman-Renn keeps the Boilers ahead.</strong> It's 19-17 Purdue at the media (6:10).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Purdue mounts a 9-0 run, capped off by a triple from Omer Mayer. The Boilers lead 26-17 (3:55).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Purdue is winning the rebounding battle so far, 21-12, led by seven from Oscar Cluff.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >The teams both score down the stretch, and a Jack Benter buzzer-beating three keeps Purdue ahead 34-27 at half.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Answering every time</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Loyer opens the half with back-to-back triples! Purdue leads 40-27 at 19:17.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Dailey Jr. leads UCLA to a seven-point spurt to pull within six. 40-34 Purdue with 17:24 still to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Cluff and the Boilers counter right away, pushing their lead back out to 45-34.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Donovan Dent is out with an injury.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >UCLA goes on a 7-1 run, but Daniel Jacobsen breaks it up with a layup and a dunk. 53-43 Purdue, 11:19 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: The Boilers are still controlling the boards, 30-21. Cluff (10) and Kaufman-Renn (8) lead the way.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >The teams trade buckets before a 9-0 UCLA run puts them within one! Skyy Clark scores five in the spurt to make it 58-57 with 6:14 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        ><strong>PERRY TIES IT WITH A JUMPER!</strong> We're knotted at 60 with 4:33 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >The teams go tit-for-tat before a C. J. Cox breakaway layup and two points from Cluff give Purdue a 68-62 edge with 2:04 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Clark comes through with another Bruins bucket, but Cluff makes a pair of clutch free throws for a 70-64 lead with just 43 seconds on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Both squads score, but Cluff closes it out with a couple more free throws, and...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        ><strong>PURDUE ADVANCES TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! Final score: 73-66.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="13"
        >Notable: Oscar Cluff finishes with a double-double (17 points, 14 rebounds). Braden Smith finishes with nine assists, putting him 12 shy of the NCAA all-time assists record.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="14"
        >Key Contributor (UCLA): Trent Perry (15 points), Eric Dailey Jr. (11 points, 10 rebounds).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this</strong>?<a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Oscar Cluff dribbles past a UCLA defender

2026-3-14 Blog: PUR-UCLA Game 16

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg may have been held to just 12 points in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal. But man, those last three came when it counted.</p><p><strong>The No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers mounted a 17-2, second-half run behind five consecutive triples from Austin Rapp to erase a 15-point deficit and tie the game</strong>. Elliot Cadeau and Nick Boyd each threw punches, burying threes of their own to knot the score at 65 with 29 seconds left.</p><p>Cadeau dribbled to the right corner to draw the defense and found Lendeborg open beyond the arc. <strong>The Big Ten Player of the Year pulled up, and the arena went silent... before the game-winning shot fell with just four tenths of a second left on the clock.</strong></p><p>Boyd threw up a 3/4-court heave, but it skewed right. The No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines survived to advance to their second consecutive Big Ten championship game, 68-65.</p><p>Lendeborg finished with 12 points and five rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting, while Rapp led all scorers with 18 points behind a season-high six buckets. Aday Mara led four Wolverines in double figures with 16 points and eight rebounds.</p><p><strong>No. 1 seed Michigan advances to take on the winner of No. 7 seed Purdue/No. 6 seed UCLA in the championship game</strong> at 2:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on CBS. The Wolverines have a chance to defend their tournament title and be the first team to repeat as tournament champions since they did it in 2017-2018. Want to see the title game in person?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Defensive battle</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Tough defense in the first three minutes. Morez Johnson Jr. gets two on the board for Michigan before Andrew Rohde nails a triple for the Badgers. We've already seen four combined turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Trey McKenney and Nimari Burnett find four for the Wolverines, before Wisconsin stars Nick Boyd and John Blackwell bury back-to-back threes. Elliot Cadeau responds with one of his own, and it's tied at nine with 12:18 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The teams trade blows as Aleksas Bieliauskas hits three from distance. Wisconsin gets up by as many as seven points. It's 21-16 at the media (7:17).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Morez Johnson Jr. and Roddy Gayle Jr. currently lead Michigan with 12 points each. They average 13.6 and 7.3 per game, respectively.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >After a field goal drought, the Wolverines put up seven straight points to pull within one. Boyd counters with a fast break layup to make it 28-25 Wisconsin with 39 seconds left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg gets his first points of the game with a three, and we head to the break knotted at 28.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: THIS. IS. MARCH.</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>The Wolverines go on a 7-1 run to open the half, led by three points from Aday Mara!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Blackwell breaks up Michigan's scoring, but Lendeborg and Cadeau lead the Wolverines on another 7-0 spurt. Michigan leads 42-31 with 14:20 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Boyd and Blackwell score five straight for UW, but Mara comes through with a three-point play. 45-36, Maize and Blue (13:08).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Michigan's depth is on display yet again. The Wolverines have 17 bench points to Wisconsin's four. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Boyd has been held to just nine points so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Both teams score, but Michigan holds a 54-45 advantage with 8:50 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>AUSTIN RAPP BURIES BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK THREES FOR WISCONSIN TO TIE THE GAME! </strong>56-56 with 5:31 remaining. 🤯</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Wisconsin is on a 17-2 run over the last 3:57, 9-0 over the last 1:22.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >AUSTIN RAPP MY GOODNESS! HE DRILLS TWO MORE CONSECUTIVE TRIPLES to give UW a 62-58 edge with 3:50 to go! He leads four Badgers in double figures with 18 points, all coming from three-pointers. His six buckets are the most he's made in a game this year.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Notable: Lendeborg has been held to nine points with three minutes remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        ><strong>ELLIOT CADEAU RATTLES IN THE GO-AHEAD THREE</strong> with 45.6 seconds left! Michigan's 7-0 spurt gives them a 65-52 lead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        ><strong>NICK BOYD MATCHES IT! TIE GAME!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="13"
        ><strong>YAXEL. LENDEBORG. GAME-WINNER. FROM THREE. MICHIGAN ADVANCES 68-65.</strong></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this</strong>?<a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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        <img
          alt="Yaxel Celebration 3-14-26.jpg"
          height="1000"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Yaxel Celebration 3-14-26.jpg"
          width="1500"
        />
      </div>

Yaxel Lendeborg pulls up for the game-winning shot in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals

2026-3-13 Blog: WIS-MICH MBBT Game 15

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 6 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> fended off No. 3 seed Michigan State, 88-84, in a high-intensity quarterfinal showdown to secure its spot in the semifinals of the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament.</p><p>The Bruins set the tone early, racing to a double-digit lead behind red-hot 63% shooting in the first half. <strong>Donovan Dent and Trent Perry led the first-half charge for UCLA</strong>, combining for 22 points and helping the Bruins take a commanding 11-point advantage into halftime.</p><p>Michigan State came roaring back after the break, piecing together a determined second-half run that gradually wiped away UCLA’s double-digit cushion. The Spartans' rally was powered by key three-pointers from Kur Teng, a couple highlight-reel dunks from Coen Carr, and <strong>Jeremy Fears Jr.'s playmaking (21 points, 13 assists)</strong>. They closed the gap and kept the outcome in doubt until the final moments.</p><p>In a frantic final minute, both teams traded crucial baskets as Michigan State trimmed the deficit to just two, setting up a tense finish with the game hanging in the balance. Perry delivered in the clutch for the Bruins, <strong>sinking six free throws in the final 36 seconds</strong> to maintain UCLA’s lead. <strong>Dent sealed the deal for UCLA by intercepting Michigan State’s final inbounds pass.</strong></p><p>Coming hot off the first triple-double in Big Ten Tournament history, Dent led the Bruins with 23 points and 12 assists, followed by Perry's 22 tallies. Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark also finished in double figures.</p><p><strong>No. 6 seed UCLA advances to take on No. 7 seed Purdue in the semifinals</strong> at about 2:30 p.m. CT (after Michigan-Wisconsin) tomorrow on CBS. Want to see it in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Boomin' Bruins</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade blows, but <strong>Michigan State pulls ahead with a 7-0 run</strong> to take a 9-5 lead (16:09). Coen Carr caps it off with one of his signature slams.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>UCLA responds right away with a 6-0 spurt of its own, finished with Tyler Bilodeau jumper to take the lead!</strong> 14-12 with 12:34 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Both squads score, but eight points from Trent Perry help the Bruins to a 24-17 advantage with 9:36 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The Bruins look confident and loose, and they're getting everyone involved. Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey Jr., Donovan Dent, and Brandon Williams all score to give them a 12-point advantage with 3:40 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Bilodeau goes down with an injury and is questionable to return. He is UCLA's leading scorer.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Michigan State responds with an 8-3 run, fueled by four points from Jaxon Kohler, to cut the deficit to seven.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>The Bruins outscore the Spartans 6-2 the rest of the period to take a 44-33 lead into the break.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Dent (12 points, seven assists) and Perry (10 points) lead the way for the Bruins. Seven different Spartans have scored, but none are in double digits.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Notable: MSU is winning the rebound battle (17-12) and has 12 second-chance points so far, but the Spartans are shooting just 31% from the floor compared to UCLA's 63%.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Spartans fight back</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade baskets, and UCLA goes on a five-point run to extend its lead to 15 with 15:11 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Michigan State responds with a seven-point spurt, led by five from Kur Teng, to make it 54-46 UCLA with 13:37 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Dailey Jr. and Dent score back-and-forth with Trey Fort, and it's 60-51 Bruins at the media timeout (11:33).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >They're throwing threes. First Fort, then Clark, then Kohler, and MSU's within five! 66-61 with 9:12 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Bruins come out with six straight points before Coen Carr goes in for a big dunk. 72-63 UCLA.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Xavier Booker fouls out for UCLA.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >The Spartans are battling back! They go on an 8-0 run to pull within four with just 2:34 remaining. 👀</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Clark claps back with a triple right away, and the teams trade scores. A Jeremy Fears Jr. jumper keeps MSU within five. 80-75 UCLA with 57 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Teng with a triple! It's 80-78 Bruins with just 43 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Perry drains two free throws for UCLA, and Fears Jr. matches them. 82-80 Bruins, 32 seconds.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Brandon Williams comes up with a fast break two, and the Bruins have a 84-80 edge with just 25 seconds remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Carson Cooper scrambles for two points under the basket, and Perry makes two more from the charity stripe. Rinse and repeat, but with a layup from Fears Jr.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="13"
        ><strong>DENT COMES UP WITH A GAME-ENDING STEAL ON THE IN-BOUND PASS! UCLA ADVANCES 88-84!</strong></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Donovan Dent celebrates UCLA Men's Basketball's win over Michigan State

2026-3-13 Blog: UCLA-MSU MBBT Game 14

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 7 seed <strong>Purdue</strong> seized control and never looked back, cruising to a wire-to-wire, 74-58 victory over No. 2 seed Nebraska to advance to the semifinals of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament.</p><p>The Boilermakers built their early advantage by controlling the paint and capitalizing on eight Husker turnovers, converting those mistakes into 17 pivotal points. Fletcher Loyer paced their balanced offensive attack with 19 points, while C.J. Cox and Oscar Cluff each chipped in 12 apiece. Braden Smith finished with 10 assists.</p><p>Nebraska battled hard to close the gap, leaning on strong efforts from Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort to keep pace. The Huskers even sparked an 8-1 scoring run in the second half, slicing the deficit to just ten points. But Purdue had an immediate answer, unleashing a decisive 12-2 run, riding free throws and a +8 rebounding advantage to the quarterfinal victory.</p><p><strong>No. 7 seed Purdue advances to take on the winner of No. 6 seed UCLA/No. 3 seed Michigan State in the semifinals</strong> at about 2:30 p.m. CT (after Michigan-Wisconsin) tomorrow on CBS. Want to see it in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Full steam ahead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Purdue starts out strong with a 13-3 run</strong> over the first four minutes that includes two triples from C.J. Cox and four points from Oscar Cluff. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort have combined for all of Nebraska's 11 points, and the Huskers trail 17-11 (12:57).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The teams trade buckets, and the Boilers maintain a five-point edge following an Omer Mayer three. 24-19 Boilers (9:24).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Jared Garcia makes consecutive threes for the Huskers, but Cluff's eighth point of the day keeps Purdue up 30-22 (6:33).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Cluff lays one up, and Cox sinks three free throws to help Purdue to a 35-26 edge with 3:10 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Nebraska earns its first trip to the free throw line with 41.8 seconds remaining in the half. Jamarques Lawrence sinks two of three, but a Fletcher Loyer three gives Purdue a 41-28 lead at the break.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Purdue has 17 points off eight Nebraska turnovers, while the Huskers have zero. The Boilers are also winning the battle in the paint, 14-4.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Braden Smith has yet to get on the board, but he's got seven assists already. Trey Kaufman-Renn has been held to just four points so far. Loyer leads the Boilers with 13.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Sandfordt leads the Huskers with 10 points at the half.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Wire to wire</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Smith and Kaufman-Renn get Purdue started on a 7-2 spurt to take an 18-point lead, but the Huskers counter to pull closer. 48-33 at the media (15:35).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >An 8-1 run from the Huskers, capped off with a Mast three, brings the deficit down to 10 with 12:29 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Both teams score before Purdue increases its lead with a 12-2 run featuring six made free throws from three different players. The Boilers have 12 points from the charity stripe with 4:12 left to play, and they lead 70-52.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Braden Frager scores the last six points for the Huskers, but...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>Purdue closes out the 74-58 win to advance!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Four Boilermakers finished in double figures, including Loyer (19 points), Cox (12 points), Cluff (12), and Kaufman-Renn (10). Smith posted 10 assists. They finished with a +8 rebounding margin and never trailed in the victory.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Purdue Men's Basketball high fives after its win

2026-3-13 Blog: NEB-PUR MBBT Game 13 

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 5 seed <strong>Wisconsin</strong> overcame a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat No. 4 seed Illinois, 91-88, in overtime to advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Sound familiar? That's because the Badgers ironically <em>mirrored</em> their regular-season performance against the Illini, when they also overcame a double-digit deficit to win by two in overtime.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Different this time? The record-breaking performances by Wisconsin's Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. <strong>Boyd scored 38 points, which is second all-time in Big Ten Tournament history</strong> and broke the Wisconsin tournament record set just yesterday by Blackwell (34). Blackwell's 31 bomb made it <strong>the first time since 1968 that two Badgers have scored 30+ points in the same game</strong>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Illini started strong, fueled by Andrej Stojaković’s 12 first-half points and a 23-3 run that gave them a commanding 28-13 lead. But the Badgers clawed back, led by Blackwell’s scoring burst, to cut the deficit to 36-30 at halftime.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half was a dogfight. Illinois maintained control early, with Tomislav Ivisic extending its lead to 11. However, <strong>Boyd and Blackwell took over, combining for 35 of the Badgers’ first 39 second-half points</strong>. A 14-5 Wisconsin run gave the Badgers their first lead since the opening minutes, but the game remained tight, with both teams trading clutch plays down the stretch. Tied at 76, the game headed to overtime.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>In the extra period, Wisconsin surged ahead with a 7-2 run,</strong> thanks to Boyd and Austin Rapp. Illinois made a late push behind David Mirkovic, who scored five points in the final seconds, but the Badgers held on.</p><p><strong>No. 5 seed Wisconsin advances to take on No. 1 seed Michigan in the semifinals</strong> at 12 p.m. CT tomorrow on CBS. <em>The Badgers are still the only Big Ten team to defeat the Wolverines this season</em>. Will they repeat another upset on back-to-back nights? We'll find out tomorrow. Want to see the semifinal in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Two runs and a six-point lead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Emotions are high right after tip-off. We've got a little friendly trash talking off the bat that's called a double technical for Nick Boyd (WIS) and Kylan Boswell (ILL). 👀</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Both teams' stars start the scoring. Boyd and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Keaton Wagler (ILL) each net five points, and its tied at 17:46.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Three layups and two free throws from Andrej Stojaković lead Illinois to a 12-0 run and a 17-10 lead (12:33)! </strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Make it a 23-3 run for the Illini, capped off with a Boswell triple. 28-13 Illini with 9:14 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >John Blackwell breaks up the run with five straight points for the Badgers. With a fastbreak layup from Boyd, they're back within eight at the media (7:17).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: There were no stoppages for over five minutes of play. 🏃‍♂️</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>The Badgers clap back with a 12-0 run of their own, led by eight from Blackwell! </strong>It's 28-25 Illini with 5:35 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Illinois breaks up the run with a couple buckets, and the teams trade scores the rest of the way. We head to the locker rooms with Illinois leading 36-30.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Key Contributor (ILL): Stojakovic (12 points, five rebounds).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributor (WIS): Blackwell (10 points).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Notable: Both teams are shooting under 30% from three so far. Look for someone to get hot from distance in the second half.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Dogfight</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >It's a tennis match at the beginning of the second half, but Illinois maintains an 11-point lead thanks to Tomislav Ivisic. He's getting it done from beyond the arc and with a put-back in the paint! 50-39, 16:30.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Nick Boyd has the Badgers' last seven points, as they go into the media timeout down 54-43 (14:24).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Illini's depth is shining through today. They have 21 bench points compared to Wisconsin's four.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Wisconsin mounts a 9-0 run, fueled by seven Blackwell tallies. The Badgers make it 60-54 and force an Illinois timeout with 9:10 to go!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>The Badgers go on a massive 14-5 spurt to take their first lead since it was 10-9 in the first! 68-67 Wisconsin with 4:50 left!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>Notable: 35 of Wisconsin's first 39 points in the second half so far have come from either Boyd or Blackwell. 😤😤</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Austin Rapp mains two free throws for UW before Stojakovic counters with a three. It's tied at 70 with 3:51 remaining. 😬</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Ivisic drills two free throws to tie the game before Aleksas Bieliauskas gives UW the lead right back. Wagler responds with a two to knot it back up at 74 (2:41).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Notable: Boswell picks up his fourth personal foul. Wagler also has four for the Illini.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >A pair of Boyd free throws give UW the lead back before Ivisic counters with another two. We're tied again at 76.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Stojakvoic fastbreak layup. Blackwell free throws. A chance on each end, and...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        ><strong>WE'RE GOING TO OVERTIME!</strong></li></ul><h3>Overtime: Do you get déjà vu</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Wisconsin opens the extra period with a 7-2 run to match its largest lead of the game, courtesy of Boyd and Rapp. 85-80 with 2:33 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >A foul is called, and John Blackwell hits two free throws to stretch the Badgers' lead to 87-81 with 46 seconds remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >David Mirkovic makes a jumper for Illinois before Boyd earns a couple trips to the free throw line. Wisconsin has a 90-83 leaad with 14 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Mirkovic! He buries a three-pointer and a layup to put the Illini within two with just six seconds left!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Braeden Carrington makes one of his free throws to make it a three-point game with five seconds remaining in overtime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Wagler puts up a deep three, but it hits off the rim.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>BADGERS ADVANCE IN A 91-88 OVERTIME THRILLER!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: This is the first time that Wisconsin has had two players with 30+ points in the same game since 1968. Boyd finishes with 38, Blackwell with 31.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Notable: <strong>Nick Boyd finishes with the second-most points in Big Ten Tournament history</strong>, sets a new career high (38), and breaks the Wisconsin program record for most points in a tournament game set just yesterday by Blackwell.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Notable: The last time Illinois and Wisconsin met, the Badgers overcame a double-digit deficit to beat the Illini in overtime. This time, in the tournament, Wisconsin overcame a double-digit deficit to beat Illinois in overtime. 👀</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Nick Boyd gets the crowd riled up during the men's basketball tournament

2026-3-13 Blog: WIS-ILL MBBT Game 12

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">The No. 1 seed <strong>Michigan </strong>Wolverines edged out the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes, 71-67, in a contest that came down to the final minute. From the opening tip, <strong>the Wolverines set the tone</strong>, racing out to a 15-5 lead behind Morez Johnson Jr.’s quick start and Trey McKenney’s sharp shooting. But the Buckeyes, led by Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal, refused to let the game slip away. Thornton’s buzzer-beating jumper to close the first half trimmed Michigan’s lead to 39-35, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ohio State came out of the break determined, tying the game at 44 on a Christoph Tilly layup. Michigan answered with a 7-0 run, but <strong>the Buckeyes kept coming</strong>, with Thornton’s three-pointer pulling them within one. Moments later, Royal buried a clutch triple to give Ohio State their first lead of the game, 61-60, with just over five minutes to play.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Wolverines, however, showed their resilience.</strong> Aday Mara took control, scoring key baskets in the paint, while Elliot Cadeau calmly sank free throws to regain the lead. With the game hanging in the balance, Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg stepped to the line and delivered two clutch free throws in the final seconds, sealing the win for Michigan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mara led the Wolverines with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Thornton’s 22 points kept Ohio State in the fight. Michigan’s depth and composure proved decisive, as they led for all but 54 seconds in a thrilling battle that showcased the best of Big Ten basketball.</p><p><strong>No. 1 seed Michigan advances to take on No. 5 seed Wisconsin in the semifinals</strong> at 12 p.m. CT tomorrow on CBS. Want to see it in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>. </p><h3>First Half: Michigan pulls ahead, Buckeyes right behind</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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          value="1"
        ><strong>Michigan starts the game strong with a 7-0 run</strong>, led by four quick points from Morez Johnson Jr.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The teams trade buckets before the Wolverines go on another 7-0 spurt, including a triple from hot-hand Trey McKenney. It's 15-5 Michigan with 14:47 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Buckeyes counter with a 6-0 run to pull within four. Devin Royal leads the way so far with five points. 15-11 Wolverines (12:14).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >McKenney gets five more points for the Wolverines. He has eight at the 11:25 mark to lead Michigan to a 20-11 advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Both squads score as John Mobley Jr. (OSU, five points), Elliot Cadeau (MICH, five points), and Aday Mara (MICH, two points) get on the board. 31-21 Michigan with 4:57 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Thornton leads Ohio State to a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to four! 31-27, 3:51 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >A couple Buckeye triples make it a one-possession game! The Wolverines have a 35-33 edge with 1:35 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >After a crazy sequence, Mara slams down an alley-oop in transition. before Cadeau hits two from the charity stripe. 39-33 Michigan with 19 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Thornton comes through with a buzzer-beating two, and <strong>it's 39-35 Wolverines at the break.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors: Thornton leads all scorers with 13 points in the opening period. Mobley Jr. and Royal tack on another seven each for OSU. McKenney leads Michigan with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting (two from beyond the arc) followed by seven from Cadeau.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        ><strong>Notable: Michigan is shooting 50% from the field and from three-point range. The Wolverines are showcasing their depth early with 14 bench points vs. OSU's two. They're also pushing the pace (18 points on the fast break) and putting on the pressure (15 points off turnovers).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Notable: The Buckeyes are currently winning the battle on the glass, 19-14, led by five boards from Amare Bynum.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Buckeyes make it a battle</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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          value="1"
        >After a couple baskets for each team, <strong>a Christoph Tilly layup ties the game at 44! </strong>(17:22).</li><li
          class=""
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          value="2"
        >A 7-0 Michigan run grabs the Wolverines' advantage right back, led by four more points from Cadeau! 51-44 Michigan.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Ohio State gets five unanswered points, capped of by a Thornton three, to pull back within one! 53-52 edge to the Wolverines with 11:25 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
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          value="4"
        >Mara pulls the Wolverines ahead with six straight points! 59-52, 9:20 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
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          value="5"
        >The Buckeyes refuse to go away. They put up four to inch closer, 59-56.</li><li
          class=""
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          value="6"
        ><strong>OHIO STATE TAKES THE LEAD! DEVIN ROYAL buries a three to take a 61-60 edge! (5:40).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>Michigan responds right away!</strong> Cadeau earns a couple trips to the charity stripe, and Johnson Jr. gets a layup on the fast break to make it 65-62 Wolverines with 3:35 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Thornton chips into the lead with a pair of free throws before Mara responds with a quick two. 67-64, 2:56.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Royal makes a jumper. 69-67 Michigan with just 6.5 seconds remaining. Wolverines' basketball.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >OSU fouls, and Yaxel Lendeborg makes two clutch free throws to close out the win! Wolverines advance, 71-67.</li><li
          class=""
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          value="11"
        >Notable: Four Wolverines finish in double figures, led by Mara (17 points, seven rebounds). Mara came up with "some of the biggest loose basketballs of the game," according to head coach Dusty May. Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg finished with six points, five rebounds, and six assists. Michigan led for all but 54 seconds of the game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Key contributor (OSU): Bruce Thornton (22 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Aday Mara dunks for Michigan Men's Basketball

2026-3-13 Blog: OSU-MICH MBBT Game 11

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The No. 6 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> Bruins punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament with a definitive 72-59 victory over Rutgers. Driven by a relentless offense and +10 rebounding margin, the Bruins stifled any Scarlet Knight surges to secure the win. The night, however, belonged to Donovan Dent and his record-breaking performance.</p><p>With his final rebound, UCLA guard<strong> Donovan Dent became the first player ever in Big Ten Tournament history to post a triple-double</strong>, recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in the victory. <strong>The last time that any player recorded a triple-double in a major conference tournament was back in 2003</strong> in the Big 12 Tournament, and it's only happened <em>three times</em> since 1996-97. Dent is also <strong>just the fifth Bruin all-time to record a triple-double</strong> in any game, with the last coming in 2013. </p><p>The game began with scoring runs from both teams. Rutgers started with a 4-0 lead, but UCLA answered with an 11-0 tear, sparked by early buckets from Bilodeau. The Scarlet Knights fired back with an 8-0 run to regain a 12-11 edge. Undeterred, the Bruins launched a 12-2 spurt to take control, heading into halftime with a 30-24 lead, largely due to a defensive scheme that <strong>held Tariq Francis scoreless in the first half</strong> after his 29-point game yesterday.</p><p>UCLA came out of the break energized, starting the second half with an 11-2 run led by Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. Trent Perry's outside shooting stretched the floor and pushed the Bruins' advantage to double digits. Rutgers didn't fade, however. Lino Mark (17 points) and Darren Buchanan Jr. (9) kept the offense moving. A late 7-2 push by the Scarlet Knights trimmed the deficit to 59-50 with just over five minutes remaining. Sensing the pressure, the Bruins shut the door. Bilodeau sank four straight free throws and later a clutch three-pointer to cap his 21-point performance. UCLA controlled the final minutes, closing out the 72-59 victory and advancing with historic momentum.</p><p><strong>No. 6 seed UCLA advances to take on No. 3 seed Michigan State in the quarterfinals</strong> at about 8 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network (after Purdue-Nebraska). The Spartans led by as many as 31 points in their 82-59 win over the Bruins last month, but tonight looked like a brand-new, revived UCLA squad. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Trading runs</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >After Rutgers opens up scoring with four straight points, UCLA goes on an 11-0 run led by four points from Tyler Bilodeau.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Scarlet Knights counter right away with their own 8-0 run to take the lead back! Five Rutgers players are on the scoreboard early. 12-11 RU with 12:18 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >A game of runs already? The Bruins go on a 12-2 spurt to take a 23-14 lead with 7:19 left in the half!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The teams trade buckets, and a Harun Zrno triple puts the Scarlet Knights within three. 25-22 UCLA with 4:22 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Another three from Bilodeau gives him nine on the night and a 30-22 lead to the Bruins with two minutes to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Emmanuel Ogbole's layup gives Rutgers the last two points of the half, and UCLA takes a 30-24 lead into halftime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: UCLA kept Tariq Francis <em>scoreless</em> in the first half. He finished with 29 points in <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59606/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rutgers' win over Minnesota yesterday</span>
      </a>.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Dent makes Big Ten Tournament history</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >UCLA goes on <em>another </em>run, this time an 11-2 spurt led again by five points from Bilodeau. Eric Dailey Jr. scores four, part of his eight points on the day.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Trent Perry nails two free throws and follows them up with a three to score his 10th point of the day. (16:10).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Seven Rutgers points come from Darren Buchanan Jr., but the Bruins keep pace. It's 51-41 with 9:57 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Francis gets on the board for the Scarlet Knights with free throws and 9:09 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Rutgers goes on a little 7-2 spurt with four points from Frances to earn a single-digit deficit. 59-50 with 5:06 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Bilodeau takes two trips to the charity stripe and sinks all four free throws. 63-50 Bruins.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Lino Mark scores four straight points for Rutgers before Bilodeau counters with a triple. 66-54 UCLA.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >UCLA closes out a 72-59 win to advance to the quarterfinals!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        ><strong>History: 🚨 With his final rebound, Donovan Dent becomes the first player in Big Ten Tournament history to record a triple-double! He finishes with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. 🚨</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors (UCLA): Tyler Bilodeau (21 points), Donovan Dent (triple-double), Trent Perry (12 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Donovan Dent goes up for a layup in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament

2026-3-12 Blog: RU-UCLA MBBT Game 10

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 7 seed <strong>Purdue</strong> came out firing and never looked back, clinching a statement 81-68 win over No. 15 seed Northwestern to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The Boilermakers stormed to an ultimately insurmountable 45-21 lead at halftime and controlled the game with a 38-18 edge in paint points.</p><p><strong>The</strong> <strong>biggest story of the night was point guard Braden Smith, who finished with a Big Ten Tournament single-game record 16 assists, vaulting him to second all-time in NCAA history with 1,045 career assists </strong><em>and</em> giving him the conference tournament career assists record (66). Now, Smith sits just 31 helpers short of Bobby Hurley’s legendary NCAA record of 1,076 set from 1990-93 at Duke. He also </p><p>Oscar Cluff powered the inside with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Trey Kaufman-Renn matched him with 19 points. Northwestern fought back, cutting the deficit down to 14 in the second half. Nick Martinelli starred with a game-high 25 points and Jayden Reid chipped in 19, but Purdue’s 35-23 advantage on the boards and unselfish play carried them into the next round.</p><p><strong>No. 7 seed Purdue advances to take on No. 2 seed Nebraska in the quarterfinals</strong> at 5:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network. The Boilermakers outlasted the Huskers in a tough, 80-77 overtime thriller in Lincoln last month. Oscar Cluff scored the eventual game-winner with 5.9 seconds left in OT. We'll see how Nebraska attacks tomorrow. <strong>Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?</strong><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>More notes below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">every tournament story here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: It's all coming up Boilers</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Oscar Cluff scores the game's first five points for Purdue before the 'Cats counter. Nick Martinelli gets four on the board quickly, but the Boilers lead 11-6 at the first media timeout (15:59).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Fletcher Loyer drains a three (his seventh point already) to extend the Boilers' lead to 10. 19-9 with 12:22 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Martinelli and Trey Kaufman-Renn trade baskets, but it's still a double-digit Purdue lead, 25-13.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Back-to-back triples from Omer Mayer and Gicarri Harris build the Boilers' advantage to 18 at the media timeout (7:35)!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Braden Smith has six assists just 12.5 minutes into the game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Purdue grows its lead to a game-high 23 points with 5:47 remaining in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >The Boilers end the period on a 6-0 run to take a 45-21 edge into the break.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Holding the line</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Kaufman-Renn nets a couple free throws to extend Purdue's lead to 26.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Northwestern goes on a quick 6-0 run to make it 47-27.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>With Braden Smith's 10th assist of the game, he is officially second on the NCAA's DI all-time career assists list!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >With a three-point play, Martinelli has eight of Northwestern's 12 second-half points so far and 18 of 33 on the day (15:35).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Scoring from four different Boilers keep their edge at 23, despite points from Jayden Ried, Tyler Kropp, and Martinelli.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Threes from Jordan Clayton and Reid bring Northwestern's deficit down to 14 with 5:57 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>The Boilers stand tall the rest of the way and advance to the quarterfinals with an 81-68 victory!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Braden Smith finishes the game with 16 assists, setting the record for most assists in a single Big Ten Tournament game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Key Contributors (PUR): Oscar Cluff (19 points, 10 rebounds), Trey Kaufman-Renn (19 points), Fletcher Loyer (14 points)</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors (NU): Nick Martinelli (25 points), Jayden Reid (19 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Purdue's Braden Smith dribbles around Nick Martinelli in the Big Ten Tournament

2026-3-12 Blog: NU-PUR MBBT Game 9

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>We didn't think Wisconsin would replicate the three-point madness from its regular-season meeting with Washington in the Big Ten Tournament. We also didn't think that Washington would storm all the way back from an 18-point deficit to bring the game down to the final possession.</p><p>Boy, were we wrong.</p><p>No. 5 seed <strong>Wisconsin</strong> survived a massive late-game surge from No. 12 seed Washington to secure a thrilling 85-82 victory and advance in the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The Badgers set the tone early with an explosive 11-2 run, ultimately taking a 43-33 advantage into the locker room. A barrage of three-pointers fueled Wisconsin's high-powered offense, with an incredible <strong>45 of its final points coming from beyond the arc</strong>.</p><p><strong>Trailing by as many as 18 points in the second half</strong>, the Huskies completely flipped the script by adjusting their defense and locking down the perimeter. Hannes Steinbach powered the comeback effort with a massive double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds, heavily supported by Zoom Diallo’s relentless 24-point performance. <strong>The Huskies methodically clawed their way back into the contest, eventually making it a one-point game</strong> with just over a minute remaining on the clock.</p><p>Clinging to a fragile lead, a previously scoreless <strong>Andrew Rohde stepped up to the charity stripe and calmly sank two clutch free throws</strong> with 8.3 seconds left to extend the gap to three. Diallo found an open look on the final possession, but his game-tying attempt bounced off the rim. Wisconsin breathes a sigh of relief as it carries this hard-fought momentum forward into its next high-stakes tournament showdown. <strong>John Blackwell broke the Wisconsin Big Ten Tournament single-game scoring record with a career-high 34 points</strong> (and 10 rebounds), while Nick Boyd orchestrated the floor beautifully with 23 points and nine assists.</p><p><strong>No. 5 seed Wisconsin advances to take on No. 4 seed Illinois in the quarterfinals</strong> at approximately 1:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network (after Ohio State-Michigan). In their February meeting, the Badgers rallied from a double-digit deficit to knock off then-No. 8 ranked Illinois in overtime in Champaign. <strong>Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?</strong><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Wisconsin fends off Washington run</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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          value="1"
        ><strong>The Badgers start out hot with an 11-2 run, led by five points from Nick Boyd! (14:37).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Zoom Diallo and Wesley Yates III break up the spurt, but Wisconsin responds with back-to-back threes from Boyd and Braeden Carrington. It's 17-5 Badgers (12:46).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Quimari Peterson buries a jumper and a triple, but the Badgers maintain their lead. It's 20-11 with 10:25 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Boyd stops a 6-0 Washington run with a three before Hannes Steinbach responds with one of his own. The teams trade a couple more buckets, and it's 25-18 Badgers (6:55).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Boyd's bucket makes him the first to double figures. He's got 11 early.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Wisconsin has nine points off four Washington turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Washington gets four back before John Blackwell drains a three. He has eight so far as the Badgers lead 30-23 (4:45).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >The Huskies mount an 8-3 spurt led by a layup and free throws from Lathan Sommerville. They pull within four with two minutes to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >The teams trade baskets before Wisconsin ends the half on a 6-0 run to take a 43-33 lead into halftime!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors (WISC): Boyd has 16 points so far on 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three. Blackwell adds on another 13 points and six rebounds.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Key Contributors (WASH): Steinbach scored 12 points in the first half and has seven rebounds already.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        ><strong>Notable: Wisconsin led the entire first half, aside from 1:34 spent tied.</strong></li></ul><h3>Second Half: Huskies claw back</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade buckets in the opening six minutes, but Wisconsin builds a 14-point lead. Diallo has booked seven second-half points early for the Huskies, while Blackwell leads the Badgers with nine. 61-47 Wisconsin with 14:27 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Badgers go on a quick 5-0 spurt to take its largest lead of the game, 66-48 (13:23).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Huskies chip into the lead, but Wisconsin keeps them at bay. Washington calls timeout at 9:56 down 72-59.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: 45 of Wisconsin's 72 points have come from beyond the three-point line. 🔥 Blackwell has made 6-of-10, while Boyd is 5-of-6. The Badgers drained 17 threes, shooting 50%, in their regular-season meeting with the Huskies.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Steinbach buries a jumper for his 23rd point of the day. He has kept the Huskies within striking distance – they trail 75-64 with 6:34 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Diallo scores six straight points for the Huskies before Peterson nets a triple to make it a six-point game with 4.5 minutes to go. 👀</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Blackwell counters with a jumper to tie his career-high 32 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Washington is actually beating Wisconsin in rebounds (38-28) and points in the paint (34-22).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Another quick 4-0 spurt makes it 81-77 with 2:39 remaining! ⚠️</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Notable: The Huskies switched up their defense, and the Badgers now haven't made a three since the 11th minute (at 2:15).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        ><strong>STEINBACH MAKES IT A ONE POSSESSION GAME! 81-79, 2:02 left.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Diallo makes one of his two free throws, and it's a one-point game with just over a minute to go. 😬</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="13"
        >Blackwell makes a bucket for the Badgers. Washington calls timeout, and Diallo comes through with a layup. The Huskies foul to send Andrew Rohde (Wisconsin) to the line. Rohde doesn't have a point on the day...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="14"
        ><strong>ROHDE KNOCKS THEM BOTH DOWN! Badgers lead 85-82 with just 8.3 seconds remaining.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="15"
        >Diallo gets an open shot, but it bounces off the rim.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="16"
        ><strong>WISCONSIN SURVIVES AND ADVANCES! Final score, 85-82.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="17"
        >Key Contributors (WISC): John Blackwell's 34 points are a career high and a Wisconsin Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament record. He also tacks on 10 rebounds. Nick Boyd finishes with 23 points and nine assists.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="18"
        >Key Contributors (WASH): Hannes Steinbach (25 points, 16 rebounds), Zoom Diallo (24 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

John Blackwell and the Badgers show relief after surviving Washington's comeback

2026-3-12 Blog: WASH-WISC MBBT Game 8

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 8 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> held off a furious late push from No. 9 seed Iowa to secure a 72-69 victory and advance in the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. <strong>A game that seemed decided with 13 minutes left turned into a possession-by-possession thriller.</strong></p><p>Iowa landed the first punch, opening with an 8-2 run. Ohio State fought back by attacking the rim with 22 first-half paint points, and Christoph Tilly provided a huge spark. He scored 12 first-half points, and a late 6-0 burst from him and Bruce Thornton gave the Buckeyes a 34-30 halftime lead.</p><p>After the break, <strong>Thornton broke the game open with a solo 10-0 run, pushing Ohio State's lead to a commanding 51-35.</strong></p><p>But the Hawkeyes refused to quit. An <strong>8-0 run cut the deficit to seven</strong>, and consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes made it a three-point game. The tension peaked when Bennett Stirtz's free throws pulled <strong>Iowa within one, 70-69, in the last 40 seconds</strong>. John Mobley Jr. answered with two clutch free throws for the Buckeyes, making it 72-69 with 7.2 seconds left. Iowa's final three-point attempt to force overtime missed, allowing Ohio State to survive and advance.</p><p><strong>No. 8 seed Ohio State advances to take on No. 1 seed Michigan in the quarterfinals</strong> at 11 a.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network. The Wolverines won both of this season's installments in the iconic rivalry, holding OSU to under 63 points in each meeting. Will Bruce Thornton and the Buckeyes break through to pull of the upset? We'll find out tomorrow. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Tilly leads OSU to halftime lead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Iowa opens the game with an 8-2 run with scores from three different Hawkeyes! (16:27).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Five of the Buckeyes' first seven points come from free throws, three from Christoph Tilly, to make it 12-7 Hawkeyes (11:23).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Ohio State's all-time leading scorer Bruce Thornton gets his first points of the game at 10:06. 13-11 Hawkeyes halfway through the first.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Unlike yesterday, Bennett Stirtz gets on the board right away with seven of the Hawkeyes' first 16 points. They hold a five-point advantage (8:37).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>Both teams score, with Amare Bynum netting six for the Buckeyes to take a 21-20 lead! (5:10).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Iowa and Ohio State trade leads before <strong>the Buckeyes pull away with a 6-0 run</strong> courtesy of Thornton and Tilly! They lead 30-25 with 1:28 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >After a few more buckets, Ohio State takes a 34-30 advantage into halftime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Tilly ends the half with 12 points for OSU. His season average per game is 11.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Comeback creates chaos</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Thornton and Tilly are back at it again! Ohio State increases its lead to eight points at the first media timeout. 43-35 Buckeyes (15:53).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Stirtz hasn't scored yet in the second half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Buckeyes are owning the paint. They've outscored Iowa 28-10 down low with 65% of their buckets coming from the lane.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>THORNTON GOES ON A 10-0 RUN ALL BY HIMSELF.</strong> He's shooting 9-of-10 from the field. 🤯 Buckeyes lead 51-35 with 13:55 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Tate Sage breaks up OSU's spurt, and Cam Manyawu slams one down to pull Iowa within 11 (12:07).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Iowa goes on an 8-0 run to make it 58-51 OSU with 8:09 remaining. 👀 Half of the points come from Manyawu, who has nine on the day.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >The Hawkeyes throw punches, but Ohio State responds each time. The Buckeyes maintain a 68-62 edge with 3:33 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Cooper Koch and Alvaro Folgueiras hit consecutive threes for Iowa before Tavion Banks dunks to make it a three-point game with 1:22 remaining!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Stirtz earns a trip to the charity stripe and drills them both. 70-69 OSU with 38 seconds to go. 😳</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >John Mobley Jr. responds with two clutch free throws of his own for the Buckeyes. They lead 72-69 with 7.2 seconds on the clock. Iowa basketball.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Isaia Howard had a chance for the Hawkeyes from the corner, but it bounces off the rim.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        ><strong>Ohio State SURVIVES AND ADVANCES! Final score, 72-69.</strong></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Bruce Thornton dribbles past an Iowa defender

2026-3-12 Blog: Iowa - OSU MBBT Game 7

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The 2026 Big Ten Hockey Tournament is heating up, and the stage is set for an electrifying semifinal showdown. After a thrilling quarterfinal round, only four teams remain in the hunt for the conference crown. Here's a look at how the field narrowed and what lies ahead in this year's quest for hockey glory.</p><h2>And Then There Were Four</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Wednesday night’s quarterfinals reduced the Big Ten Hockey Tournament field to a quartet of semifinalists. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Buckeyes best Badgers, back-to-back-to-back</h3><p style="text-align: left;">No. 5 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> eliminated No. 4 seed <strong>Wisconsin</strong> for the third straight year, <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furl.us.m.mimecastprotect.com%2Fs%2F86SNC9rP8GUkVyJ2uofRSqkTSA%3Fdomain%3Dohiostatebuckeyes.com&data=05%7C02%7Csabello%40bigten.org%7C92ede5a540354c6889cd08de8042b5cf%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639089221234323669%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=T99ZCeNWES9ldTAAaFwlyqlLe5r1L55AEWLCkAcAnNs%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">dominating the Badgers on the road, 7-1</span>
      </a>. Each Buckeye goal was scored by a different player, goalie Kristoffer Eberly made 33 saves, and Head Coach Steve Rohlik added another Big Ten Tournament win to his collection (19) – the most of any coach in history. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Make it 13 of 14 for Michigan</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Jayden Parron knocked home two goals and Michael Hage added four assists as No. 2 seed <strong>Michigan</strong> <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furl.us.m.mimecastprotect.com%2Fs%2FSpolC0RPgESG0OnmcDhDS9x8Qi%3Fdomain%3Dmgoblue.com&data=05%7C02%7Csabello%40bigten.org%7C92ede5a540354c6889cd08de8042b5cf%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639089221234417226%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fAwRz96qAQazvmocYvoy2MUu991ZVoIWI4GqEiQ94vY%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">took care of business in Ann Arbor</span>
      </a> against No. 7 seed <strong>Notre Dame</strong>, 6-1. In a game that featured seven Notre Dame penalties and a few heated moments, Michigan’s freshman goalie Jack Ivankovic stood tall, stopping 23 of 24 shots as the Wolverines won for the 13th time in their last 14 meetings with the Fighting Irish.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Buckeyes best Badgers back-to-back-to-back</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Big Ten scoring leader Gavin McKenna was kept out of the net but assisted on a pair of early goals in No. 3 seed <strong>Penn State</strong>'s <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furl.us.m.mimecastprotect.com%2Fs%2FMZS-CgJN58tA5XvGu2i2S4mVd_%3Fdomain%3Dgopsusports.com&data=05%7C02%7Csabello%40bigten.org%7C92ede5a540354c6889cd08de8042b5cf%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639089221234465565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iZn%2FOeuo3dEbGUDlSkYD7geFBbAUU5Akc3%2FjaMWZKi8%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">win over No. 6 seed </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Minnesota</strong></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, 6-</span>
      </a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2</span>. The Nittany Lions’ first regulation win in more than two weeks featured junior Matt DiMarsico’s 100th career point and the first of the season for Mac Gadowsky, the son of Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Semifinal Showdowns on Saturday</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow, two teams will punch their tickets to the 2026 conference championship game.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wolverines seek semifinal redemption over Penn State</h3><p style="text-align: left;">In the opener, No. 2 seed <strong>Michigan</strong> welcomes No. 3 seed <strong>Penn State</strong> to Yost Ice Arena at 5 p.m. ET.  The Wolverines took the season series, 2-1-1 – with one win coming via shootout – but lost a pair at home to the Nittany Lions in last year’s Big Ten Tournament to end their season. Penn State is seeking its first appearance in the conference championship game since 2019, while Michigan has won two of the last four tournament titles. Worth noting: the Wolverines have never lost a game (11-0) as the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Championship rematch: Can the Spartans do it again?</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Coming off a bye as the conference regular season champion, No. 1 seed <strong>Michigan State</strong> is seeking an unprecedented third straight Big Ten Tournament crown and will host No. 5 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> at 7:30 p.m. ET. The two teams went to double overtime in last season's title bout before the Spartans broke through to end the longest game in conference tournament history. The Buckeyes – the only one of this year's semifinalists still looking for their first conference tournament championship – have had some recent success in East Lansing, winning once and taking the Spartans to a shootout earlier this season.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Semifinal Showdowns on Saturday</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow’s doubleheader will air live on Big Ten Network with the championship game set for next Saturday, March 21. <a href="https://bigten.org/mhky/article/58588/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Get the viewing info, game recaps, and tournament tickets here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Want championship updates </strong>and more content like this?<strong> </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p></div>

T.J. Hughes skates with the puck for Michigan

2026-3-12 Blog: Big Ten Hockey Tournament Preview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 14 seed <strong>Rutgers</strong> advanced to the third round of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament and avenged its 19-point, regular-season loss with a win over No. 11 seed Minnesota. The teams battled in a tightly contested first half, featuring nine lead changes and four ties. Tariq Francis carried the Scarlet Knights with 16 of their 29 first-half points, while Grayson Grove led the Gophers with 10. <strong>Minnesota held a slim 31-29 edge at halftime, despite Rutgers’ early 7-0 run and Francis’ hot hand.</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half saw both teams trading blows, highlighted by a flurry of three-pointers (six straight scores were triples) and a <strong>decisive 11-0 Rutgers run fueled by Minnesota turnovers</strong>. The Scarlet Knights capitalized on 15 Gopher giveaways, scoring 17 points off turnovers. Down the stretch, Rutgers sealed the 72-67 win with clutch free throws from Jamichael Davis, Harun Zrno, and <strong>Francis, who set a Rutgers Big Ten Tournament record with 29 points.</strong></p><p><strong>No. 14 seed Rutgers advances to play No. 6 seed UCLA in the third round</strong> at about 8 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network (following Northwestern-Purdue). The Bruins bested the Scarlet Knights by more than 30 points in their last meeting. We'll see if RU can avenge big regular season losses on back-to-back nights. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Seesaw affair</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Both teams score before Rutgers goes on a 7-0 run to take a 9-4 lead! Emmanuel Ogbole has a quick six points for the Scarlet Knights (16:27).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Isaac Asuma nets his seventh point of the game for the Gophers to tie it up at 13 with 13:54 left in the first half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Minnesota's defense holds Rutgers scoreless for over five minutes, but the Gophers only put together a 5-0 run. They lead 18-16 (9:45).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Tariq Francis (Rutgers) is the first player of the game in double digits after nailing a three to cut Minnesota's lead to one. 25-24 with 4:01 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>Francis puts up another five points to give the Scarlet Knights a 29-27 lead! 1:45 to go.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>Grayson Grove scores four for the Gophers in response to take the advantage right back heading into halftime! 31-29 Gophers.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: We've had nine lead changes and four ties in the first half already! The largest advantage was just five points and came back in the first four minutes of the game (RU).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Key Contributors: Francis has scored 16 points for Rutgers; the rest of the team has 13 combined. Grove leads the Gophers with 10 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Notable: Darren Buchanan Jr. (RU) picked up three fouls in the first half.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Defense gets it done</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Rutgers and Tariq Francis put together a 9-2 run to take a 38-36 lead! (15:32).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >It's raining threes! Between the two teams, six straight scores come from distance. Two from Bobby Durkin (MINN) and two from Harun Zrno. The last one leaves the game tied at 47 with 11:11 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>The Gophers pull ahead 52-47</strong> courtesy of a Cade Tyson three-point play and a Langston Reynolds layup (9:49). Rutgers responds right away with four quick points to get back within one.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>The Scarlet Knights mount an 11-0 run to take a 58-52 lead!</strong> They take advantage of six consecutive Minnesota turnovers to get back in the game (5:43).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The teams go back and forth as Rutgers takes a five-point lead into the final minute of the game. 👀</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Minnesota starts fouling to regain possession. Jamichael Davis drains four straight free throws, Ogbole comes through with a massive block, and Zrno hits two more from the charity stripe for the Scarlett Knights. <strong>Francis' two free throws break Rutgers' single-game Big Ten Tournament record with 29 points.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>Scarlet Knights advance with a 72-67 win!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Rutgers earned 17 points off 15 Minnesota turnovers.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Ogbole dunks for Rutgers Men's Basketball

2026-3-11 Blog: RU-MINN Game 6

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 15 seed <strong>Northwestern</strong> is moving on to the third round of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament! The Wildcats and No. 10 seed Indiana traded blows in a thrilling first half, with the Hoosiers jumping out to an early lead behind Lamar Wilkerson and Darian DeVries. <strong>Jake West kept the Wildcats in the fight, scoring 14 points in the opening half</strong>, while Big Ten leading scorer Nick Martinelli was held quiet for the first eight minutes. A late 8-0 Northwestern run briefly gave them the lead, but Indiana countered with a quick flurry to take a slim 37-36 edge into halftime.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half saw Martinelli come alive, scoring seven quick points to spark the Wildcats. Northwestern’s defense clamped down, forcing turnovers and fueling a game-changing 19-5 run. <strong>Martinelli was unstoppable, pouring in 19 of his 28 points after the break</strong>, as the Wildcats extended their lead to double digits. Despite Indiana’s attempts to rally, Northwestern held firm, closing out the 74-61 victory to advance. It marks the <strong>Wildcats’ first tournament with two wins since 2017</strong>, a triumph powered by their defense, Martinelli’s second-half heroics, and West's 18-point performance. With his big night, Martinelli also became <strong>Northwestern's all-time tournament points leader</strong>, passing Michael Thompson.</p><p><strong>No. 15 seed Northwestern advances to play No. 7 seed Purdue in the third round</strong> at 5:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network. In their last meeting, the Wildcats held the Boilermakers to their lowest scoring half of the season, but Purdue bounced back to win, 70-66. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: IU scrapes out a one-point lead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade buckets off the bat, but <strong>IU gets a 6-0 spurt to earn a 13-9 edge</strong> at the first media (14:29). Lamar Wilkerson and Darian DeVries combine for 11 of the Hoosiers' points so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Big Ten leading scorer Nick Martinelli (Northwestern) was held scoreless for over eight minutes.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >More back-and-forth scores – including four points from Sam Alexis (IU) – but the Hoosiers maintain their advantage. 22-13 with 10:09 to go.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >A Nick Dorn three gives the Hoosiers their largest lead of the game, 25-15 (9:24).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Key contributor: Jake West (NU) has started the game 4-of-4 from the field with nine points for the Wildcats.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Martinelli and West pick up four points for Northwestern, but Conor Enright responds with a three. 28-19 Indiana at the media break (7:28).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Three Indiana turnovers help the Wildcats creep closer. 30-25 IU (5:26).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        ><strong>It's an 8-0 Northwestern run! Wildcats take a 33-32 lead on a Tyler Kropp triple!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >IU counters with five quick points (Dorn nails another three, Tayton Conerway puts up two) to get back on top. 1:33 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Angelo Ciaravino slams one down, and Martinelli buries a free throw. <strong>Indiana takes a one-point edge into halftime</strong> (37-36).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Notable: Both teams are shooting 55% or better from the field, and they both have seven men with points on the scoreboard. Northwestern is winning the turnover battle, 7-2.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Key Contributors: West (NU) leads all scorers with 14 points, followed by Wilkerson (10). </li></ul><h3>Second Half: Wildcats' big run</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Martinelli opens with seven of Northwestern's first nine points to give the Wildcats a 45-41 lead! </strong>(17:06).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Reed Bailey and Wilkerson put up a combined seven points for the Hoosiers, but Northwestern goes on an 8-0 run to extend its lead to 53-44! 11:44 remains.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Northwestern has outscored Indiana 19-5 over the last 7.5 minutes (14:59–7:23).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Indiana has a couple scoring spurts, but the Wildcats defend their lead, 74-59, with under a minute to play.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Northwestern dribbles out the 74-61 win to advance!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Historic tidbit: It's Northwestern's first tournament with two wins since 2017.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>Key Contributor: After behind held to single-digits in the first half, Martinelli scored 19 of Northwestern's 38 second-half points. He finished with 28 points on the night.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: The Wildcats scored 12 points off of 11 IU turnovers.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Nick Martinelli goes in for a high five

2026-3-11 Blog: NU-IND MBBT Game 5

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 13 seed USC and No. 12 seed <strong>Washington</strong> faced off in an overtime nail-biter that saw <strong>13 lead changes and seven ties</strong>. The Trojans built a 40-33 halftime lead thanks to efficient shooting (47% from the field) and a balanced attack, with Jacob Cofie (12 points) and Kam Woods (10) leading the way. Washington kept it close behind Zoom Diallo and Hannes Steinbach, who contributed seven points each in the first half.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half was a rollercoaster, with <strong>USC extending its lead to 13 before Washington stormed back with a 13-0 run</strong> to take the lead. Both teams traded blows down the stretch, with clutch plays from Ezra Ausar and Courtland Muldrew forcing overtime at 71-71. In OT, Washington’s Wesley Yates III and Diallo delivered key buckets, while <strong>a defensive stop secured Washington's 83-79 win</strong>. Diallo finished with a team-high 22 points, while Woods led USC with 24 in the hard-fought loss.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>No. 12 seed Washington advances to play No. 5 seed Wisconsin in the third round</strong> around 1:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network (following Iowa-Ohio State). Badgers senior Braeden Carrington set a program record with nine three-pointers en route to a career-high 32-point performance in Wisconsin's win over Washington a couple weeks ago. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Eight lead changes early</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >It's a back-and-forth battle early. Kam Woods and Ryan Cornish (USC) trade buckets with Zoom Diallo and Lathan Sommerville (WASH), and a Quimari Peterson three gives the Huskies an 8-7 edge (16:56).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >USC goes on a quick 5-0 run that Washington immediately matches. The Trojans take the lead back, and hold onto it until Diallo drains a couple free throws to go back up one.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Trojans score five straight; Washington response <em>again</em>.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>USC finally breaks away with a 9-1 run, taking a 32-25 lead with 3:37 remaining!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The teams go tit-for-tat the rest of the way, and USC heads into the break with a seven-point edge. 40-33 Trojans.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>Notable: We've had eight lead changes and three ties in the first half alone.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: USC had a strong first half, shooting 47% from the field and 42% from three. Washington is at 36% and 33%, respectively.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Both teams are relying on offensive balance. Seven different Trojans have scored already, led by Jacob Cofie (12 points) and Woods (10), who have both already exceeded their game averages. Six Huskies are on the board, with Diallo (7 points) and Hannes Steinbach (7 points, 7 rebounds).</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Punches and counterpunches</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>The Trojans open up with five straight points and take their largest lead of the game! 45-33 USC (18:14).</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >UW punches back with a 7-0 run led by four points from Sommerville! 45-40 USC with 17:21 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >USC claps back with a 6-0 run before the teams trade buckets for a couple minutes. It's 56-44 USC with 13:58 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: The Trojans have been killing it in transition. They have 13 fast break points compared to Washington's three.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>The Huskies go on a 13-0 spurt to take the lead</strong>,<strong> </strong>led by five points from Wesley Yates III! 🔥 60-58 Washington with 9:01 to go!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >A Jordan Marsh three gives USC the lead, but UW quickly takes it back, courtesy of Courtland Muldrew and Diallo. 64-61 Washington (6:03).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Three players have four fouls with 5:27 to go – Cornish (USC), Diallo (WASH), and Yates III (WASH).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >We're going shot-for-shot. Free throws from Muldrew. Dunk from Ezra Ausar. Triple from Diallo. Another slam from Ausar. 69-67 Washington (4:12).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        ><strong>Woods ties the game with a jumper! </strong>69-69 with 3:08 remaining!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >ANOTHER. DUNK. Ausar gives the Trojans a two-point advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Muldrew counters to tie it back up at 71! UW timeout with 35 seconds remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="12"
        >Each team had a shot to take the lead, but defensive stops force OT! 👀</li></ul><h3>Overtime: Down to the wire</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Woods jumper. Steinbach layup. Marsh three-point play. USC leads 76-73 (3:27).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Muldrew picks up his fourth foul.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Washington gets a four-point edge</strong> after twos from Yates III and Diallo along with a Peterson triple.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Yates III fouls out for Washington. He finishes with 15 points for the Huskies.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Woods' and-one puts the Trojans back within one with 36 seconds left!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Diallo drills two clutch free throws to give UW a three-point lead with 11 seconds remaining. Timeout USC. 😬</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>The Husky defense comes up with a stop, and Steinbach free throws close out an 83-79 overtime win!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: We saw 13 total lead changes and seven ties in the game.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Zoom Diallo goes in for a layup for Washington

2026-3-11 Blog: USC-WASH MBBT Game 4

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">The No. 9 seed Hawkeyes are moving on to the third round of the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament following a 75-64 win over No. 17 seed Maryland. <strong>The Terps started strong, using a 15-0 run</strong> to build a double-digit lead midway through the first half. They shot 67% from the floor early, with their bench contributing 15 of their first 21 points. However, Iowa chipped away with points in the paint and<strong> closed the gap to just one by halftime</strong>, 31-30 Maryland.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half belonged to Iowa, fueled by a <strong>21-0 run that included back-to-back triples from Cooper Koch, who finished with a career-high 19 points</strong>. Maryland struggled with turnovers, giving up 21 points off 16 miscues, and went scoreless for over six minutes during Iowa’s surge. Despite late pushes from Darius Adams (14 points) and David Coit (12 points), the Terps couldn’t recover. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz added 17 points, including 13 in the second half, as the Hawkeyes secured a 75-64 victory to advance.</p><p><strong>No. 9 seed Iowa now plays No. 8 seed Ohio State in the third round</strong> at 11 a.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network. The Hawkeyes defeated the Buckeyes 74-57 in the regular season. Want to see the rematch in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Big defense and a one-point edge</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Solomon Washington scores the games first three points for the Terps before Bennett Stirtz and Cam Manyawu tie it back up. A David Coit free throw makes it 4-3 Maryland at the media timeout (15:12).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Isaia Howard slams one down off a Terps turnover, and the teams trade three-pointers. Maryland goes on a 15-0 run to take a 21-10 lead with 8:40 remaining in the first half!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: We've seen four lead changes already!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Maryland is shooting 67% from the floor compared to Iowa's 27%. The bench is currently carrying with 15 of Maryland's first 21 points. Five different Terps have scored.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Iowa chips away at the Terps' lead with quick 6-0 and 5-0 runs. The Hawkeyes pull within one with 1:09 remaining!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Iowa is controlling the paint. They have 18 points down low vs. Maryland's six.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Maryland has held Stirtz to just four first-half points, while Iowa has kept yesterday's star, Coit, to a zero.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Here come the Hawkeyes</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade buckets to open the half before Cooper Koch nails back-to-back threes for the Hawkeyes to take the lead! 36-34 Iowa at the first media (15:15).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>It's back-to-back, back-to-back triples for Iowa! They're part of a 21-0 Hawkeye run that puts Iowa up 51-34 with 11:42 left. 🤯</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Hawkeyes held Maryland scoreless for over six minutes.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Key Contributor (Iowa): Cooper Koch currently has 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Terps inch closer to the Iowa lead. 👀 They go on short 5-0 and 6-0 runs to pull within single digits. 56-47 Iowa with 7:10 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: After being held scoreless in the first half, Coit has a team-leading eight points in the second so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Each squad throws punches, but Iowa maintains an 11-point lead with 3:35 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Iowa has 21 points off of 15 Maryland turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Iowa closes out the 75-64 win to advance!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors (Iowa): Koch (career-high 19 points), Stirtz (17 points, 13 in second half).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="11"
        >Notable: Three Terps finished in double figures: Darius Adams (14 points), Isaiah Watts (12), and David Coit (12).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

An Iowa player dunks

2026-3-11 Blog: MD-Iowa MBBT Game 3

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 15 seed <strong>Northwestern</strong> outlasted No. 18 seed Penn State in a hard-fought battle, securing a 76-66 victory to advance in the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The first half was a back-and-forth affair with <strong>five ties and three lead changes</strong>. Nick Martinelli led the Wildcats early with 13 points, while Ivan Juric kept the Nittany Lions in it with 12. Northwestern held a slim 34-32 lead at the break.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The second half saw Northwestern gradually pull ahead, with <strong>Martinelli finishing with a game-high 24 points</strong>. The Wildcats capitalized on Penn State’s mistakes, <strong>scoring 24 points off 17 Nittany Lion turnovers</strong>. The 'Cats looked like a true unit with 21 assists, led by a <strong>Northwestern single-game tournament record</strong> nine from Jayden Reid. A late Martinelli steal and slam helped Northwestern secure the win and keep its tournament hopes alive.</p><p><strong>Northwestern now plays No. 10 seed Indiana in the second round</strong> at 5:30 p.m. CT tomorrow on Big Ten Network. Want to see it in person in Chicago?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: Five ties, three lead changes, one tight game</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Penn State scores four early, but Northwestern counters with an 8-0 run, capped off with a Jayden Reid three. Northwestern leads 8-4 (16:24).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Ivan Juric scores Penn State's next eight points as the teams trade buckets, and the game's tied at 12 (14:50).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Nick Martinelli goes on his own 6-0 run for the Wildcats! He has nine points already.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The teams trade scores, and it's 20-16 Northwestern at the media timeout (11:31).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Freddie Dilione V comes out of the break with five straight points for the Nittany Lions to tie it up at 21 (9:00).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Penn State goes on a 6-0 run to take the lead, courtesy of a Melih Tunca triple and a three-point play from Josh Reed. It's 29-26 PSU with 4:26 left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Northwestern grabs the lead right back thanks to Martinelli and Jake West. 32-29 Cats with 2:01 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Both teams score, and Northwestern takes a 34-32 edge into the break.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Notable: We've already had five ties and three lead changes. The largest lead so far was just six points (Northwestern, 12:33).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >Key Contributors: Nick Martinelli (13 points, Northwestern) and Ivan Juric (12 points, Penn State) are leading the way.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: 'Cats claw away</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >A three-point play from Kayden Mingo puts Penn State within one, Martinelli sinks a shot from distance in response, Reed matches it with his own triple, and the other Reid claps back with a three-point play. We've got a GAME! 42-38 Northwestern (17:10). </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Martinelli gives the Wildcats their largest lead of the game (seven) off a PSU turnover, but Mingo gets it back with a three-point play. Another Martinelli bucket gives him is 20th point of the evening.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Penn State leading scorer Juric picks up his fourth personal foul.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Northwestern has 13 points off of Penn State's 10 turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Both teams throw punches, but the Wildcats maintain a 58-51 lead with 9:40 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Jordan Clayton gets a layup on the fastbreak to extend Northwestern's lead to nine. 64-55 with under six minutes left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >A Martinelli steal and slam gives the Cats a 13-point lead! 68-55, 3:48 on the clock.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Northwestern closes out the 76-66 win to advance!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Nick Martinelli dribbles around a defender

2026-3-10: NU-PSU MBBT Game Two

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 17 seed <strong>Maryland</strong> defeated No. 16 seed <strong>Oregon</strong> to advance to the second round of the TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. Maryland opened the game with a dominant 9-0 run and never looked back. The Terps' defense <strong>stifled Oregon, holding them to just 12 first-half points</strong>—a season-low—while out-rebounding them nearly 2:1. <strong>David Coit led the charge with 17 points</strong>, including a deep three during a 14-2 run that helped Maryland take a commanding 33-12 halftime lead.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the second half, <strong>Oregon fought back with multiple runs</strong>, including a 12-0 surge that cut the deficit to 12 points late in the game. However, Maryland's balanced scoring, with five players in double figures, and timely plays like Elijah Saunders' three-pointer, kept the Ducks at bay. Despite Oregon's efforts, Maryland held on for a 70-60 victory to advance.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Maryland now plays No. 9 seed Iowa in the second round</strong> at 11 a.m. CT tomorrow on Peacock. Want to see it in person?<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Full breakdown below. 👇 Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>First Half: The best start to a tournament game in Maryland history</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Maryland starts hot on a 9-0 run, courtesy of Andre Mills (five points) and David Coit (four). That's all the scoring at the first media timeout (15:49).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Two free throws from Kwame Evans Jr. and one from Dezdrick Lindsay get Oregon on the board, but that's all the scoring for the Ducks so far. 12-3 Maryland (11:43).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Oregon takes a couple more trips to the charity stripe, but the Terps stay steady. 17-6 Maryland (9:22).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Nate Bittle breaks the Ducks field goal drought before George Turkson Jr. takes his own trip to the line. 19-8 Terps (7:58).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Threes are hard to come by so far. Both teams are shooting under 22% from three on a combined 21 attempts.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Coit becomes the first player in double figures with a deep three, part of a 14-2 run for the Terps. It's 31-12 with a minute left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Maryland puts an exclamation point on a huge first half with a dunk from Solomon Washington. The Terps lead 33-12 at half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: The Terps are out-rebounding Oregon nearly 2:1 (25-13). The Ducks' 12 points are a season-low.</li></ul><h3>Second Half: Wire-to-wire</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Bittle opens the half with the Ducks' first three of the game, and the teams trade scores. Maryland maintains its lead, 41-20, with 17:01 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Oregon pushes for a 6-0 run. Takai Simpkins nets four more free throws, followed by an Evans Jr. jumper. They trail 41-26 (15:31).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: 10 of Oregon's first 26 points have come from the free throw line.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The Ducks chip away with an 11-2 run! It's 43-31 with plenty of time left (13:32).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Collin Metcalf breaks the drought for the Terps, and Mills follows it with another two. Terps lead 47-31 with 11:55 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >The Terps keep the momentum going with an 8-0 run, capped off with an Elijah Saunders three before the media timeout. He's one of three Maryland men in double digits so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Oregon goes on a 12-0 run to make it 58-46 with 4:59 remaining, led by five more points from Bittle. The Ducks are still in striking distance...</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >The teams go back and forth the rest of the way, but Maryland maintains its edge until zeros. The Terps win, 70-60 to advance!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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David Coit dribbling for Maryland Men's Basketball

2026-3-10: MD-ORE MBBT Game 1

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament tips off tomorrow at the United Center. After an epic season full of highs, lows, win streaks, and upsets, we're bound to see some thrillers in Chicago.<strong> Check out the opening schedule and the bracket below! </strong>Get <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59594/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">more tournament stories here</span>
      </a>.</p><h2>The First Four (Tuesday)</h2><p>With all 18 teams competing this year, we'll have four teams taking the court on Tuesday to start things off.</p><h3>Maryland vs. Oregon</h3><p>On Tuesday, No. 17 <strong>Maryland</strong> opens the tournament against No. 16 <strong>Oregon</strong> in hopes of redeeming its loss to the Ducks. The Terps will need to find answers for Nate Bittle and Takai Simpkins, who each netted 16 points back in January. To repeat <a href="https://goducks.com/news/2026/1/2/mens-basketball-ducks-pick-up-first-road-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">its previous 64-54 victory</span>
      </a>, Oregon will look to control the paint again; it outscored Maryland 32-12 down low. The winner will advance to play No. 9 seed <strong>Iowa</strong> on Wednesday.</p><h3>Northwestern vs. Penn State</h3><p>It'll be a quasi-home game for No. 15 seed <strong>Northwestern</strong> when it takes on No. 18 seed<strong> Penn State</strong> in Chicago. Nick Martinelli went off with a career-high-matching 34-point performance in their January meeting. In addition to limiting Martinelli, the Nittany Lions need to play clean basketball; they handed the Wildcats 19 points off turnovers, which nearly made the difference in <a href="https://nusports.com/news/2026/1/29/mens-basketball-high-flying-nu-offense-fuels-94-73-rout-of-penn-state" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Northwestern's 94-73 victory</span>
      </a>. No. 10 seed <strong>Indiana</strong> awaits the winner.</p><h2>Second Round Showdowns</h2><p>While No. 10 seed <strong>Indiana</strong> and No. 9 seed <strong>Iowa</strong> don't know their opponents just yet, a couple second-round matchups are already set.</p><h3>USC vs. Washington</h3><p>A West Coast classic heads to Chicago when No. 13 seed <strong>USC</strong> faces familiar foe and No. 12 seed <strong>Washington</strong>. The Huskies handled the Trojans in both of their meetings this season, winning 84-76 in December and 91-72 just last week. Washington's scoring leader Hannes Steinbach buried 22+ points in each game and had a strong supporting cast with a 20+ point performance from Desmond Claude and Zoom Diallo. USC will need to lock down the Huskies' leaders and establish a presence in the paint to win on Wednesday.</p><h3>Rutgers vs. Minnesota</h3><p>No. 14 seed <strong>Rutgers</strong> and No. 11 seed <strong>Minnesota</strong> wrap up our second round action in a rematch of the <a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2026/2/21/mens-basketball-tyson-leads-all-scorers-with-27-points-all-five-starters-score-in-rutgers-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gophers' 80-61 regular season victory</span>
      </a> just two weeks ago. Cade Tyson went off for Minnesota, making <em>seven of nine three-pointers </em>to finish with 27 points and 10 rebounds. The Gophers 15-of-26 performance beyond the arc made the difference in an otherwise even matchup. That's not Minnesota's typical game plan – it averages 34.5% from three – so we'll be interested to see how this shakes out the second time around.</p>
        <img
          alt="26MBBT_Bracket.png"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/26MBBT_Bracket.png"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>Catch All the Action</h2><p>After six days packed with Big Ten Men's Basketball, we will crown a new conference tournament champion. Will Michigan go back-to-back for the first time since 2017-18? Will one of our other top seeds challenge the 19-1 (B1G) Wolverines? Could a Cinderella story emerge? Tune in and find out, or <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/861770" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">grab seats and see for yourself</span>
      </a>!</p><p><strong>Viewing information, schedule, and bracket </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/mbb/article/59570/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong> and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

The paint on the court for the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament

2026-3-8 Blog: MBBT Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 1 <strong>Penn State</strong> clinched its fourth straight Big Ten title after breaking school records for most wrestlers competing in conference championship bouts (eight) and most individual titles won (seven). </p><p>"It's a constant reminder of how we're so lucky to be surrounded by the best wrestlers and the best coaches in the world," said Mitchell Mesenbrink. "Our coaches and the men and women around us are solidifying the intangibles."</p><p>Penn State also broke the program's championships record with 184 team points. No. 2 <strong>Ohio State</strong> took home two titles and finished second with 148.5 points, while No. 5 <strong>Nebraska</strong> finished in third with multiple finalists and 116.5 points.</p><p><strong>Take a look at each of the individual championship bouts.</strong></p><h2>Individual Big Ten Wrestling Champions</h2><h3>Lilledahl Repeats (125)</h3><p>After scoring on just escapes during regulation, the championship bout at the lightest weight went to overtime. That's when No. 1 seed Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) came through with the <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030750787366785438" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">sudden-victory, belt-winning takedown</span>
      </a> to defend his Big Ten title. He defeated Purdue's No. 6 seed Jore Volk, who had upset No. 2 seed Nic Bouzakis in the semifinals in a definitive 8-1 decision to advance. Lilledahl cruised past Indiana's Jacob Moran (No. 4 seed) in the semis.</p><h3>Davino Extinguishes the Blaze (133)</h3><p>Ohio State redshirt freshman Ben Davino (No. 3 seed) <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030758539359035693" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">wrestled through a </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>second tiebreaker</em></span>
      </a> to topple undefeated freshman phenom Marcus Blaze (No. 1 seed, PSU). The wrestlers only scored on escapes the entire contest (including the extra periods), but since Davino scored first, he was awarded the decision to take the title.</p><h3>Mendez Reclaims the Title (141)</h3><p>In their seventh collegiate meeting, No. 1 seed Jesse Mendez (OSU) <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030762501000790386" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">took down No. 2 seed Brock Hardy (NEB) twice</span>
      </a> to reclaim his 2024 Big Ten Championship, 7-2. Mendez is the two-time defending NCAA Champion at 141 and already has his eyes on a three-peat.</p><h3>The Van Ness Monster (149)</h3><p>After a scoreless first period, No. 1 seed Shayne Van Ness (PSU) <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030764129187754291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">pinned No. 2 seed Ethan Stiles (OSU) 31 seconds into the second</span>
      </a> to improve to 21-0 and win his first Big Ten title. Van Ness gritted out tough wins in the quarterfinals (5-4 over Iowa's No. 8 seed Ryder Block) and semifinals (11-10 against Michigan's No. 4 seed Lachlan McNeil) to earn the championship bid.</p><h3>Duke Downs the King (157)</h3><p>Freshman PJ Duke (No. 2 seed, PSU) <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030771438278349086" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">handled defending NCAA Champion</span>
      </a> and No. 1 seed Antrell Taylor (NEB), 10-4, with a takedown in each period to raise the belt. The win avenges Duke's January loss to the Husker.</p><h3>Three-Peat Mesenbrink (165)</h3><p>No. 1 seed Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) leveraged three takedowns to <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030773379507126458" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">win his 49th consecutive match</span>
      </a>, defeating No. 3 seed Michael Caliendo (Iowa), 12-3. He has earned bonus points in every bout this season.</p><h3>A Four-Time Big Ten Champ (174)</h3><p>With no score in the first period, No. 7 seed Christopher Minto (NEB) took a 1-0 lead with an escape in the second. No. 1 seed Levi Haines (PSU) was awarded a point following a Husker penalty before earning an escape to take a 2-1 advantage. That made the difference, and Haines became the <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030781535041786157" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">fourth Nittany Lion to win four Big Ten crowns</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Welsh Wins in Thrilling Tiebreaker (184)</h3><p>Fifteen seconds into the third period, the only scores between No. 1 seed Rocco Welsh (PSU) and No. 2 seed Max McEnelly (MINN) were an escape apiece. Despite attacks in the extra period, the big men went to tiebreaker. Welsh came up with an escape, and a late attempt from McEnelly was reviewed but fell short. <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030783430410088717" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Champion Welsh remains undefeated</span>
      </a> heading to nationals.</p><h3>Raising the Barr (197)</h3><p>No. 1 seed Josh Barr (PSU) got out to a quick 6-1 lead and never let up, handling No. 2 seed Camden McDanel (NEB), <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030786310688895090" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">19-4, to win by tech fall for the 10th time</span>
      </a> this season. Barr dominated in the quarterfinals (21-6) and semifinals (18-3) as well, and will be the favorite at NCAAs.</p><h3>Match Flips with 18 Seconds Left (HWT)</h3><p>The first two periods at heavyweight went scoreless after No. 2 seed AJ Ferrari (NEB) prevented No. 1 seed Taye Ghadiali (MICH) from earning an escape and built up 1:57 of riding time. Ferrari escaped early in the third, but with just 18 seconds remaining, Ghadiali overpowered the Husker with a match-deciding takedown. Ferrari was called for stalling, giving Ghadiali a 5-2 championship victory. <a href="https://x.com/B1GWrestling/status/2030790016629170299" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">What a thrilling finish</span>
      </a>.</p><h2>More to Come</h2><p>Penn State's performance at the 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships was nothing short of historic. The Nittany Lions continue to solidify their place as the premier wrestling program in the country heading into the NCAA Championships, where they'll seek their fifth consecutive national title. The Big Ten Championships were a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence—and the best may still be yet to come. We'll see how each of our championship contenders does on the national stage later this month.</p><p><br /></p><p>Get the gear to <a href="https://shop.bigtenstore.com/penn-state-nittany-lions?filter.sport_specific=Wrestling&utm_source=b1g-partner&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=b1gwrestlingchamps-psu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">rep Penn State's championship</span>
      </a>.</p><p><strong>Want more content like this? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p></div>

Penn State raises its Big Ten Championship Belt

2026-3-8 Blog: 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Champions

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> put up videogame-like numbers the Big Ten Tournament Championship game, defeating No. 2 seed Iowa, 96-45, to claim its second consecutive title. The Bruins showcased an <strong>offensive clinic, shooting an incredible 63% from the field</strong> and 50% from beyond the arc. Kiki Rice led the charge, earning <strong>Most Outstanding Player</strong> honors after averaging 16.7 points and 5.3 assists across the tournament. Lauren Betts, who also made the All-Tournament Team, contributed 10 points in the final. Her sister, Sienna Betts, added 14 in the title game.</p><p style="text-align: left;">UCLA set the tone early with two massive first-quarter runs, jumping to a 22-5 lead. By halftime, the Bruins were up 42-20, fueled by their relentless defense and Iowa's nine turnovers. The second half was no different, as UCLA opened with a 7-0 run and extended its lead to 62-32 by the third quarter. <em><strong>Six</strong></em><strong> Bruins finished in double figures</strong>, with Gianna Kneepkens leading the team with 19 points (12 from three).</p><p style="text-align: left;">The victory capped off an <strong>undefeated Big Ten season for UCLA</strong>, who also secured the regular-season title. With two trophies in hand, the Bruins now set their sights on the ultimate prize: a national championship.</p><p>Full game breakdown below!</p><h3>First Quarter: Two massive UCLA runs</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Taylor Stremlow opens the game with a triple for Iowa, but UCLA counters with a 11-0 run led by seven points from Kiki Rice. UCLA leads 11-3 at the media timeout (4:14)!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Ava Heiden puts up two for the Hawkeyes, but the Bruins punch right back with another 9-0 run to end the quarter up 22-5.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice already have eight and seven points, respectively.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Maintaining control</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade buckets to open the quarter, and it's 26-7 Bruins at 7:24.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Iowa has nine turnovers to UCLA's two.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: UCLA is shooting 64% from the field and 63% from three. 🤯</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Seven Bruins are on the board, and four have six points or more already.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >It's 42-20 UCLA at halftime.</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Foot on the gas</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >UCLA opens with a 7-0 run, led by five points from Kneepkens.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Chit-Chat Wright comes through with a three-point play for the Hawkeyes, but Gabriella Jaquez and Kneepkens bury back-to-back threes to make it 55-23 Bruins (7:51).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Kneepkens leads UCLA with 14 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: The Bruins are <em>still</em> shooting 63% from the field. 😳</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Heiden and Addison Deal put up five for Iowa before Betts and Jaquez respond again. UCLA leads 59-28.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Heiden's bucket puts her in double-digits with 11 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Charlisse Leger-Walker drills a triple to give UCLA its largest lead of the game, 62-32, with 3:03 left in Q3.</li></ul><h3>Fourth Quarter: Can't-miss Bruins close the door</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >UCLA opens the quarter on a 7-0 run.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Both teams score as the Bruins' maintain a 78-41 advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Bruins tack on another 9-0 spurt to pull ahead, 85-41 with 3:24 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: <em>Six Bruins have reached double figures, </em>including both Lauren (10 points) and Sienna Betts (14 points).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >UCLA closes out the 96-45 win to go back-to-back!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Rep the Big Ten Tournament Champion Bruins! </strong><a href="https://shop.bigtenstore.com/ucla-bruins?filter.sport_specific=Basketball&filter.sport_specific=Womens%20Basketball&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=b1gwbbtourneychamps-ucla" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Get the gear</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p>
        <img
          alt="Cori Close Trophy Raise 3-8-26.jpg"
          height="1333"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Cori Close Trophy Raise 3-8-26.jpg"
          width="2000"
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      </div>

UCLA Women's Basketball jumps and celebrates its Big Ten Tournament title

2026-3-8 Blog: UCLA Wins WBBT Championship Game

A photo of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Trophy. "Live updates".

2026-3-3 Blog: WBBT in-Tournament Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> and No. 2 seed <strong>Iowa</strong> face off today at 2:15 p.m. ET in the championship game of the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. Combined, these teams have won the last four conference tournament titles. UCLA comes in as the defending champion, while Iowa took home the hardware in each of the 2022-24 seasons. </p><p>UCLA is undefeated in Big Ten play this season, but a No. 2 seed has won each of the last four titles. <a href="https://uclabruins.com/news/2026/2/1/womens-basketball-no-2-bruins-ground-no-8-hawkeyes-88-65">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Bruins defeated Iowa, 88-65, in their regular season meeting</span>
      </a> just last month.</p><p>Who will raise the trophy in 2025? Let's take a look at the championship matchup.</p><h2>Lauren Betts and the Balanced Bruins</h2><p>The biggest factor on the court, as she has been for UCLA all season long, is <strong>Lauren Betts</strong>. No one has had a real answer for the 6' 7" Big Ten Player and Defensive Player of the Year, in part because <strong>you can't double her up, or else another WNBA-prospect Bruin will get open</strong> and bury a dagger. That was the case in UCLA's last meeting with Iowa, when Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Angela Dugalić led the way with 22 points. (Betts still netted 16 of her own).</p><p>The Bruins' versatility has come through in the biggest moments, including this tournament. In the quarterfinals, Washington held UCLA to a season-low six points in the opening quarter. Betts scored eight of UCLA's first 12 points in the game to stay within striking distance before four different Bruins scored in a massive 15-0, second-quarter run to take a lead that they'd lever let up. Betts posted 26 points in the quarterfinals, and five Bruins finished in double figures in the semis. </p><p>Between Betts, Dugalić, Kiki Rice (35 points in two tournament games), sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens, and the depth on the Bruins' bench... <strong>UCLA has an offense that can adapt to beat you however it needs to</strong>, and it's why the Bruins are 30-1 on the season.</p><p>When asked about today's game and the postseason, Big Ten Coach of the Year Cori Close said, "I just care about 1-0. I'm obviously very grateful for what we've been able to do together... We just need to stake focused on the present and what each game teaches us."</p><h2>Heiden, Stuelke and Co.</h2><p>The Hawkeyes counter with their own star post players, <strong>Ava Heiden</strong> and <strong>Hannah Stuelke</strong>, who have been outstanding in the tournament so far. Heiden led the team with 16 points in the quarterfinals and semifinals, and posted 19 in their last meeting with UCLA. There's something about her timing – her biggest plays always seem to come when the game's momentum is up for grabs.</p><p>Meanwhile, Stuelke led the fourth-quarter spurt that made the difference for Iowa against Michigan in the semifinals. Down one heading into the final period, Stuelke scored 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter to lift the Hawkeyes back to the championship game. Oh, and she's done it all with an elbow injury that kept her on the bench just last week. <strong>Her rebounding and veteran leadership will be instrumental</strong> if Iowa wants to hand UCLA its first Big Ten loss of the season.</p><p>Much like the Bruins, if a team favors coverage of Heiden or Stuelke, the Hawkeyes can hit you back with range with Chit-Chat Wright (25 points, five threes in two tournament games) or the versatility of Taylor Stremlow. We'll see if it's enough to beat the Bruins this time.</p><p>"We're at a spot now where nobody in the country thought we'd be in except the people in that huddle," said head coach Jan Jensen. "<strong>We have a couple tweaks we're going to try</strong> differently than the last time... We're going to have to be at our best."</p><h2>Keep an Eye on..</h2><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>The Arc. </strong>If either of these squads gets hot from three and forces the other to spread out its defense, the floodgates may open just long enough to pull ahead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>The Paint. </strong>Scoring-wise, UCLA dominated Iowa, 56-26, in the paint in February. The Hawkeyes will need to close that gap if they want to bring another trophy back to Iowa City.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>The Glass.</strong> Between Betts and Stuelke, every rebound will be a battle. They're second and third in the league in rebounds per game (respectively), and these are two of the most determined players on every court.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Defense</strong>. Look for strategic adjustments on the defensive ends as different stars get hot and the game develops, particularly from Iowa. The 88 points that the Hawkeyes gave up to UCLA last month is the most they've allowed an opponent all season.</li></ul><h2>Championship Showdown</h2><p>This Big Ten battle will be one for the books. Will UCLA repeat as tournament champions and sweep this season's conference trophies? Or will Iowa reclaim its spot atop the Big Ten throne? <strong>Tune in to CBS today at 2:15 p.m. ET for the championship game of the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament.</strong></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more insights like this? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p></div>

Ava Heiden and Lauren Betts

2026-3-8 Blog: WBBT Championship Game Preview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 2 seed <strong>Iowa</strong> advanced to the Big Ten Tournament Championship game with a gritty 59-42 win over No. 3 Michigan. The <strong>Hawkeyes opened with a strong 13-2 run</strong>, holding Michigan to <em>its lowest-scoring quarter since 2017</em> (4 points). Syla Swords and Mia Holloway helped Michigan briefly take the lead in the third, but Iowa responded with a strong fourth quarter. </p><p><strong>Hannah Stuelke scored 11 of her 13 points in the final period</strong>, leading a 10-0 run that sealed the victory. Ava Heiden led all scorers with 16 points, while Chit-Chat Wright and Taylor Stremlow added 13 and 11, respectively. Iowa controlled the paint in a very physical game, outscoring Michigan, 24-16. The Hawkeyes, with <strong>four players in double figures</strong>, aim to reclaim the tournament title after winning three straight from 2022-24. And who do they face?</p><p><strong>The team that broke up their four-peat.</strong></p><p><strong>In the championship game tomorrow, No. 2 seed Iowa will now face No. 1 seed UCLA.</strong> Want to see it in person?<a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the semifinal showdown below!</p><h3>First Quarter: Here come the Hawkeyes</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Iowa starts out strong with a 13-2 run led by six points from Ava Heiden and five from Taylor Stremlow.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Olivia Olson gets four points, but that's it for the Wolverines. They're held to their lowest-scoring quarter since 2017 as Iowa jumps out to a 13-4 lead.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Wolverines bouncing back</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Just like that, Syla Swords gets Michigan back in the game with back-to-back triples in the first 45 seconds of Q2. 13-10 Iowa.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The teams trade scores. Olson nets four points for the Wolverines, while Chit-Chat Wright buries a three and a jumper for Iowa. 23-17 Iowa at 3:56.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Iowa scores six straight before Michigan counters with five of its own. Heiden converts a three-point play to keep Iowa up 22-28 at halftime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Michigan is shooting just 26% from the field so far compared to Iowa's 41%.</li></ul><h3>Third quarter: Defensive showdown continues</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Four quick U of M points and another Swords three put the Wolverines within two!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >A THREE-POINT PLAY FROM MIA HOLLOWAY GIVES MICHIGAN ITS FIRST LEAD OF THE GAME! 34-33 Wolverines with 6:08 left in the third.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Both teams go 4+ minutes without scoring due to turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Hannah Stuelke gets the Hawkeyes back on the board before Holloway ends the quarter with a jumper. The Wolverines head into the fourth with a slight 36-35 edge.</li></ul><h3>Fourth quarter: Stuelke takes the reigns</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Stuelke opens the final period with five straight points for a 40-36 Iowa lead!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: This has been a tough, gritty, physical battle, particularly in the paint.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Holloway sinks two free throws to put the Wolverines back within two, but Stuelke strikes again with another two to force a Michigan timeout. 42-38 Hawkeyes, 7:20 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Back-t0-back threes for Wright and Stremlow put the Hawkeyes up 48-38. Heiden caps off a 10-0 run with a two before Mia Macy brown ends Michigan's skid. 50-40 Iowa with 3:10 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Stuelke and Heiden score to close out Iowa's 59-42 semifinal victory!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Four Hawkeyes finish with 11+ points – Heiden (16), Wright (13), Stuelke (13), Stremlow (11).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Hannah Stuelke scored 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Iowa won the tough battle in the paint, scoring 24 points vs. Michigan's 16.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Ava Heiden celebrates in Iowa Women's Basketball's semifinal win over Michigan

2026-3-7 Blog: Iowa WBBT Semifinal Win over Michigan

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> is poised to defend its Big Ten Tournament title after punching its ticket to the championship game with a commanding 72-62 win over Ohio State in the semifinals. The <strong>Bruins came out strong, opening with a 14-3 run </strong>led by Kiki Rice, and built an 11-point halftime lead thanks to balanced scoring from seven players. Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic anchored the second quarter, while <strong>UCLA’s defense held Big Ten scoring leader Jaloni Cambridge to just two first-half points</strong>. </p><p>Despite a valiant effort from <strong>Ohio State’s Chance Gray, who tallied 23 points</strong>, the Bruins maintained control with steady offense and just 12 turnovers against an OSU defense that forces an average of 21.7 per game. Betts, the Big Ten Player and Defensive Player of the Year, led UCLA’s charge in the fourth, extending its lead to 13 points. </p><p><strong>Five Bruins ended in double figures</strong>, showcasing their depth. UCLA’s defense forced 15 Buckeye turnovers, converting them into 13 points. The defending champions remain undefeated in Big Ten play heading into the championship game... 👀</p><p><strong>In the championship game tomorrow, No. 1 seed UCLA will now face the winner of No. 2 seed Iowa vs. No. 3 seed Michigan.</strong> Want to see it in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span> 
      </a>.</p><p>Quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the semifinal showdown below!</p><h3>First Quarter: UCLA comes out swinging</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The Bruins start red-hot with a 14-3 run over the first few minutes, led by six points from Kiki Rice. Seems like they learned from <a href="https://bigten.org/article/59548/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">their slow start in the quarterfinals</span>
      </a>!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Kylee Kitts stops the Buckeyes' scoring drought with a triple. 14-6 UCLA at 2:23.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Chance Gray nets her second three of the day to make it 14-10 Bruins at the end of Q1.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: An 11-point lead at half</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Six different Bruins score in the opening 6.5 minutes to grow UCLA's lead to 30-14. Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic lead the way with four Q2 points each.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Gray comes up with two points on the fastbreak for OSU to end UCLA's 10-0 run. She follows it with another three.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Ohio State loses a timeout after attempting to appeal an out-of-bounds call.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Kitts drives for a Buckeye layup. UCLA leads 32-21 at halftime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: 26 (81%) of UCLA's first-half points are two-pointers, while 12 (57%) of OSU's points have come from beyond the arc.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Seven different Bruins found the scoreboard in the first two quarters, and three are in double figures.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: UCLA held Jaloni Cambridge, the Big Ten's leading scorer, to just two points in the first half. She averages 23.1 points per game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Key contributor (OSU): Chance Gray has 11 of Ohio State's 21 first-half points. The team's next-highest point scorer has five (Kitts).</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Staying steady</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams go score-for-score to start the third. Cambridge gets four points in the first 1:36.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Gray gets fouled on a three and drains each free throw to cut into UCLA's lead. 38-30 Bruins (7:36).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Cambridge, Gray, Kitts, and Kennedy Cambridge all score for the Buckeyes, but Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Betts, and Rice keep the Bruins ahead, 52-40, and the end of Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: A big part of Ohio State's game is forcing turnovers. However, the Bruins have been able to take care of the basketball with only eight turnovers heading into the final period. The Buckeyes have 15 – including 10 Bruin steals – which UCLA has converted to 13 points.</li></ul><h3>Fourth quarter: Finishing the job</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The Buckeyes and Bruins go point-for-point over the first two minutes.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >A Betts layup gives UCLA its largest lead of the day, 62-49, with 5:47 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Gray claps back with five straight Buckeye points. 62-54 Bruins at the media timeout (4:38).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Dugalic and Jaquez become the fourth and fifth Bruins to hit double-digits.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >More back-and-forth action, but UCLA maintains its advantage. Ohio State tries to push the pace, but the Bruins settle in and use the clock. 60-69 UCLA with 1:57 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Charlisse Leger-Walker (UCLA) fouls out.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Free throws down the stretch cap off UCLA's 72-62 win. The Bruins advance to their second consecutive tournament title game!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more features like this?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Kiki Rice dribbles past Jaloni Cambridge in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament semifinal

2026-3-7 Blog: UCLA defeats OSU in WBBT Semifinals

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 3 seed <strong>Michigan</strong> advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament with a commanding 80-58 win over Oregon, <strong>never trailing and outscoring the Ducks in every quarter</strong>. The Wolverines started strong, taking an 18-13 lead after the first quarter, despite Olivia Olson picking up two early fouls. Syla Swords and Ashley Sofilkanich led Michigan’s balanced attack in the first half, helping them build a 33-24 halftime advantage. </p><p>Katie Fiso and Ehis Etute combined for 20 of Oregon’s 24 first-half points to keep the Ducks within reach. Michigan extended its lead in the third quarter with a 6-0 run and contributions from Olson, Swords, and Macy Brown, entering the final period up 56-43. Fiso finished with 22 points and seven assists, while Etute added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Oregon. However, <strong>Michigan’s depth proved too much, with four players—Swords (17 points), Olson (16 points), Sofilkanich (14 points), and Kendall Dudley (10 points)—reaching double figures.</strong> The Wolverines closed the game on an 8-2 run to seal the victory. Their efficient scoring and consistent play throughout the game secured the quarterfinal win.</p><p><strong>No. 3 seed Michigan will now face No. 2 Iowa in tomorrow's semifinal.</strong> Want to see it in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Quarter-by-quarter breakdown below.</p><h3>First Quarter: Fast start</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Both teams start hot in the first five minutes. It's 9-7 Michigan at the media timeout (4:23). Stars Katie Fiso (ORE) and Olivia Olson (MICH) have four points apiece already.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Ehis Etute puts up five points to cut the Ducks' deficit to 14-12.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Olson picks up two early fouls.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The teams trade buckets before Te'Yala Delfosse hits a jumper for the Wolverines to end the quarter up 18-13.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Michigan maintains its edge</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Fiso (ORE) and Ashley Sofilkanich (MICH) score first points of the quarter. Michigan still leads 22-18 at 5:53.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Fiso has Oregon's first seven points in Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Syla Swords rattles in her second three of the game, and Kendall Dudley adds two. 27-20 Wolverines at the media timeout (3:46).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Etute gets four points for the Ducks, but points from four different Wolverines give them their largest lead of the game heading into halftime, 33-24.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Fiso and Etute combine for 20 of Oregon's 24 first-half points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Swords and Sofilkanich lead Michigan with eight points each. Swords has two of the three triples made so far in this game (between both teams).</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Wolverines hold steady</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Fiso and Sofia Bell find buckets for the Ducks, but Michigan counters with a 6-0 run that included four free throws from Mia Holloway. Wolverines still lead, 39-29 with 6:17 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Michigan builds its lead to 49-32 thanks to a three-point play from Olson, layups from Dudley and Swords, and a triple from Macy Brown. 3:16 remaining in Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The teams go shot-for-shot the rest of the way, and Michigan enters the final period with a 56-43 lead.</li></ul><h3>Fourth Quarter:</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Notable: Three Wolverines reach double figures (Olson, Swords, and Sofilkanich).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Etute (ORE) picks up her fourth personal foul, giving a three-point play to Holloway as Michigan extends its lead to 67-50.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Etute immediately responds on both ends of the floor with a layup and a block.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Fiso (ORE) scores her 20th point of the game before Olson (MICH) hits a jumper for her 16th. Wolverines lead 69-54 with 3:42 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Michigan ends the game on an 8-2 run to cap off an 80-58 victory.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Key Contributors (ORE): Katie Fiso (22 points, seven assists), Ehis Etute (16 points, 11 rebounds).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Key Contributors (MICH): Syla Swords (17 points, eight rebounds), Olivia Olson (16 points), Ashley Sofilkanich (14 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Olivia Olson dribbles past an Oregon defender in the quarterfinals

2026-3-6 Blog: Michigan Beats Oregon WBBT Quarterfinal

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 2 seed <strong>Iowa</strong> secured a 64-58 victory over Illinois and a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>. The Hawkeyes came out hot, building a 19-7 first-quarter lead. <strong>They showcased selfless basketball</strong>, with five players scoring in the second quarter to take a 37-23 halftime advantage. Iowa extended its lead to 53-31 by the end of the third. Jasmine Brown-Hagger kept the Illini in the game, scoring 22 points, including nine in the fourth quarter.</p><p>Ava Heiden led Iowa with 16 points, pacing a <strong>balanced attack that saw four players finish in double figures</strong>. The Hawkeyes shot 47% from the field and 29% from three, while Illinois finished at 33% and 23%, respectively. <strong>Illinois mounted a late 15-0 run</strong> in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large to overcome. The Hawkeyes’ early dominance and steady play secured the win despite the Illini’s late push.</p><p><strong>Iowa will now face the winner of No. 11 seed Oregon vs. No. 3 seed Michigan in tomorrow's semifinal.</strong> Want to see it in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Quarter-by-quarter breakdown below.</p><h3>First Quarter: Iowa starts hot</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Iowa goes on a 7-0 run in the opening 3.5 minutes, led by a Chit-Chat Wright three.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Illinois claps back with a jumper from Berry Wallace and a three from Maddie Webber, but Ava Heiden comes through with four straight points in response. 11-5 Hawkeyes with 3:45 left in Q1.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Illini have made just one of their last nine attempts.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Iowa goes on a 6-0 run to take a 19-7 lead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Maddie Webber breaks up the Illini's drought. The teams trade buckets, and the Hawkeyes end the quarter up 21-11.</li></ul><h3>Second quarter: Selfless Hawkeyes take flight</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Three different Illini get on the board early, but Taylor Stremlow and Hannah Stuelke put up nine for the Hawkeyes. 30-18 Iowa at the media timeout (4:44).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Jasmine Brown-Hagger has the Illini's last seven points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Five different Hawkeyes put up points in the Q2 to take a 37-23 advantage into halftime. They're playing selfless basketball.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Iowa is shooting 52% from the field and 50% from three compared to Illinois' 32% and 20%.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Illinois 23 first-half points ties its season low.</li></ul><h3>Third quarter: Iowa's barrage continues</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Brown-Hagger has Illinois' first five third-quarter points, but the Hawkeyes keep pushing. 46-28 Iowa (6:07).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Ava Heiden has 14 points in her first 14 minutes of action to pace Iowa. She gives the Hawkeyes a 50-31 lead at 2:39.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Wright buries a three to end the quarter up 53-31.</li></ul><h3>Fourth quarter: Illini show life, but too little, too late</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Brown-Hagger, Wallace, and Jackson score for the Illini, but the Hawkeyes stay steady to hold their lead. 64-43 Iowa at the media timeout (3:53).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><em>Illinois mounts an 15-0 run to close out the game</em>, but Iowa holds on for the 64-58 win.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Four Hawkeyes finish in double figures, led by Ava Heiden's 16 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Key Contributors (ILL): Jasmine Brown-Hagger (22 points), Berry Wallace (13 points).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
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Ava Heiden takes a free throw for Iowa Women's Basketball

2026-3-6 Blog: Iowa Quarterfinal Win WBBT

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 5 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> edged out No. 4 Minnesota, 60-55, in a gritty Big Ten Tournament battle, advancing behind a strong defensive effort and standout performances. <strong>The Buckeyes forced 21 turnovers, </strong><em><strong>doubling</strong></em><strong> Minnesota’s season average</strong>, and converted them into 15 points. </p><p>Elsa Lemmila led the way with a double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds), while <strong>the Cambridge sisters combined for a scoring surge</strong>, including 14 straight points in the second quarter. Ohio State built a seven-point lead in the third, but Minnesota clawed back to make it a one-possession game late. Down 58-55 with 43 seconds left, the Gophers missed a critical three-pointer before Jaloni Cambridge sealed the win with a clutch layup. Despite Sophie Hart's double-double (12 points, 19 rebounds), the Gophers couldn't overtake the Buckeyes. <strong>Ohio State’s relentless defense and timely scoring secured the victory</strong>, sending them to the semifinals.</p><p>No. 5 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> now faces No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> in tomorrow's semifinal. Want to see it in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Quarter-by-quarter breakdown below.</p><h3>First Quarter: Buckeyes hot on the Gophers' tail</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Sophie Hart gets out to a hot start for the Gophers, scoring Minnesota's first six points. The Buckeyes counter with Elsa Lemmila, as Minnesota leads 6-4.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Minnesota stays ahead, 11-7, at the first media timeout.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Minnesota is the tournament's first top-four seed not to have a First Team All-Big Ten honoree. Grace Grocholski and Tori McKinney are on the second team, while Amaya Battle landed on the third team.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Back-to-back threes from Chance Gray and Jaloni Cambridge put the Buckeyes within one.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Lemmila ties it with a three-point play, but Grocholski's two puts Minnesota ahead 18-16 at the end of Q1.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Cambridge sisters give OSU the edge</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >After trading a couple buckets, the Cambridge sisters take over with six straight Buckeye points to give OSU a 26-22 lead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Hart already has a double-double for Minnesota (10 points, 10 rebounds).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Cambridge sisters have scored Ohio State's last 14 points, 10 of which come off a fast break.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Brylee Glenn gets one last score for Minnesota, sending us to the half with OSU up 32-28.</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Gritty Gophers staying in it</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Ohio State forces a couple Gopher turnovers to earn a seven-point advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Minnesota already has 14 turnovers in the beginning of the third quarter. Their season average is just 10.6, which is top five in the nation.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Gray buries a triple to give Ohio State its largest lead, 44-36, before Grocholski responds with Minnesota's <em>first three of the day</em> (at 2:01 in Q3).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Gophers Amaya Battle and McKinny have three personal fouls.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Despite making 17 turnovers and only two threes in the game thus far, Minnesota only trails 47-42.</li></ul><h3>Fourth Quarter: Down to the wire</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >After two scoreless minutes, Ava Watson sinks a three to give OSU a 50-42 lead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Following the media timeout, the teams both throw punches, but Ohio State maintains a seven-point advantage thanks to back-to-back layups from Lemmila.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Ohio State's defense has been disruptive. The Buckeyes have 12 steals and have created 21 turnovers, capitalizing with 15 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Down 58-55 with 43 seconds left, Grocholski pulls up for a three for Minnesota, but it bounces off the rim. OSU calls a timeout with 39 seconds remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Jaloni Cambridge speeds through with a layup to give the Buckeyes a five-point advantage with just 16 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Minnesota had three separate shots from three-point range, but couldn't convert. Ohio State's lockdown defense closes out the 60-55 win!</li></ul><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Elsa Lemmila driving to the basket in Ohio State Women's Basketball's quarterfinal game

2026-3-6 Blog: WBBT OSU-MINN

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">Defending Big Ten Tournament Champion, No. 1 seed, and No. 2 ranked <strong>UCLA</strong> came back to defeat No. 8 seed Washington to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The game began with Washington making a statement, holding UCLA to a season-low six points in the first quarter. Fueled by a 13-2 run, <strong>the Huskies took a strong 15-6 lead</strong>, capitalizing on a 5+ minute scoring drought by the Bruins.</p><p style="text-align: left;">UCLA found its rhythm in the second quarter, led by Lauren Betts, who scored eight of its first 12 points. <strong>A massive 15-0 run turned the tide</strong>, giving the Bruins a 27-24 lead at halftime. Despite two early fouls for three key players, including Betts, UCLA’s momentum carried them forward. Washington briefly regained the lead in the third quarter, but UCLA responded with a 7-0 run, ending the period ahead 49-41.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the final quarter, UCLA’s depth shone as six different players scored, including six points from Betts. An 8-0 run extended the Bruins' lead to 66-50, and they closed the game on a 6-1 run to secure a 78-60 victory. <strong>The Bruins dominated the paint with a 52-32 advantage</strong>, showcasing their strength inside.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Lauren Betts</strong>, the Big Ten Player and Defensive Player of the Year, led the charge with 26 points and eight rebounds, while <strong>Kiki Rice</strong> added 18 points and six assists. Despite a strong effort from Washington’s <strong>Avery Howell</strong> (18 points), UCLA, the defending Big Ten Tournament Champion, proved why it's a powerhouse, advancing with a commanding performance.</p><p style="text-align: left;">No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> now faces the winner of No. 5 seed Ohio State and No. 4 seed Minnesota in tomorrow's semifinal. Want to see it in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Quarter-by-quarter breakdown below.</p><h3>First Quarter: Husky hold UCLA to season-low Q1</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade buckets early on layups from Elle Ladine (WASH), Lauren Betts (UCLA), and Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA). Bruins lead 4-2 with 6:29 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Washington goes on a 9-0 run while UCLA suffers a 5+ minute scoring drought. Huskies lead 11-6 with two minutes left in Q1.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Huskies end the first period on a 13-2 run to take a 15-6 lead!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: The Bruins' six points in the first quarter is a season-low.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Bruins clap back with massive run</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Charlisse Leger-Walker nabs a seal for UCLA and scores. Sayvia Sellers drills a step-back three. 18-8 Huskies a minute into the second period.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Betts has eight of UCLA's first 12 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Six different Huskies have found the net already. Washington leads 22-12 at the media timeout (6:25).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>The Bruins go on a huge 15-0 run to take the lead!</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Avery Howell breaks the Huskies' drought with a deuce, sending us into the break with UCLA up 27-24.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Three Bruins have two personal fouls, including Lauren Betts.</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: UCLA pulls ahead, Huskies within reach</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Notable: With Hannah Stines' triple, every Husky has scored this game. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >An Elle Ladine three gives Washington a brief 34-33 lead before Kiki Rice responds with three points and two free throws of her own! 38-34 UCLA, 5:08 remaining in Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: We've already had five lead changes and three ties in the game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The teams trade buckets, and UCLA leads 42-39 at the media timeout (2:33).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Lauren Betts and Rice have 28 combined points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >UCLA goes on a 7-0 run with scores from four different Bruins to take its largest lead of the game, 49-41, at the end of Q3.</li></ul><h3>Fourth Quarter: Bruins finish the job</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Rice rattles in a jumper to give UCLA a 12-point advantage with 6:20 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Coach Cori Close appeals an out-of-bounds call to keep the possession with UCLA.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >UCLA's 8-0 run puts it up 66-50 with 4:26 remaining. Six different Bruins have scored so far in Q4, led by six points from Lauren Betts.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Brynn McGaughy and Howell snap the Huskies' scoring drought, but UCLA responds. 70-57 Bruins with 2:55 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Bruins end the game on a 6-1 run to close out the 78-60 win and advance!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: UCLA finished with a 52-32 advantage in the paint.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Key Contributors (UCLA): Lauren Betts (26 points, eight rebounds), Kiki Rice (18 points, six assists).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Key Contributors (WASH): Avery Howell (18 points), Elle Ladine (10 points, seven rebounds), Sayvia Sellers (10 points, eight assists).</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
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Lauren Betts looks for an open teammate in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals

2026-3-6 Blog: UCLA Advances to Semifinal Game 8 WBBT

<div class="payload-richtext"><p style="text-align: left;">No. 11 seed <strong>Oregon</strong> upset No. 6 Maryland, 73-68, in a thrilling game marked by 11 lead changes and 10 ties at the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>. Maryland led 57-54 early in the fourth, but Oregon surged ahead with an 8-1 run. Etute scored 10 straight Q4 points for the Ducks and finished with 20 points, while Avary Cain delivered the dagger – a clutch three-pointer with 4.4 seconds left. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Maryland’s Oluchi Okananwa was outstanding with 27 points, including six straight late in the fourth, but the Terps couldn’t overcome Oregon’s 18 points from beyond the arc. Katie Fiso and Etute combined for 32 second-half points, leading the Ducks to their first-ever Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal appearance. Maryland dominated the paint early to build a 32-31 halftime lead, but Oregon’s defense and timely shooting turned the tide. The Ducks advance after a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle.</p><p>Next up for the Ducks is No. 3 seed <strong>Michigan</strong> in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Want to see them in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below!</p><h3>Fourth quarter: Ducks with a dagger</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Oregon successfully appeals an out-of-bounds call to maintain possession. The Ducks trail 57-54.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Both teams have two players in double figures. Katie Fiso and Avary Cain for Oregon, and Oluchi Okananwa and Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu for Maryland.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Oregon goes on an 8-1 run to take a 60-58 lead! 5:43 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: So far, we've seen 11 lead changes and 10 ties in the game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Ehis Etute has Oregon's last 10 points, leading the Ducks to a 66-62 lead with 3:25 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Okananwa scores the last six points for the Terps and has 25 in the game. 66-64 Oregon with 2:36 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Big block from Etute turns into a triple from Sofia Bell on the other end, but Saylor Poffenbarger counters. 69-66 Ducks.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Oregon has 15 points from distance compared to Maryland's three.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >CAIN WITH THE DAGGER! She nails a three with 4.4 seconds remaining to put the Ducks up 73-68.</li></ul><h3>Third quarter: Punches and counterpunches</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Fiso (ORE) gets her first two, four, six, eight points of the game! Oregon leads 41-36 (7:22).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Maryland goes on a 7-0 run to take a two-point lead, but Fiso counters to tie it at 47! (3:56).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >It's a back-and-forth battle. Maryland scores four, then Etute gets four back for Oregon. Kyndal Walker hits a two, and it's 53-51 Maryland with just over a minute remaining in Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: After a quiet first half, Fiso and Etute accounted for 19 of Oregon's 21 third-quarter points. Okananwa accounts for 9 of Maryland's 25.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Poffenbarger scores a layup for the Terps to end the half up 57-52.</li></ul><h3>Second quarter: One-point game at the half</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The Ducks open with six-straight points, including a four-point play from Cain. Tie game!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Another and-one from Cain gives Oregon the 24-23 edge!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Maryland goes on a 6-0 run to take a 29-26 lead!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Maryland has held Oregon stars Etute and Fiso to just two points combined so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Maryland has a 24-10 advantage in the paint so far with a +7 rebounding margin.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >It's 32-31 Terps at the half<em>.</em></li></ul><h3>First quarter: Maryland gets early edge</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Oregon and Maryland both get early buckets. It's 6-5 Maryland at 6:43.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Mia Jacobs (ORE) and Okananwa (MD) lead their teams with six points apiece. Maryland leads 14-8 at the media timeout (4:20).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Ozzy-Momodu goes on a six-point spurt for the Terps, and scores from Brean Williams and Mir McClean make it 21-13 Maryland.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Ari Long makes two free throws for the Ducks. 21-15 Maryland at the end of Q1.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Ehis Etute runs down the court during Oregon Women's Basketball's game against Maryland

2026-3-5 Blog: Oregon WBBT Second Round

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 10 seed <strong>Illinois</strong> secured a nail-biting 71-69 win over No. 7 Michigan State, surviving a late Spartans rally in the final seconds of the second round of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>. The Illini led 61-54 midway through the fourth quarter, but MSU’s Kennedy Blair (game-high 30 points) and Grace VanSlooten (13 points) kept the Spartans within striking distance. Berry Wallace hit clutch free throws for Illinois, and the defense forced a critical turnover in the final seconds to seal the victory. </p><p>Cearah Parchment led the Illini with 15 first-half points, helping them build a 36-29 halftime lead. Michigan State stormed back in the third quarter with a 9-0 run to briefly take the lead, but Illinois responded with key plays from Jasmine Brown-Hagger and Destiny Jackson. Despite foul trouble for both teams, Illinois’ balanced scoring and defensive resilience proved decisive. The Illini advance after a hard-fought battle, showcasing their grit and composure under pressure.</p><p>Next up for the Illini is No. 2 seed Iowa in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Want to see them in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full breakdown below!</p><h3>Fourth Quarter: Ready for madness?</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Battling back and forth in Indy. Destiny Jackson and Jasmine Brown-Hagger put up eight for the Illini, while Grace VanSlooten and Kennedy Blair score six for MSU. 61-54 Illinois at the media timeout (6:11).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Brown-Hagger picks up her fourth personal foul.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Blair nets her 30th point for Michigan State. Spartans trail 67-63.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >VanSlooten scores to put MSU within two with 1:48 remaining! She picks up her fourth personal foul as well.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Jackson toughs out a layup for Illinois before Jalyn Brown nails a jumper for MSU. 69-67 with 43 seconds left!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Berry Wallace drills two Illini free throws, but Ines Sotelo counters with a quick two. 71-69 Illinois, 31 seconds remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Wallace fouls a Spartan player to give MSU possession with 19 seconds left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >VanSlooten tries to get a two from underneath the basket, but it doesn't go. Ball flies out of bounds in the scuffle, and the Spartans maintain possession. Nine seconds remain.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >The Illini defense forces an errant pass from the Spartans.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        >ILLINOIS GETS THE BALL IN BEFORE MICHIGAN STATE CAN FOUL! The Illini close out the 71-69 win!</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Spartans storm back</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Illinois' Brown-Hagger picks up her third foul early in Q3 (8:18)</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Brown buries Michigan State's first three of the day. With that and a Blair layup, the Spartans pull within one! 41-40 Illinois (5:46).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Aaliyah Guyton (ILL) picks up her fourth personal foul.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >THE SPARTANS TAKE THE LEAD! It's a 9-0 run for MSU to make it 42-41.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Brown-Hagger puts the Illini back up four with a layup and three-pointer! 48-44 Illinois.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >The teams trade baskets, and the Illini head into the final period with a slight 53-48 lead.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Illinois has four players with eight points or more, whereas Michigan State has just two. Blair (MSU) leads the game with 22 points.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Illini earn a seven-point edge</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Notable: All but one bucket has come from within the three-point arc so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Michigan State head coach Robyn Fralick successfully appeals a possession call to keep the Spartans' ball. They trail 20-17 (8:33).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The teams alternate punches, and it's 23-21 Illini.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Illinois has flipped the turnover script – Michigan State has now matched the Illini's seven turnovers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Three players have two personal fouls: VanSlooten (MSU), Berry Wallace (ILL), and Jasmine Brown-Hagger (ILL).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Illinois, led by 15 points from Cearah Parchment, grows its lead to 36-29 at halftime.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notable: Illinois is shooting 50% from the field compared to Michigan State's 37%. The Spartans have not made a three on seven attempts.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Notable: Blair (MSU) has 14 of Michigan State's 29 first-half points.</li></ul><h3>First Quarter: Young Illini squad settles in</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Illinois starts the game with four consecutive turnovers. Spartans lead 4-0.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: The Illini have six turnovers in the opening four minutes, and Michigan State has capitalized with six points. Spartans lead 10-6 at 6:01. Parchment has all of Illinois' points so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Kennedy Blair has a quick eight points for the Spartans. MSU leads 15-12 at the media timeout (2:40).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >A Maddie Webber (ILL) layup ties the game at 17 with 45 seconds remaining!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Illini finish the first quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 20-17 lead!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get more<a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span> 
      </a>here.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

An Illini player scores a layup

2026-3-5 Blog: Illinois WBBT Win Round Two

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>In the second round of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>, No. 5 seed <strong>Ohio State</strong> cruised to an 83-59 win over Indiana, powered by standout performances from Jaloni Cambridge (19 points, eight rebounds) and Chance Gray (18 points). After a tied first quarter, the Buckeyes took control with a 12-0 second-quarter run, building a 36-24 halftime lead. Indiana struggled with foul trouble, as key players like Lenee Beaumont and Navaeh Caffey were limited early.</p><p>Ohio State dominated from beyond the arc, scoring 30 points on 40% shooting compared to Indiana’s 15 points on 24%. The Buckeyes also controlled the boards, earning 21 second-chance points. Indiana’s senior star Shay Ciezki finished with 12 points in her final Big Ten Tournament game, but Ohio State’s depth and efficiency proved too much, securing a decisive victory.</p><p>Ohio State will face No. 4 seed <strong>Minnesota</strong> tomorrow. Want to see the quarterfinals in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. </p><h3>Fourth quarter: Buckeyes closing the door</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >The teams trade scores, but Ohio State maintains a 70-46 lead at the media timeout (6:49).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Navaeh Caffey has six of the Hoosiers eight fourth-quarter points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Six different Buckeyes have scored this period. They hold a 76-48 advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Ohio State is outperforming Indiana from the three-point line with 27 points on 43% shooting vs. IU's nine points on 16%.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Senior Shay Ciezki (IU) exits the game. She finishes with 12 points and was the Big Ten's second-leading scorer in the regular season.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Ohio State wins, 83-59.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Key contributors: Jaloni Cambridge (19 points, eight rebounds), Chance Gray (18 points), Kennedy Cambridge (14 points).</li></ul><h3>Third quarter: This period's all Ohio State</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Indiana gets the first five points of the half, but OSU counters. 42-29 Buckeyes with 6:57 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Ohio State has 17 second-chance points compared to IU's three. The Buckeyes are +7 rebounding right now.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Lenee Beaumont gets her first points of the game. She's playing with four personal fouls. 55-38 OSU with 2:15 left in Q3.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Three Buckeyes are in double figures: Jaloni Cambridge (17), Chance Gray (16), and Kennedy Cambridge (11). They lead 61-40 at the end of Q3.</li></ul><h3>Second quarter: Buckeyes outscore IU, 24-12, in Q2</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Jaloni Cambridge's (OSU) first points of the game tie things up at 14. (She averages 26 points per game in Big Ten games this season).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >A 12-0 run for the Buckeyes puts OSU up 24-14!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Hoosiers are in early foul trouble. Both Navaeh Caffey and Beaumont have three personal fouls. The Buckeyes are in the bonus and already have eight points from the charity stripe (all from Cambridge).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Beaumont picks up her fourth foul and heads to the bench. She had a team-second 14 points in IU's win over Nebraska yesterday.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The final score of the first half is a top-of-key three for Chance Gray (OSU). Buckeyes lead 36-24.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: A third of Ohio State's Q2 points came from the free throw line.</li></ul><h3>First quarter: Tie game</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Ohio State starts 0-of-5 from the field, and Indiana suffers a 3+ minute scoring drought. It's 5-4 Indiana at the media timeout (4:55).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Maya Makalusky gets off to a six-point start for the Hoosiers. 10-6 IU with 3:19 left in Q1.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Caffey (IU) gets two early fouls. 12-8 Hoosiers with 1:17 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Kylee Kitts (OSU) ties it at 12 with a layup with just seven seconds left!</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get more<a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span> 
      </a>here.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State Women's Basketball fixes her glasses in-game

2026-3-5 Blog: Ohio State Advances to Quarterfinals WBBT

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>No. 8 seed <strong>Washington</strong> secured a 76-64 victory over No. 9 USC to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>, leaning on standout performances from Elle Ladine (25 points) and Avery Howell (18 points, nine rebounds). Despite a slow first quarter marked by turnovers and low scoring, the Huskies found their rhythm in the second, using a 9-0 run to build a 32-20 halftime lead. </p><p>Washington’s depth shone as it shot 50% from the field and dominated the glass, out-rebounding USC 44-27. The Trojans made a late push, cutting the deficit to 10 with 1:30 remaining, but Washington’s balanced attack and steady scoring sealed the win. Sayvia Sellers was held to just four points, but the Huskies’ supporting cast stepped up to keep their tournament hopes alive.</p><p>The Huskies now take on No. 1 seed <strong>UCLA</strong> in the quarterfinals tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.</p><p>Full game breakdown below. Want to see the quarterfinals in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Fourth Quarter:</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Notable: Sayvia Sellers (WASH) only has one point in this contest, but the Huskies are showing their depth. Avery Howell and Elle Ladine have a combined 41 points two minutes into the fourth quarter. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Washington stays on course with a 65-47 lead at the media timeout (4:56).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >USC pulls closer, down 10 with 1:30 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Washington closes out the 76-64 win.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: Washington finished shooting 50% from the field.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Key Contributors (WASH): Ladine (25 points), Howell (18 points, nine rebounds).</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Staying steady</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >USC and Washington trade buckets in the opening minutes. Huskies hold their lead, 39-26.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Howell and Ladine have eight of Washington's 12 third-quarter points so far.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Huskies grow their advantage to 53-34, courtesy of scores from Devin Coppinger, Ladine, Yulia Grabovskaia, and Brynn McGaughy.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Washington's in a bit of foul trouble. Three different Huskies have three personals: Sellers, McGaughy, and Ladine.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Huskies pull ahead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Howell finishes a layup. She has seven of Washington's 10 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Notable: Every score of the game so far has come from within the arc. Washington leads 12-10.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: The Huskies are out-rebounding the Trojans 19-8.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Washington uses a 9-0 run to take a 19-10 lead. Howell drains a three to become the first player of the game to reach double figures.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Huskies are heating up! They eclipse 40% shooting and lead 26-15.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >End Q2: Washington leads 32-20 after a buzzer beater! Notable contributors: Ladine (13 points), Howell (10 points).</li></ul><h3>First Quarter: Defensive, low-scoring opening action</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >It's 4-2 Washington early. USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb successfully appeals an out-of-bounds to give the Trojans possession.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Both teams suffer 2+ minute scoring droughts. USC has a slight 6-4 edge.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson (USC) leaves the court with an apparent shoulder injury.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >The Trojans appeal a personal foul call in an attempt to have it upgraded to a flagrant. The call is confirmed, and USC loses a timeout.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: USC holds Sellers scoreless for the first six minutes.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Davidson re-enters the game!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Both teams end Q1 on a scoring drought. Washington finishes with eight turnovers, but USC only capitalizes with two points. It's 8-6 Huskies.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get more <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span> 
      </a>here, and <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">check here for live updates</span>
      </a>.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament?</strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p><p><br /></p></div>

Elle Ladine dribbles the ball for Washington Women's Basketball

2026-3-5 Blog: Washington WBBT Advance Second Round

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>In round one of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>, No. 11 seed <strong>Oregon</strong> powered past No. 14 Purdue, 82-64, controlling the game with dominant rebounding and efficient scoring. The Ducks set the tone early, outscoring Purdue 12-2 in the paint during the first quarter and building a 23-point halftime lead. </p><p>Purdue fought back in the third quarter, with Tara Daye, Hila Karsh, and Lana McCarthy all reaching double figures, but Oregon’s 23 second-chance points and 27-6 advantage at the free-throw line kept the Boilers at bay. Despite a late push, Purdue couldn’t overcome Oregon’s 42-27 rebounding edge. The Ducks maintained their lead throughout the second half, with Mia Jacobs contributing 14 points and nine rebounds to seal the win. Ehis Etute led the charge with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Katie Fiso added 20 points. </p><p>Full breakdown below. Oregon now takes on No. 6 seed Maryland in the second round. Want to see them in person?<a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
         <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Fourth quarter: Finishing the job</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Three Boilers hit double-digit points (Tara Daye, Hila Karsh, Lana McCarthy), but Oregon still leads 72-56.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Two Purdue players foul out: Kendall Puryear and Kiki Smith.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: Oregon controls the glass and is out-rebounding Purdue 42-27 with 23 second-chance points compared to Purdue's nine.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Oregon wins, 82-64.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Key contributors (ORE): Katie Fiso (20 points), Ehis Etute (16 points, 12 rebounds), Mia Jacobs (14 points, nine rebounds).</li></ul><h3>Third quarter: Oregon maintains its lead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Purdue and Oregon trade buckets early in the second half, but the Ducks maintain a 56-39 lead thanks to Ehis Etute and Katie Fiso. Puryear and McCarthy lead the charge for the Boilers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The teams are going back-and-forth scoring, but Oregon still holds a healthy 64-49 advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Notable: 11 of the Ducks' third-quarter points have come from the charity stripe. They're outscoring Purdue 24-6 at the free throw line.</li></ul><h3>Second quarter: Ducks build 23-point advantage</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Purdue cuts into the lead with scores from Daye, Nya Smith, and McCarthy. 24-18 Oregon.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Etute pushes back with a jumper and layup, growing the Ducks' advantage to 10. She has 12 points already, but also two fouls.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Free throws from Filippa Tilliander, Astera Tuhina, and Mia Jacobs, combined with another Fiso bucket, help Oregon build a 36-21 lead. It's all part of an 11-1 run for the Ducks.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >More close-range scores and free throws increase Oregon's advantage to 22 points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>At the half:</strong> Oregon leads 47-24 and is outscoring Purdue in the paint, 22-8. The Ducks have also capitalized with 15 second-chance points (compared to seven for the Boilers), led by 12 first-half points and eight rebounds from Etute.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Notable: Oregon is shooting 47% from the field and 31% from three, compared to Purdue's 24% and 14%.</li></ul><h3>First quarter: Quick pace, quick lead for Oregon</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >It's fast-paced play right off the bat. The teams score early, and it's 9-8 Oregon with 5:58 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Etute (Oregon) and Daye (PUR) each get six points in the opening six minutes, as Oregon leads 13-8.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Fiso also heats up for the Ducks, scoring five points to help Oregon to a 21-12 advantage at the end of Q1.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Oregon is outscoring Purdue in the key, 12-2.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get more <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span>
      </a> here, and <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">check here for live updates</span>
      </a>.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong> and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Ehis Etute takes a shot for Oregon Women's Basketball

2026-3-4 Blog: Oregon WBB Advances to Second Round WBBT

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>On day one of the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>, No. 10 seed <strong>Illinois</strong> claimed an 82-70 victory over No. 15 seed Wisconsin, using dominant paint play and sharp free-throw shooting to close out the win. The Illini set the tone early with an 11-0 first-quarter run and took a 41-33 lead into halftime. Wisconsin battled back in the third quarter, opening with a 9-0 run to pull within one. Illinois weathered the storm, with Lety Vasconcelos stepping up in the paint and Berry Wallace hitting key shots to rebuild a double-digit lead. The Illini’s defense held strong during a fourth-quarter scoring drought before back-to-back layups stretched the lead to 78-62. Despite Kyrah Daniels’ late push for the Badgers, Illinois’ 46-28 advantage in the paint and poise at the line sealed the deal. The win showcased the Illini’s ability to control the pace and finish strong.</p><p>For Wisconsin, Gift Uchenna finished with 24 points, and Daniels had 18 behind 3-of-4 from three-point range. Berry Wallace led the Illini with 22 points, followed closely by point guard Destiny Jackson (21 points, five assists).</p><p>The full breakdown below. Illinois now takes on No. 7 seed Michigan State in the second round. Want to see them in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span> 
      </a>.</p><h3>Fourth Quarter: Orange and Blue close the door</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Both teams throw punches to open the final period. 68-54 Illini with 7:30 left.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Illinois' lead survives a 3+ minute scoring drought, but not before a couple buckets from Kyrah Daniels pull Wisconsin within 10.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Point guard Destiny Jackson and the Illini start slowing the pace, but not before stretching their lead to 78-62 thanks to back-to-back layups.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >As the best free throw shooting team in the country, Illinois closes out the win, 82-70.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>Notable: Illinois outscored Wisconsin in the paint, 46-28.</strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Key contributors (WIS): Gift Uchenna (24 points), Daniels (18 points, 3-4 3FG).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Key contributors (ILL): Berry Wallace (22 points), Jackson (21 points, five assists)</li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Badgers battle back</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Wisconsin opens with a 9-0 run to pull within one! Gift Uchenna nets four points early before Laci Steele nails a three on the fast break to make it 43-42 Illinois!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Badgers outscore the Illini 12-5 in the first five minutes of Q3, making it 46-45 Illini at the media timeout (4:57).</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Jumpers and free throws from Lety Vasconcelos and Berry Wallace put the Illini back up nine with 3:08 remaining.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Vasconcelos uses her height to take control. She has eight points so far in the third quarter alone to accompany six rebounds.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The teams go tit-for-tat to end the period with a 62-50 Illini advantage.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Illini pull ahead, 41-33</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Illinois takes control in the opening minutes with an 8-2 run led by four points from Maddie Webber.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Illini stay hot, shooting 14 of 18 from inside the arc, while Wisconsin has a 3+ minute scoring drought. Illinois leads 39-23 with under three minutes left in the half.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Wisconsin ends the half on a 10-2 run to make it 41-33 Illini at the break.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Notable: Wisconsin is getting everyone involved with eight different Badgers on the scoreboard, led by eight points from Uchenna.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><em>Notable: Illinois is 1-11 from three-point range, but shooting 83% from within the arc.</em></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Key contributors (ILL): Berry Wallace (11 points), Destiny Jackson (9), Parchment (9)</li></ul><h3>First Quarter: Trading blows</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Wisconsin and Illinois trade blows over the first four minutes, with the Illini holding a slight 10-7 advantage.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Illini go on an 11-0 run, capped off by a Wallace three. Illinois owns the paint early, capitalizing on its height advantage. The Orange and Blue lead 17-7 at the media timeout, 4:27.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Badgers find a couple good looks down low thanks to Uchenna, cutting the Illini's lead to 19-15.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >End Q1: 23-17 Illinois</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get more <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span> 
      </a>here, and <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">check here for live updates</span> 
      </a>.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span> 
      </a><strong>and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Destiny Jackson dribbles around a Badger defender for Illinois Women's Basketball

2026-3-4 Blog: Illinois WBB Advances WBBT First Round

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>At the 2026 Allstate <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament</span>
      </a>, No. 13 seed<strong> Indiana</strong> pulled off a stunning 72-69 victory over No. 12 Nebraska, overcoming a 20-point deficit in an unforgettable first-round showdown. The Huskers dominated early, with Amiah Hargrove and Britt Prince leading Nebraska to a 45-28 halftime advantage. But the Hoosiers came alive in the second half, sparked by Shay Ciezki’s scoring and Lenée Beaumont’s clutch shooting. A 10-0 third-quarter run brought Indiana back within striking distance, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter. Beaumont’s threes gave Indiana its first lead at 68-67, and freshman Nevaeh Caffey iced the game with pressure-packed free throws in the final seconds. </p><p>Nebraska’s early dominance, including 26 points in the paint in the first half, wasn’t enough to hold off Indiana’s relentless rally. The Hoosiers advance in thrilling fashion, proving no lead is safe when they’re on the court. They now face No. 5 seed Ohio State in the second round tomorrow around 2:30 p.m. ET on BTN.</p><p>The full breakdown below. Want to see the next round in person? <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pacers/26bigtenwomens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p><h3>Fourth Quarter: Hoosiers complete insane comeback</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Edessa Noyan (IU) breaks an opening scoring drought for both teams and has 12 points on the day, making it 55-49 Huskers. She comes up with a huge block on the other end of the floor.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Nevaeh Caffey puts up five straight points for the Hoosiers to pull within three. Nebraska responds with four quick points of its own. 61-54, Huskers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Shay Ciezki scores her 20th point for IU, but picks up her fourth foul shortly after. It's 63-58 Nebraska, and Ciezki's 21st, 20-point performance of the season.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Lenée Beaumont nails a three, followed by a Maya Makalusky layup to make it a two-point game.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVes9g0kRHY/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>INDIANA TAKES THE LEAD</strong></span>
      </a><strong> FOR THE FIRST TIME with another Beaumont three! </strong>68-67 Hoosiers!</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Nebraska gets a quick two from Amiah Hargrove with 17 seconds left. 70-69 Hoosiers.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>FRESHMAN NEVAEH CAFFEY DRAINS TWO FREE THROWS, HOOSIERS COMPLETE THE COMEBACK TO ADVANCE!</strong></li></ul><h3>Third Quarter: Hoosiers chip away</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Ciezki starts hot for Indiana, scoring the Hoosiers' first five points.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Beaumont (IU) drains a jumper and a three to net her eighth point of the day, cutting Nebraska's lead to 53-41.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Indiana goes on a 10-0 run that cuts the deficit to single digits for the first time since it was 18-10 in Q1.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Noyan toughs out two for IU, sending the Hoosiers to the final period down just 55-47.</li></ul><h3>Second Quarter: Prince-Hargrove one-two punch builds Nebraska's advantage</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Indiana and Nebraska trade scores in the opening minutes, making it 36-19 Huskers at 6:30. Prince ignites Nebraska with a three-pointer and layup.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Huskers' playmaking ability shines with 11 assists by the media timeout. Prince leads the way with three apples, while Hargrove racks up 14 points. Nebraska takes its largest lead of the game, 38-19.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Ciezki gets involved with a jumper. IU makes three-straight field goals, while Nebraska goes without a basket for over two minutes.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Nebraska capitalizes on an Indiana scoring drought, increasing its lead to 42-23.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Ciezki nets five in the final 1:30 of the first half to make it 45-28 Nebraska.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>At the half: </strong>Nebraska leads 45-28 and has 26 points in the paint compared to IU's 12. Key contributors (NEB): Britt Prince (13 points, four assists), Amiah Hargrove (19 points, three rebounds). Key contributors (IU): Ciezki (11 points).</li></ul><h3>First Quarter: Huskers' fast pace, hot hands earn early 29-15 lead</h3><ul class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Nebraska opens the game with an 8-2 run with six quick points from Hargrove.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Media timeout: Q1, 5:15 – Nebraska 18, Indiana 6.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Nebraska goes on an 8-0 run to take its largest lead of the game, 26-10. IU ends the scoring drought with a free throw and quick layup in transition.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Huskers finish the first quarter shooting 69% on 11 of 16 from the field. Hoosier Jerni Kiaku sinks two free throws to narrow Nebraska's lead to 29-15.</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Notable: The Huskers hold Hoosier standout Ciezki to just two points in the opening 10 minutes. Ciezki also picks up an early foul.</li></ul><h3></h3><p>Get more <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">tournament information</span>
      </a> here, and <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">check here for live updates</span>
      </a>.</p><p><strong>Want updates on your team throughout the tournament? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong> and tell us who you root for.</strong></p></div>

Indiana Women's Basketball celebrates its first-round victory against Nebraska

2026-3-4 Blog: Indiana WBB Advances First Round WBBT

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The last time the United States won Olympic gold in men’s hockey was in 1980 in Lake Placid. The country held on to the moment so tightly that it became the movie <em>Miracle</em> and is still talked about to this day. Since then, the United States has not felt that golden success at the Winter Olympics.</p><p>Exactly 46 years to the date after the “Miracle on Ice,” that changed.</p><p>The United States defeated Canada in overtime, 2-1, to win gold at Milano Cortina 2026. A historic rivalry made for another instant classic. And once again, the United States’ men came in as the underdogs and walked out on top.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Hot Start and Hellebuyck </strong></h2><p>The United States came out fired up. It pushed the favored Canadians early, forcing them onto their heels. Canada answered with hard hits and high quality shots, but the Americans were not backing down.</p><p>Any flicker of a “U-S-A” chant was quickly drowned out by roaring “CAN-A-DA” cheers. Even if the ice did not fully show it in the opening minutes, everyone in the building could feel it. The United States was the underdog.</p><p>Then, the breakthrough.</p><p>A setup from Quinn Hughes and Auston Matthews found Matt Boldy for just the second American shot – and first goal – of the night. Cue Free Bird.</p><p>The United States ended the first period up, 1-0, but Canada stormed out in the second period. Shot after shot. A five-on-three power play. The pressure was constant.</p><p>If it were not for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, this article might read very differently. He posted one of the greatest performances you will ever see on this stage with <em>41 saves on 42 shot attempts.</em></p><p>“There are no words,” Zach Werenski said after the game. “That was the greatest performance I’ve ever seen from a goalie.”</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Not so fast</strong></h2><p>Late in the second period, former Hobey Baker winner Cale Makar tied the game for Canada.</p><p>It felt inevitable. The tempo shifted. Canada controlled possession and was generating far more shots. Anyone watching could sense it.</p><p>Heading into the third period tied, the air inside the Milan arena was thick with anticipation from both fan bases. It brought 14 Canadian shots and 10 from the Americans. Every save felt massive, every clear like survival.</p><p>It felt like overtime was coming. And with Canada controlling most of the momentum, it felt eerie to imagine the United States following in the footsteps of the women’s team and winning gold in overtime.</p><p>But crazier things have happened.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Hughes the Hero 2.0</strong></h2>
        <img
          alt="Hughes Celebration Tooth Missing 2-23-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Hughes Celebration Tooth Missing 2-23-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>Overtime at this level moves <em>fast</em>. Every shift feels dangerous when the ice is filled with first-line NHL talent.</p><p>Just over two minutes in, Werenski sent a cross-ice pass to Jack Hughes. Earlier in the game, Hughes had taken a high stick to the mouth and appeared to lose about two and a half teeth. Bloodied. Battled. Still skating.</p><p>The puck hit his stick. For a split second, it felt like the entire rink went silent.</p><p>He fired.</p><p>The puck flew past the Canadian goaltender… and into the net.</p><p>The arena erupted.</p><p>Helmets were thrown. Players leapt into each other’s arms. Jack and his brother Quinn embraced at center ice. Tears fell across the world, some in heartbreak, some in joy.</p><p>The United States was golden again. Spectators stood from couches, bar stools, and living rooms across the country. Fans who once pretended to be Mike Eruzione scoring against the Soviets or Mark Johnson winning gold against Finland in 1980 had just watched a new generation write its own chapter.</p><p>Maybe tonight, somewhere on a frozen pond, a kid is counting down an imaginary overtime clock and calling their own game-winning goal.</p><p>And maybe this is the beginning of their story.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more B1G stories? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="USA MHKY Olympic Gold 2-23-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/USA MHKY Olympic Gold 2-23-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p><br /></p><hr /><p><br /></p><h1>Two Michigan Alums Lead USA to Historic Win Over Sweden</h1><p><em>Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes deliver in overtime thriller</em></p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="Team USA MHKY 2-18-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Team USA MHKY 2-18-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p><br /></p><p>It had been 66 years.</p><p>Since 1960, the United States had not defeated Sweden in Olympic men’s hockey. That drought ended in dramatic fashion when two Michigan men took matters into their own hands.</p><p>In a quarterfinal that felt more like a gold-medal game, Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes powered Team USA to a statement victory over Sweden, snapping a decades-long Olympic skid and sending the Americans into the semifinals.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>A Hard Draw</strong></h2><p>When the United States drew Sweden in the quarterfinal round, fans knew it would be a battle. The players knew it too.</p><p>“They are super skilled,” said Zach Werenski prior to the matchup. “When we played them in the 4 Nations [Face-Off], it was a hard game. I expect the same thing in quarters.”</p><p>He was right.</p><p>From the opening puck drop, the pace was relentless. Sweden came out heavy and structured, while the United States answered with one of its most physical performances of the tournament. Every inch of ice had to be earned. The first period ended scoreless. The tension only thickened in the second.</p><p>Then, Dylan Larkin broke through.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Michigan Made</strong></h2><p>Larkin has had plenty of big moments in his career. But the way he exploded off the ice after scoring his first goal of the 2026 Olympics, you would have thought it was his first goal ever.</p><p>The Detroit Red Wings captain and former Michigan Wolverine shattered the silence inside the Milano arena, wiring home a goal that put the United States up 1–0 in the quarterfinal. The eruption that followed could’ve been heard all the way back in Ann Arbor.</p><p>The goal was assisted by Jack and Quinn Hughes, with Quinn also boasting Michigan ties.</p><p>“[Larkin’s] been a really close friend for a while,” Hughes said postgame. “Greatest guy. Just happy for him.”</p><p>As the third-period clock ticked under five minutes remaining, it looked as though Larkin’s strike might stand as the difference.</p><p>Then, with just under two minutes to go, Sweden answered.</p><p>Suddenly, overtime.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Hughes the Hero</strong></h2><p>Three-on-three. A silent arena. Blades carving into ice. Sticks clashing. Nations holding their breath.</p><p>Chances traded back and forth. Groans. Gasps.</p><p>And then, Quinn Hughes.</p><p>With effortless confidence, Hughes collected the puck and delivered the moment. One quick release. Game over. The United States was headed to the semifinals.</p><p>“When I saw Quinn get it, I was like, ‘I’m glad we got that guy,’” Larkin said after the win. “Unbelievable moment for our country, for USA Hockey, and for him to do it… it gives you the chills.”</p><p>Sixty-six years later, history was rewritten. And it was Michigan-made.</p><p><br /></p><h2><strong>Up Next</strong></h2><p>The United States will face Slovakia in the semifinals on February 20 with a trip to the gold-medal game on the line.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Want more B1G stories? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h1>United States Men’s Hockey Takes Flight in Opening Game</h1><p><em> Quinn Hughes ends the night with a pair of apples as the USA downs Latvia, 5-1</em></p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="Quinn Hughes Team USA 2-12-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Quinn Hughes Team USA 2-12-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p><br /></p><p>If you have seen <em>Miracle</em>, then the echoing, earth-rumbling “U.S.A.” chant brings chills to your spine. Even if you have not, it probably still would. Unlike in 1980 in Lake Placid, the United States did not come to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan with any doubt that they were one of the best teams to hit the ice.</p><p>It was apparent that the team dressed in white jerseys sporting the classic diagonal “USA” was more experienced and brought more star power. But Latvia certainly reminded them that in the Olympics, nothing comes easy.</p><p>Brady Tkachuk (Boston University/Ottawa Senators) struck first for the United States, assisted by his brother Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) and Zach Werenski (Michigan/Columbus Blue Jackets). A goal from Quinn Hughes (Michigan/Minnesota Wild) appeared to go in, but it was called back for offsides.</p><p>“It’s pretty cool how it worked out,” Brady Tkachuk said, “but we’re not getting that play if it’s not for a great play by [Werenski].”</p><p>Latvia then scored, tying the game. Soon after, another United States goal was called back for goaltender interference. The first period ended tied. United States fans grew quieter, and Latvia fans grew louder.</p><h2><strong>Second Period Team?</strong></h2><p>Finally, Brock Nelson (North Dakota/Colorado Avalanche) broke through. This time, it stood. Soon after, Tage Thompson (UConn/Buffalo Sabres) netted another, assisted by Quinn Hughes.</p><p>It was safe to say that the United States had found its groove, and the crowd waved their flags until the entire arena looked like a collection of Old Glory.</p><p>“Didn’t expect to get two overturned,” Quinn Hughes said. “But it happens. I thought we played well, and we had our looks for sure.”</p><p>By the third period, Latvia’s intensity had died down, along with the volume of its crowd. That did not stop the United States from lighting the lamp again. Hughes continued to show off his effortless hockey IQ with another assist on Auston Matthews’ goal, the final of the night for the United States.</p><h2><strong>Across the Ice</strong></h2><p>The Big Ten had a few players who made an impact for other teams on the opening night of men’s play.</p><p>For Team Germany, Wojciech Stachowiak (Michigan State) notched an assist in a 3-1 win over Denmark.</p><h2><strong>Up Next in Milan</strong></h2><p>On Feb. 13, the headliner will be the Women’s Hockey quarterfinals, which will kick off with Czechia and Sweden. The Big Ten will have 10 athletes participating in that matchup.</p><p>Then the United States women’s team will face off against Italy in a midday matchup at 3:10 p.m. ET. The Big Ten will have 16 players competing on the ice in that game.</p><p>Be sure to mark your calendar and keep checking here for updates. In the meantime, we will try to get Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd singing “Free Bird” out of our heads.</p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><strong>Want more B1G stories? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>

Team USA reacts to the gold-medal-winning goal, cheering and jumping off the benches

2026-2-12 Blog: Olympics MHKY

Hilary Knight celebrates Team USA's gold medal

2026-2-10 Blog: Olympics Women's Hockey Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Whether you're a die-hard fan or a first-time attendee, this page has everything you need to know about the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.  </p><p>From locations and schedules to ticket information and viewing options, we've got you covered. Dive into the details about the men’s and women’s tournaments, learn how the brackets work, and stay updated on scores and results. Let’s get you game-day ready! </p><p><br /></p><h2>When are the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments? </h2><p>The 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong> starts on Tuesday, March 10<sup>th</sup> and runs through Sunday, March 15<sup>th</sup>.  Get <a href="https://bigten.org/mbb/article/58675/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">detailed dates and times here</span>
      </a>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament</strong> took place Wednesday, March 4<sup>th</sup> through Sunday, March 8<sup>th</sup>. <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">See all the game recaps</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><h2>Where are the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments? </h2><p>The 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong> will be held at the United Center in <strong>Chicago</strong>, Illinois, located at 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. You can find more information about the United Center <a href="https://www.unitedcenter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span>
      </a>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Next season, it will be at T-Mobile Arena in <strong>Las Vegas, Nevada</strong>.</p><p><br /></p><h2>How does the Big Ten Basketball Tournament work? </h2><p>The 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament will include all 18 teams and is single-elimination format</strong>. The lowest four seeds compete in two games on the first day. The next lowest four seeds play the winners of those two games and each other on the second day, and the same with the next four highest seeds on the third day. The top four seeds play in the quarterfinals on the fourth day against the winners, with the semifinals on the fifth day, and the champions crowned on the sixth day. </p><p>You can <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026_MBB_Tournament_Bracket.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">see the men's tournament format here</span>
      </a>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament is single-elimination format and includes the conference’s top 15 (out of 18) regular-season finishers.</strong> The last six qualifiers compete in three games on the first day, with the next four highest seeds competing against the winners and each other on the second day. The top four seeds join to play the winners in the quarterfinals on the third day, followed by the semifinals on the fourth day, and the championship on the fifth day. </p><p>You can <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026%20WBBT%20Bracket.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">see the women’s tournament format here</span>
      </a>. </p><p><br /></p><h2>How can I watch the Big Ten Basketball Tournament? </h2><p>You can watch the 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong> on:  </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Peacock – March 10-11</strong>, first round and first two games of second round (afternoon) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Big Ten Network – March 11-13</strong>, last two games of the second round (evening) through quarterfinals  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>CBS – March 14-15</strong>, semifinals and championship game </li></ul><p>See more <a href="https://bigten.org/mbb/article/58675/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">men’s tournament viewing information</span>
      </a>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament</strong> was broadcast on:  </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Peacock – March 4</strong>, first round  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Big Ten Network, FOX Sports App – March 5-7</strong>, second round through semifinals </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>CBS, Paramount+ – March 8</strong>, championship game </li></ul><p><a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">See game results here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><h2>What is the Big Ten Basketball Tournament schedule? </h2><p><a href="https://bigten.org/mbb/article/58675/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a> for the game dates and times of the 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament</strong> has concluded. You can see the <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">results here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><h2>How many teams make the Big Ten Basketball Tournament? </h2><p>For the first time, all<strong> 18 teams will make the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament</strong>. (In 2025, the conference’s top 15 finishers participated). </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament featured the top 15 teams</strong> with the best conference record (out of 18).  </p><p><br /></p><h2>Who won the Big Ten Basketball Tournament? </h2><p><strong>Michigan</strong> won the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. You can see the list of the <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2025-26-Big-Ten-Tournament-Record-Book.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">men’s all-time results here</span>
      </a>. </p><p><strong>UCLA</strong> won the 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59566/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Read about the Bruins' win here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><h2>Where can I get tickets to the Big Ten Basketball Tournament? </h2><p><a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/ucarena/promotional-page?id=MTg1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a> to purchase tickets to the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament on <strong>Ticketmaster</strong>.</p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament has concluded. You can get <a href="https://bigten.org/user/ticketing/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">updates on tickets for next year's tournament</span>
      </a> in Las Vegas.</p><p><br /></p><h2>When is the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Championship Game? </h2><p>The <strong>men’s championship will be played on Sunday, March 15</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup> at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. </p><p>The women’s championship game was played on Sunday, March 8<sup>th</sup> at 2:15 p.m. ET and was broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. UCLA won the title, and you can <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59566/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">read about it here</span>
      </a>.</p><p> </p><h2>Where is the Big Ten Basketball Tournament bracket? </h2><p>You can see the 2026 TIAA Big Ten <strong>Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket</strong> <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026_MBB_Tournament_Bracket.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span>
      </a>. </p><p>The 2026 Allstate Big Ten <strong>Women’s Basketball Tournament bracket</strong> has concluded. You can see the final bracket <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/59507/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span>
      </a>.</p><p> </p><h2>What were the Big Ten Basketball Tournament scores? </h2><p>You’ll be able to find <strong>updates on the men’s tournament</strong> <a href="https://bigten.org/mbb/article/58675/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span>
      </a>. </p><p>See here for the <a href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/58800/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>women’s scores</strong></span>
      </a>. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Stay in the Game! </h2><p>We hope this FAQs page has answered all your questions about the 2026 Big Ten Basketball Tournaments. For even more excitement, don’t miss out on our daily tournament updates delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletter to get game highlights, scores, and exclusive insights throughout the tournament. </p><p><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sign up for updates now</strong></span>
      </a><strong> (completely free) and Never Miss a B1G Moment! </strong></p></div>

Michigan Men's Basketball and UCLA Women's Basketball raise the 2025 Big Ten Tournament trophies

2026-2-17 Blogs: BBT FAQs

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>In 2022, frustration lingered after a fourth-place finish at the Winter Olympics. This time, Michigan alum Evan Bates and his wife and skating partner, Madison Chock, rewrote the ending. On Wednesday, February 11 in Milan, the duo earned their first Olympic medal together outside of the team event, bringing home silver for the United States in Ice Dance.</p><p>In a performance that felt cinematic from the opening pose, the pair delivered a breathtaking, near-flawless skate to an instrumental version of “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones. They moved in complete synchrony, every edge sharp and intentional, every lift seamless. When they struck their final pose, the arena erupted. The judges rewarded the moment with a total score of 224.39.</p><p>“There’s so many emotions that come through after a week like this,” Bates said. “But I think when things settle, we’ll be super proud and look back on our time here and be happy with everything that was up to us. We really did our best.”</p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="Evan Bates and Madison Chock win silver 2-12-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Evan Bates and Madison Chock win silver 2-12-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p><br /></p><p>Ultimately, the French duo of Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry edged them out for gold by the slimmest of margins. Still, after 15 years of partnership, perseverance, and patience, Chock and Bates stood on the Olympic podium together at last.</p><p>“One fact that is indisputable is that we delivered our best,” Bates added.</p><p>“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Chock said. “Who we’ve become on the way to this moment. And I know life will go on. This is now just part of our story.”</p><p>If this was their final Olympic bow, it was a masterclass in resilience and artistry. And if they choose to lace up again, the ice will be better for it. Either way, they leave Milan with their heads held high and a new shiny piece of silver.</p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><strong>Want to get more Insider content? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br /></p></div>

Evan Bates and Madison Chock performing in the 2026 Winter Olympics

2026-2-12 Blog: Olympics Bates wins Silver

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>It is safe to say that the Big Ten might make the biggest impact on the ice on the women’s side – and quickly. With Team USA being conference-heavy, particularly from the WCHA/Big Ten, here are our thoughts after watching them dominate Czechia, 5-1.</p><p><br /></p><h2>Laila Edwards on the Top Defense Pairing</h2><p>Edwards has been a talking point for news outlets over the last year as the first Black woman to ever represent Team USA in women’s hockey.</p><p>“If you love hockey, you belong. No matter what you look like,” Edwards said to a crowd of reporters after the victory.</p><p>The senior Wisconsin leader is not typically a defender. In fact, the role is new for her. She has played as a forward at Wisconsin and even notched a tournament MVP for Team USA as a forward just a few years ago. The transition to defense was a strategic move by Team USA to utilize Edwards’ on-ice vision and powerful shot in a new way – and clearly, it’s working. The Badger recorded her first point with an assist on Alex Carpenter’s goal, which opened the scoring in what became a 5-1 win.</p><p>“Just gotta get it out of the way. The first one’s always the hardest,” Edwards noted. “It’s always great when you cash in on special teams.”</p>
        <img
          alt="Laila Edwards 2-6-26.jpg"
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          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Laila Edwards 2-6-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>Joy Dunne Brings the Buckeye Mentality to Milan</h2><p>Dunne, a junior at Ohio State, stands at about 5’11” and is tough and gritty on the ice. If you’re going to try to knock her down, good luck. Then off the ice, Dunne is as sweet as they come.</p><p>She scored her first Olympic goal and could not have been more humble about it.</p><p>“I’m just all smiles,” Dunne said postgame, never breaking her beaming grin. “It was a great play by Tessa (Janecke from Penn State). I’m just so thankful I was in the right spot, and it was my job to bury it.”</p><p>And that she did.</p><p>Dunne is joined by two other former Buckeyes, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes (both from the class of 2024), with whom she won a national championship in 2024. The trio hopes to do the same while chasing gold in Milan.</p><p>“We’d have to recreate some pictures, that’s for sure,” Dunne said. “We know what it takes to win, and it’s going to take even more here. We’re ready.”</p><p><br /></p><h2>Depth across All Teams</h2><p>While the biggest Big Ten footprint is on Team USA, there were also three athletes with conference ties on Team Czechia. Their head coach, Carla MacLeod, is a Wisconsin alumna. Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Natálie Mlynková recorded an assist on the Czech team’s lone goal, and Wisconsin standout freshman Adéla Šapovalivová continues to use her speed and hockey IQ to disrupt opposing teams’ play.</p><p>“I miss being on her team, but she’s relentless,” USA defender Caroline Harvey (Wisconsin) said when asked about playing against her former teammate. “She doesn’t give you anything. She’s a hard competitor to play against.”</p>
        <img
          alt="Wisconsin WHKY 2-6-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Wisconsin WHKY 2-6-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>On Team Sweden, a Buckeye connection showed up in a 4-1 win over Germany. Current Ohio State sophomore Mira Jungåker scored her first Olympic goal (which was also the first for the Big Ten in 2026), with OSU teammate Jenna Raunio earning the assist.</p><p>The conference also had an impact on Team Italy, as Penn State’s Matilde Fantin scored a goal against France in a 4-1 victory.</p><p><em>The Czech team will not have much of a break when they return to the ice against Switzerland on Friday, February 6.</em></p><p><br /></p><h2>Final Thoughts</h2><p>After just one game, Big Ten-affiliated athletes have already totaled 14 points on the ice, including seven for the USA, five for Sweden, one for Czechia, and one for Italy. It is safe to say the impact is B1G and getting B1GGER.</p><p>Keep up with the Olympic schedule <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/schedule">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="Mira Jungåker Sweden 2-6-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Mira Jungåker Sweden 2-6-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      </div>

Joy Dunne celebrates a goal for Team USA

2026-2-6 Blog: Olympics Women's Hockey Updates

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>It’s February, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics have arrived. NCAA athletes from across the country are packing their bags and heading overseas to represent their nations on the world’s biggest stage. In total, 238 NCAA-affiliated athletes will compete, and the Big Ten leads all conferences with 51 Olympians – 58 when you include Big Ten student-athletes competing in non-NCAA sports. </p><p>Safe to say, the conference will have a B1G presence in Milan. While these athletes take over the slopes and the ice, <strong>there are a few names you should have on your radar.  </strong></p><p><br /></p><h2>Caroline “KK” Harvey </h2><h3>USA Women’s Ice Hockey | Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Student-Athlete </h3>
        <img
          alt="WISC WHKY 2-4-26.webp"
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          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/WISC WHKY 2-4-26.webp"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>First up, a true game changer. The biggest NCAA and Big Ten footprint at the Winter Games comes from women’s hockey, and Wisconsin is at the center of it all. The Badgers are sending 12 active and former players to Milan, and leading that crew is Caroline Harvey. </p><p>The current two-year Wisconsin captain and senior defender is already no stranger to the Olympic stage. Harvey skipped what would’ve been her freshman season to compete in the 2022 Beijing Games, where she played in seven games and brought home a silver medal. That was just the beginning. </p><p>Since arriving in Madison for the 2022–23 season, Harvey has been unstoppable. She appeared in all 41 games as a freshman, racked up 39 points, and scored <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRmno93w65s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the overtime game-winner against Minnesota to send Wisconsin to the national title game</span>
      </a>. There, the Badgers became the first unranked team in NCAA history to win it all.  </p><p>Her sophomore season delivered 35 points, an NCAA runner-up finish, and a top-10 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award nod. As a junior, she set the program record for points by a defender in a single season with 63, led Wisconsin to another NCAA title, and finished as a top-three finalist for the Kazmaier. </p><p>This season, Harvey has already put up 54 points, with 17 goals and 37 assists. Reminder, <em>she’s a defender</em>. Internationally, she’s added six points for Team USA across the USA-Canada Rivalry Series and the IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2025 alone.  </p><p>The hockey world is taking notice. In a recent <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6983086/2026/01/21/pwhl-player-poll-expansion-olympics-trash-talker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">PWHL player poll in The New York Times</span>
      </a>, Harvey finished second in voting for the next face of the league, finishing just behind New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier. </p><p>Keep your eyes on the projected No. 1 overall PWHL draft pick this Olympics. Caroline Harvey isn’t just showing up in Milan. She’s showing <em>out</em>. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Quinn Hughes  </h2><h3>USA Men’s Ice Hockey | Michigan Men’s Hockey Alumnus</h3>
        <img
          alt="Quinn Hughes Michigan Hockey 2-4-2026.png"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Quinn Hughes Michigan Hockey 2-4-2026.png"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>What <em>is</em> he thinking about? Quinn Hughes, the wildly talented (and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTLjaD-kWKa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">sometimes zoning out</span>
      </a>) former Big Ten hockey defender will have our eyes locked on the screen in Milan. </p><p>The Orlando, Fla. native heads to the 2026 Olympics alongside fellow University of Michigan alumni Dylan Larkin, Kyle Connor, and Zach Werenski. And if the last name Hughes sounds familiar in the hockey world, it should. Brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn have all carved out spots among the NHL’s elite, with Jack and Quinn suiting up for Team USA in Milan. </p><p>At 26, Hughes is currently patrolling the blue line for the Minnesota Wild after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks in mid-December. As of February 3, 2026, he’s piled up 55 points in 51 games this season with five goals and 50 assists. That brings his early NHL career totals to 464 points across 484 games. </p><p>Before Minnesota, Hughes made history in Vancouver. In 2023, he became the Canucks’ first defenseman captain since the 1990–91 season. He followed that up with a monster year, winning the 2024 Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman after leading the league with a career-high 92 points. </p><p>Hughes’ ability to score and create is driven by an elite hockey IQ that showed up early. He posted 29 points as a freshman at Michigan in the 2017-18 season before scoring 33 points in just 32 games during his sophomore campaign. He jumped to the NHL shortly after the Big Ten playoffs and recorded an assist in his first career game. </p><p>Michigan was only the launch point. Now, Quinn Hughes is set to be a critical piece of Team USA’s push for gold in Milan – and don’t be surprised if he’s thinking three plays ahead while doing it.  </p><p><br /></p><h2>Alysa Liu  </h2><h3>USA Women’s Figure Skating | UCLA Student </h3>
        <img
          alt="Alysa Liu 2-4-2026.jpg"
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          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Alysa Liu 2-4-2026.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>Guess who’s back? Yes, <em>that</em> Alysa. And she’s back like she never left. </p><p>After retiring at just 16, Alysa Liu is officially back on the ice at 20, and she’s doing it her way. Rocking her signature ringed hairstyle, bright tights, and an even brighter smile, Liu brings an authenticity to figure skating that feels rare and refreshing. Not only is she competing again, but she’s also redefining what the sport can look like. People recently spoke with Liu about <a href="https://people.com/alysa-liu-explains-why-she-will-have-bleached-rings-in-her-hair-at-winter-olympics-11884687" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the inspiration behind her hair rings, and it’s a must-read</span>
      </a>.  </p><p>If the name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s been breaking records since she was barely a teenager. Liu became the youngest U.S. Women’s National Champion in history at just 13, then defended her title at 14. </p><p>She also made history as the first woman from any country to land both a quadruple jump and a triple axel in the same program. Oh, and she was also the first U.S. woman to <a href="https://x.com/nzaccardi/status/1167943848955277314" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">land a triple axel in international competition</span>
      </a>. Absolutely iconic.  </p><p>What sets Liu apart is her freedom. She breaks the mold without sacrificing an ounce of the discipline, precision, or grace that figure skating demands. She proves that individuality and excellence can coexist on the same sheet of ice. </p><p>While Liu isn’t technically a Big Ten student-athlete since figure skating isn’t an NCAA-sponsored sport, she currently attends UCLA and studies psychology. She is favored to bring home gold for Team USA, so bookmark her skate times now. This is another performance you won’t want to miss. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Evan Bates </h2><h3>USA Ice Dancing | Michigan Alumnus </h3>
        <img
          alt="Evan Bates and Madison Chock skating 2-4-2026.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Evan Bates and Madison Chock skating 2-4-2026.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>They say the person you marry is your rock, and for Team USA ice dancer and Michigan alum Evan Bates, that couldn’t be more accurate. </p><p>Bates heads to Italy alongside his skating partner and wife, Madison Chock, with their sights set on a second Olympic gold medal. The two began skating together in 2011 and tied the knot in 2024. Sounds like a romance novel in the making! Their story is so compelling that the AP recently reported Netflix is producing <a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-ice-dance-figure-skating-8044618a1aaa02c47c5d3902ed01dd4e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">a behind-the-scenes documentary on the duo</span>.
      </a> </p><p>Milan will mark Bates’ fifth Olympic appearance, a testament to one of the most consistent and enduring careers in ice dance. Known for his steadiness, precision, and ability to evolve with the sport, Bates has spent years proving what longevity and growth look like at the highest level. </p><p>As a veteran leader on Team USA’s ice dance squad, Bates brings a calm confidence and competitive edge that shows up when the stakes are highest. </p><p>Bates and Chock enter the Games as favorites for gold for the United States, and all eyes will be on them when they take the ice. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Ann Renée Desbiens  </h2><h3>Canada Women’s Ice Hockey | Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Alumna </h3>
        <img
          alt="Ann Renée Desbiens 2 2-4-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Ann Renée Desbiens 2 2-4-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>As mentioned before, the Big Ten’s biggest Olympic footprint comes from women’s hockey. While rosters are stacked with legendary names like Hilary Knight for Team USA and Sarah Nurse for Canada, one player stands out: Ann-Renée Desbiens. </p><p>Widely considered one of the best goaltenders in the world, Desbiens heads into her third Olympic Games with a chance to win back-to-back golds for Team Canada. She earned gold as the starting goalie in Beijing in 2022, took silver in PyeongChang in 2018, and owns three IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals. Casual dominance. </p><p>Before becoming an international powerhouse, Desbiens was already breaking barriers. She was the first female player ever drafted into the QJAAAHL, the second-highest men’s junior hockey league in Quebec. Then came Madison. </p><p>During four seasons with Wisconsin, Desbiens put together one of the most dominant collegiate careers the sport has ever seen. She set the NCAA record for most career shutouts, regardless of gender or division, with 55. She also set a program record with 21 shutouts in a single season during her junior year and finished her Badger career with an absurd .955 save percentage. In total, she made 2,295 saves and allowed just 109 goals. Oh, and she won the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Award along the way. </p><p>Her Olympic resume is just as jaw-dropping. In the 2022 Games, Desbiens set a national record with 51 saves against the United States, which is the most by any Canadian goalie, male or female, in an Olympic game. Across the entire tournament, she allowed just nine goals on 150 shots. </p><p>The former Badger could carry Canada to another gold medal if she’s locked in at Milan. Her toughest tests will come against USA standouts like Abbey Murphy and the ever-dangerous Hilary Knight. </p><p>Circle the calendar now. The first USA vs. Canada preliminary matchup on February 10 is appointment viewing. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Honorable Mentions </h2>
        <img
          alt="Laila Edwards 2-4-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Laila Edwards 2-4-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h3>Laila Edwards </h3><p>A dynamic scorer with the ability to change a game in a single shift. Edwards brings speed, confidence, and an attacking mindset that translates well on the international stage. Keep an eye out for her family in the stands; they bring the spirit.  </p><h3>Brock Faber </h3><p>Known for his poise and reliability on the blue line, Faber is the kind of defender coaches trust in high-pressure moments and late-game situations. </p><h3>Sarah Warren </h3><p>A versatile competitor who thrives when the spotlight is brightest. Warren’s adaptability and composure make her a valuable presence in any lineup, whether it’s Illinois Women’s Soccer or Team USA Speedskating.</p><p><br /></p><h2>Final Take </h2><p>From seasoned Olympians to rising stars, the Big Ten’s influence on the 2026 Winter Games is impossible to miss. Whether it’s clutch goals, elite defense, or unforgettable performances on the world’s biggest stage, these athletes are ready to leave their mark in Milan. Keep these names handy, clear your schedule, and enjoy the show (and snow)!</p><p>You can see the <a href="https://bigten.org/article/59254/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">full list of Big Ten-affiliated Olympians here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h4>Want more deep-dive Big Ten content? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</h4></div>

The Olympics rings in front of a mountain with sunlight

2026-2-4 Blog: Winter Olympics Players to Watch

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>When it comes to college wrestling, the Big Ten dominates. The conference claimed the last 18 straight NCAA team championships and currently commands five of the top seven spots in the national dual rankings. </p><p>Whether you're a die-hard fan tracking every takedown or just catching up before championship season, <strong>take a closer look at the Big Ten's numbers, the teams, and the dynasty that shows no signs of slowing down. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>In The Rankings</h2><p>In the Intermat Dual Rankings, <strong>Big Ten teams currently make up five of the top seven spots</strong>, and eight of the top 15. The nation is led by No. 1 Penn State, who is currently 11-0 with eight wins by 40+ points. Ohio State (14-0) is No. 2, followed by No. 4 Iowa (9-3), No. 6 Nebraska (9-5), No. 7 Minnesota (8-4), No. 10 Illinois (9-4), No. 13 Michigan (7-2), and No. 15 Rutgers (8-5). </p><p>The Big Ten features <strong>the top-ranked wrestlers in </strong><em><strong>nine of the 10 weight classes</strong></em> nationally and boasts numerous top 10 contenders at each weight class, including 16 in the top three. The following are all <strong>No. 1 in their division, and four are national champions: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >125 – Luke Lilledahl (Penn State, defending Big Ten Champion) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >133 – Lucas Byrd (Illinois, defending NCAA and Big Ten Champion) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >141 – Jesse Mendez (Ohio State, 2x defending NCAA Champion) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >149 – Shayne Van Ness (Penn State, 2x NCAA third place) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >157 – Brandon Cannon (Ohio State, 2025 Big Ten runner-up) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >165 – Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State, defending NCAA Champion) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >174 – Levi Haines (Penn State, 3x defending Big Ten Champion, 2024 NCAA Champion at 157) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >184 – Rocco Welsh (Penn State, 2024 NCAA runner-up at OSU) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >197 – Josh Barr (Penn State, NCAA runner-up) </li></ul><p> </p>
        <img
          alt="Jesse Mendez OSU Wrestling 1-28-26.png"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Jesse Mendez OSU Wrestling 1-28-26.png"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>Championship Caliber</h2><h3>Team title takeover </h3><p>When it comes to NCAA Championships, the Big Ten is virtually untouchable: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Big Ten schools have won the last 18 straight NCAA team championships. </strong>Penn State leads the way with 12 titles. Iowa has four, and Ohio State and Minnesota each have one. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The conference has also claimed 29 of the last 34 titles. Oklahoma State won the other five. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>At the 2025 NCAA Championships, six Big Ten teams finished in the top 10:</strong> No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Nebraska, No. 4 Iowa, No. 5 Minnesota, No. 5 Ohio State, No. 10 Illinois. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Five Big Ten teams also finished in the top 10 of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 NCAA Championships.  </strong></li></ul><h3>Individual dominance </h3><p>At the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, Big Ten wrestlers <strong>won seven of the 10 individual NCAA titles </strong><em><strong>for six different schools</strong></em>. Plus... </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Six additional student-athletes were runners-up. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The conference had <strong>19 top-three finishers</strong>, with at least one in every weight class. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Big Ten<strong> swept the podium in two weight classes. </strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Half of the championship bouts were Big Ten vs. Big Ten. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The NCAA recognized 37 All-Americans from the Big Ten. </li></ul><p>See more on the <a href="https://bigten.org/wrest/article/403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Big Ten 2025 NCAA Championship results</span>
      </a>. </p><p>And it wasn’t just 2025. In 2024? Half of the national champions were from Big Ten schools, and 11 of the 20 finalists were from the conference. In 2023, half of the championship match participants were from the Big Ten. In 2022, the conference won eight of the 10 individual NCAA titles... You get the point. </p>
        <img
          alt="Lucas Byrd Illinois Wrestling 1-28-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Lucas Byrd Illinois Wrestling 1-28-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p> </p><h2>Talk about Dynasty</h2><p>Penn State Wrestling is arguably the greatest active dynasty in college sports... or perhaps in all of sports. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Penn State has won an NCAA-record </strong><em><strong>82 consecutive matches</strong></em> over the last six years. They haven’t lost since 2020. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Penn State hired head coach Cael Sanderson in 2009. Since then, <strong>they’ve won 12 of the last 14 NCAA Championships. </strong></li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >The Nittany Lions have won four consecutive titles three different times in that span. They’re seeking their fifth-straight in 2026. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >PSU has had 13 individual champions over their current four-championship winning streak. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Penn State won its third consecutive Big Ten title last season behind five individual conference champions. The Nittany Lions have won nine overall. </li></ul><p>How do they sustain greatness? Head coach Cael Sanderson and company are just focused on what’s next. “We’ll just keep getting better each match. That’s the plan.” </p><p> </p>
        <img
          alt="PSU Wrestling NCAA Title 1-28-26.png"
          height="914"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/PSU Wrestling NCAA Title 1-28-26.png"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>The Best vs. The Best</h2><p>From the relentless dominance on the mat to the sheer volume of championships collected over the last two decades, the Big Ten has established itself as the premier conference in collegiate wrestling. Whether it’s the dynasty being built at Penn State or the depth of talent across every weight class, the level of competition here is simply unmatched. </p><p>But what truly sets this conference apart isn't just the trophies; it's the atmosphere. With Big Ten teams accounting for seven of the top 10 spots in home attendance last season, the energy in these arenas is electric. The passion of the fanbase is a driving force behind this success, turning every dual into a must-see event. </p><p>The best of the best will collide soon, and you won’t want to miss history in the making. The <strong>2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships</strong> will be at Penn State from March 7-8.  </p><p><strong>Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 3rd at 2:30 p.m. ET.</strong> Mark your calendars now—they're expected to sell out! <a href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/pennstate/promotional-page?id=NjAx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Get them here</span>
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h3>Want more Big Ten news and championship updates? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</h3><p> </p><p> </p>
        <img
          alt="Big Ten Wrestling Championship Belt 1-28-26.jpg"
          height="1280"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Big Ten Wrestling Championship Belt 1-28-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>

Penn State wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink celebrates a win

Big Ten Wrestling: Dominance on Display in the Latest Rankings

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Do you believe in miracles? Or was it just pure grit all along? <strong>The Indiana Hoosiers have completed college football's most impressive turnaround tale</strong>, capping off a perfect 16-0 record with the program’s first-ever national championship. </p><p>Head coach Curt Cignetti told the world he wins. He told us to Google him. But after a dominant playoff run and a gutsy finale against Miami, the trophy case now speaks for itself. </p><p><strong>Let’s dive into how the Hoosiers rose on the game's greatest stage. </strong></p><h2>The Road to the CFP </h2><p>Indiana Football finished the 2024 regular season 11-1 and earned the program’s first bid to the College Football Playoff. Even after falling to Notre Dame in the first round, many were already calling it the greatest turnaround in the history of college football.  </p><p>But head coach Curt Cignetti and the returning Hoosiers knew that <strong>the job wasn’t done.  </strong></p><p>With every win of the 2025-26 season, the number of people who doubted Indiana dwindled. In most contests, <strong>the Hoosiers were dominant.</strong> Prior to the national championship, they ranked second nationally in both scoring offense (42.6 points per game) and scoring defense (11.07 ppg). They steamrolled Alabama in the CFP Quarterfinals, 38-3.  </p><p><strong>Even in tight contests, Indiana faced every challenge and found a way to win:  </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >In its first road test of the season, Indiana trailed <strong>Iowa</strong>, 13-10, in the fourth quarter. Kicker Nico Radicic nailed a 44-yard field goal before Fernando Mendoza drove the Hoosiers 76 yards and sealed the comeback with a 49-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt.  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Hoosiers were tied with <strong>Oregon</strong> in the fourth quarter in a top-10 battle in Eugene. The defense came away with two massive interceptions from Isaiah Jones and Louis Moore to secure a 30-20 win.  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Indiana was down to its last drive again at <strong>Penn State</strong>, where the Hoosiers had never won a game. That is, until Mendoza took the offense from its own 13-yard line all the way downfield and tossed the game-winning touchdown to Omar Cooper Jr.  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Hanging on to a narrow 13-10 lead over <strong>Ohio State</strong>, Mendoza threw a 33-yard reception on third and six from his own 24-yard line, allowing the Hoosiers to run out the clock and clinch their first Big Ten Football Championship since 1967.  </li></ul><p><strong>All that prepared Indiana for its final test against Miami in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.  </strong></p>
        <img
          alt="Indiana Big Ten Champ Celebration 1-21-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Indiana Big Ten Champ Celebration 1-21-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>The Championship Game </h2><p>The Hoosiers’ movie-like season wouldn’t be complete without an instant classic championship game. </p><h3>Locked down  </h3><p>One of the major keys for IU was to stop Miami’s run game. In the first half, Indiana’s defense stifled the Hurricanes, <strong>holding them to just 20 yards rushing and forcing consecutive punts</strong> on their four opening possessions. On the fifth, Miami kicker Carter Davis hit the upright to seal the Hoosiers’ first-half shutout and a 10-0 lead. </p><h3>Physicality  </h3><p>Miami’s pass rush was its biggest asset coming into this game, and it showed early. Senior Pat Coogan called Miami’s defensive line <strong>“the most physical front [he's] ever played.”</strong> Throughout the course of the game, Mendoza was sacked three times, hit three other times, scrambled twice, and had four hurried throws thanks to Miami’s pressure. And he had the bruises to prove it.  </p>
        <img
          alt="Fernando Mendoza Bruises Post-CFP 1-21-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Fernando Mendoza Bruises Post-CFP 1-21-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>But the Hoosiers were ready for war. “We came into this game knowing that the more physical team was going to win,” Aiden Fisher said.  </p><p><strong>“I would die for my team,” Mendoza said.</strong> “Whatever they need me to do... I’m going to die for my team out there, and I know they’re going to do the same for me.”  </p><h3>Miami bounces back </h3><p>After being silenced in the first half, Miami broke out in the third quarter, opening with a 57-yard rushing touchdown and forcing three consecutive Hoosier punts. After six scoreless minutes,<strong> the momentum was anyone’s for the taking.  </strong></p><p>Queue, Indiana special teams.  </p><p>With the Hurricanes set to punt from their own 16-yard line, Indiana’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTt55vrDjxD/?igsh=aHQ1Z2xodWsyZXk3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mikail Kamara blocked Miami’s kick, and Isaiah Jones fell on top of the ball in the end zone</span>
      </a> to extend the Hoosiers' lead to 17-7.  </p><p>“We didn't have a block called,” Cignetti said. "But [Kamara] saw it, felt it and gave it great effort and turned it into a touchdown... <strong>A big special teams play can change the momentum of a game</strong> more so than offense or defense.”  </p><h3>Playing to win  </h3><p>The most pivotal moment of the championship game came in the fourth quarter. On fourth and four and clinging onto a 17-14 lead, the Hoosiers’ offense was at Miami’s 12-yard line. Just before the Indiana field goal unit got situated, Cignetti called time out.  </p><p>“We’re going for it.”  </p><p>OC Mike Shanahan and Cignetti called a QB draw against one of the toughest defensive lines in college football. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTt8QHojgdI/?igsh=MWRjNncxbjBodHh2bA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mendoza plowed through a linebacker, dodged three other Miami defenders, and took a shot from a fifth as he dove into the end zone for the touchdown</span>
      </a>. <strong>The play will go down in Indiana lore forever.</strong></p>
        <img
          alt="Fernando Mendoza diving touchdown CFP Championship 1-21-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Fernando Mendoza diving touchdown CFP Championship 1-21-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <p>“We were all putting our bodies on the line,” Mendoza said. “Any player on our team, if they had that opportunity, they would put their body on the line too... It was the least I could do for my brothers.”  </p><p>“[Mendoza] has <strong>the heart of a lion</strong> when it comes to competition,” Cignetti said. “Can’t say enough about his effort on that play.”  </p><h3>Calling game  </h3><p>Down by six, Miami had one final drive with 1:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Carson Beck marched the Hurricanes 34 yards down to Indiana’s 41-yard line. On first and 10, Beck threw a deep ball near the end zone, but <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTuY-Zhji5t/?igsh=ZWhwejJ6aTU0OHRz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jamari Sharpe leaped to grab a championship-winning interception</span>
      </a> with under a minute remaining.  </p>
        <img
          alt="Jamari Sharpe CFP Champ Interception 1-21-26.jpg"
          height="1080"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Jamari Sharpe CFP Champ Interception 1-21-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>Plotlines All Over </h2><p>The championship game was clearly a monumental moment for the Hoosier program, but there were also a handful of <strong>individual plotlines that make the story that much sweeter. </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Charlie <strong>Becker</strong> wasn’t a key player in Indiana’s offense until he had an opportunity in the Penn State game due to injuries. He made a clutch catch on IU’s game-winning drive, and he’s been one of Mendoza’s most reliable targets ever since. All eight of his catches in the CFP were for first downs, two of which were momentum-grabbers in the championship game. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >On <strong>Mendoza’s</strong> iconic, fourth down, fourth quarter, diving touchdown, one of the Miami defenders who tried to tackle him – Wesley Bissainthe – landed a big hit on Mendoza back when he was at Cal. Plowing past him in the CFP championship game? Safe to say Fernando got his revenge. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Mendoza’s father</strong> played with Miami head coach Mario <strong>Cristobal</strong> in high school, and his mother played tennis for the Hurricanes. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Sharpe</strong>, who made the natty-sealing interception in the game, is not only from Miami, but his uncle, Glenn Sharpe, was a defender for the Hurricanes. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Both team’s head coaches, <strong>Cignetti</strong> and <strong>Cristobal</strong>, worked under former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Both won national titles with the Crimson Tide. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Multiple Hoosiers are from Miami, including Fernando Mendoza (who lived just two miles from the stadium), D’Angelo Ponds, and Jamari Sharpe. Both Mendoza and Sharpe <strong>wanted to play at Miami, but weren’t recruited.</strong> </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>Cignetti’s first national championship as head coach is its own Cinderella story.</strong> He knew he wanted to be a head coach since the third grade, but didn’t get his first lead position until he spent 27 years as a position coach, assistant, or coordinator. The 2024-25 season at Indiana was his first in a Power Four conference. </li></ul>
        <img
          alt="Charlie Becker CFP Catch 1-21-26.jpg"
          height="1103"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Charlie Becker CFP Catch 1-21-26.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h2>Making History  </h2><p>Not only is this Indiana’s first national championship, but...  </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >IU is the first new national champion since 1996 (Florida)  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >The Hoosiers are the only 16-0 team since 1894 (Yale)  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >This year marks the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Hoosiers’ undefeated men’s basketball NCAA Championship season (1975-1976, 32-0)  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Curt Cignetti is just the fourth active head coach to win a national title in the playoff era  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >At 27-2, Indiana has the best record over the last two seasons in college football  </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>Only five schools have won both a football and basketball championship since 1960. Four of them are Big Ten schools: </strong>Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State. (The fifth is Florida).  </li></ul><p>The Hoosiers never trailed in their three CFP games, leading for 152:28 out of 180 minutes. They outscored their opponents 62-7 in the first half and scored in 11 of 12 quarters. Indiana is also the sixth undefeated CFP Champion – the last was Michigan in 2023.  </p><h2>It’s All about Belief  </h2><p>Curt Cignetti’s big post-game message? <strong>“If you keep your nose down in life and keep working, anything is possible.”</strong> Cignetti managed to ingrain that mindset into every person on his staff and his roster.  </p><p>“It starts with belief,” Coogan said. “Sometimes that belief has to be a little bit irrational, especially at a place that hasn’t had success... but <strong>when Coach Cig got here, he believed, and he got people to believe.”  </strong></p><p>But belief doesn’t just come magically. It’s earned. “It starts in the weight room during the winters, the 6:00 a.m. workouts, and then the summer workouts in the hot, grueling sun,” Kamara said. “That's when you start to realize what type of team you have.”  </p><p>The keyword there? Team. Cignetti has said time and time again that it comes down to having the right, like-minded people with a common goal and a plan.  </p><p>“We're 16-0, national champions at Indiana University, which I know a lot of people thought was never possible,” he said. “It probably is one of the greatest sports stories of all time. But it's all because of these guys and the staff.”  </p><p>But there’s more to The Cignetti Effect than wins. Coach’s impact goes beyond the white lines of a football field.<strong>   </strong></p><p><strong>“Coach changed my life,” Fisher said.</strong> “From a kid that felt like I was underrecruited... the amount of confidence he built in me, the trust and belief he had in me... I owe a lot to him. He's an unbelievable coach, but he's an unbelievable person.”  </p>
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      <p>From his Heisman QB: “On the visit, [coach] sold me on developing and that I could become the best Fernando Mendoza possible and with a great group of guys, and at that point I knew it was a no-brainer. I can't thank Coach Cig, Coach Shanahan, and Coach Whitmer enough.”  </p><h2>What’s Next?  </h2><p>As for Indiana – Cignetti’s right back to the process. “We'll continue to take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one practice at a time and just keep improving and committing to the process and showing up prepared, trying to put it on the field and see where it takes us.”  </p><p>As for Big Ten Football? <strong>The 2026 schedule drops next Tuesday, January 27</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong>.</strong> <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza dives in for the touchdown in the CFP Championship Game

East

Indiana

Football

2026-1-21 Blog: Indiana Football Post-CFP Win

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The Big Ten has now won <em>three consecutive national championships from three different institutions</em> following Indiana’s win over Miami in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Michigan won in 2023, Ohio State won in 2024, and now the Hoosiers have claimed their first national championship. </p><p>That consistent postseason prestige begs the question: <strong>Is the Big Ten the best conference in college football? We may be biased, but numbers aren’t.</strong> Let’s take a look. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Playoff Powerhouse </h2><p>Nothing tests true greatness like the bright lights of the biggest stage. <strong>Three </strong><em><strong>different</strong></em><strong> Big Ten schools have won the last three College Football Playoff National Championships</strong>: Michigan in 2023, Ohio State in 2024, and now Indiana in 2025. </p><p><em>Four of the six teams that competed in those championship games are current Big Ten schools</em> (Washington finished runner-up in 2023). </p><p>Including Monday's championship game, a Big Ten team has appeared in 14 of the 22 games since the CFP expanded to 12 teams. Two of those games were all-Big Ten matchups – Ohio State vs. Oregon in 2024, and Indiana vs. Oregon in 2025. </p><p>Six current Big Ten teams have earned half of the 12 available CFP Semifinal spots in the last three seasons. Meaning, <em>at the end of the last three seasons, two of the nation’s top four teams have been from the Big Ten. </em></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >2024: <strong>Michigan</strong>, <strong>Washington</strong>, Alabama, Texas </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >2025: <strong>Ohio State</strong>, <strong>Penn State</strong>, Texas, Notre Dame </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >2026: <strong>Indiana</strong>, <strong>Oregon</strong>, Miami, Ole Miss </li></ul><p>Depth note: Six <em>different</em> Big Ten squads earned those semifinal slots. </p><p><br /></p>
        <img
          alt="Ohio State Football CFP Championship 1-20-2026.jpg"
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      <p><br /></p><h2>A B1G Bowl Season </h2><p>Even outside of the CFP, the Big Ten has raised the bar. The conference <strong>led the nation in total postseason victories</strong> in each of the last three seasons. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >2025-26: Big Ten (11-5), ACC (9-5), Big 12 (4-4), SEC (4-10) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >2024-25: Big Ten (11-6), SEC (8-7), Big 12 (4-5), ACC (2-11) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >2023-24: Big Ten (6-4), SEC and Big 12 (5-4), ACC (5-6) </li></ul>
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      <h2>Stats Tell All </h2><p>Outside of outcomes, the conference has also <strong>topped the charts in on-field performances</strong>. At the end of the 2025 regular season, the Big Ten featured: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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          value="1"
        >The only two unbeaten teams in FBS football </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Four of the country’s Top-15 Scoring Offenses </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Four of the nation’s Top-10 in Offensive Points Per Possession </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Five of college football’s Top-16 Scoring Defenses </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Six of the Top-16 Quarterback Ratings in the country </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Four of the Top-10 in Defensive Points Per Possession </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Three of the Top-5 in SportSource Analytics' ‘Strength of Record’ </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Three of the Top-6 in SportSource Analytics ‘Team Strength Ranking' </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Three of the Top-4 in ESPN SP+ Ranking </li></ul><p><br /></p><h2>The Next Level </h2><p>The conference set a record with 11 first-round <strong>NFL Draft picks</strong> in 2025 and may tie or break that mark with 10-13 first-round selections in 2026. Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana), Carnell Tate (WR, OSU), Arvell Reese (LB, OSU), and Caleb Downs (S, OSU) are all listed as potential top-10 picks. Makai Lemon (WR, USC) may make a case to go that early, as well. </p><p>Below are the projected number of first-round picks, by media outlet: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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          value="1"
        >PFF: 13 </li><li
          class=""
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          value="2"
        >FOX: 12 </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >ESPN: 12 </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >CBS: 11 </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >The Athletic: 10 </li></ul><p>Current Big Ten schools have also produced two of the last four <strong>Heisman Trophy winners</strong>: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >2022: Caleb Williams (<strong>USC</strong>) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >2023: Jayden Daniels (LSU) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >2024: Travis Hunter (Colorado) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >2025: Fernando Mendoza (<strong>Indiana</strong>) </li></ul><p><br /></p><h2>Viewership: All Eyes on the Big Ten </h2><p>In the 2025-26 season, <strong>no conference matched the Big Ten’s viewership numbers</strong>. Eight of the top 10 most-watched college football games this season included at least one Big Ten team. Out of the 20 participating teams, more than half (11) of them were Big Ten schools. Three were Big Ten vs. Big Ten matchups. </p><ol style="text-align: left;" class="list-number"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Indiana </strong>vs. Miami, CFP National Championship Game (30.1 million)</li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Indiana</strong> vs. Alabama, Rose Bowl (23.9 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Ohio State</strong> vs. Miami, Cotton Bowl (19.0 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Ole Miss vs. Georgia, Sugar Bowl (18.7 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        ><strong>Ohio State</strong> vs. <strong>Michigan</strong> (18.4 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        ><strong>Indiana</strong> vs. <strong>Ohio State</strong>, Big Ten Championship* (18.3 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        ><strong>Indiana</strong> vs. <strong>Oregon</strong>, Peach Bowl (18 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="8"
        >Georgia vs. Alabama, SEC Championship (16.9 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="9"
        >Texas vs. <strong>Ohio State</strong> (16.6 million) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="10"
        ><strong>Oregon</strong> vs. Texas Tech, Orange Bowl (15.9 million) </li></ol><p>*The 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship game was also the most watched conference championship for any conference on any network, ever. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Numbers Don't Lie </h2><p>From standout postseason performances to a consistent presence in the NFL Draft conversation, the Big Ten Conference is turning heads. Whether you’re cheering on your alma mater, watching the College Football Playoff, or tracking the rise of future Sunday stars, one thing is certain: <strong>Big Ten Football is the new standard. </strong></p><hr /><h4><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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      </a></h4><p><br /></p>
        <img
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      <p><br /></p></div>

Indiana Football hoists the College Football Playoff Championship trophy

2026-1-16 Blog: CFP Brag Notes

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The bright lights and big stage of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game can be a lot to take in. Yet, No. 1 <strong>Indiana</strong> seems as cool, calm, and collected as they have been before any matchup this season.  </p><p>The Hoosiers are one win away from completing arguably the greatest turnaround in college football history. <strong>How have they done it? </strong></p><p>The answers come through in their pre-championship press conferences alone. See – or read – for yourself.  </p><p><br /></p><h2>"Unmatched" Preparation </h2><p>If you've listened to any Hoosier talk about their mentality this season, you've heard about their intentional approach to preparation. Heading into Monday's championship game is no different. </p><p>"I've done everything possible to prepare for this game," Heisman-winner Fernando Mendoza said. "When I step on that field, I am confident because I know that my preparation is unmatched... I'm confident that my process has taken me here and that I can compete at the highest level.” </p><p>On his QB specifically, Cignetti said, “[Mendoza] prepares unlike anybody I've ever been around collegiately and at the quarterback position... He's somebody that can channel all his energy into one thing and has the discipline to do that." </p><p>Offensive lineman Pat Coogan echoed: "The game is between the white lines. We have done a good job of... having that mindset, never making it bigger than it is, and really just making sure we're putting in the work and putting in the prep so that when we get to game day, we put our best foot forward." </p><p>“I'm going to put every ounce of my body into preparation going into this game,” Mendoza said. And we already know that the rest of the Hoosiers will too. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Consistency, No Matter the Stage </h2><p>Cignetti's steadfast leadership has kept the Hoosiers confident, no matter the stage. In a week that should feel anything but routine, the Crimson and Cream are operating business as usual. </p><p>Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher said, "At the end of the day, we're going to prepare the same way we prepared for Old Dominion in week one, just because that's the way we're wired, the way we do things. And if not, it's a disservice to yourself, to your team." </p><p>Coogan added, "Even starting back in January, February, [Cignetti is] saying the same stuff he's saying before we walk out for the Peach Bowl, right? I think that's why we see that success. It's ingrained in our minds." </p><p>"We really are starting a normal week here... It's going to be a great week of prep. We just got to put in the work." </p><p>"[Cignetti] really values... being in our normal schedule," tight end Riley Nowakowski said. "We're trying our best this week to continue that normal schedule... That's the best way to do it, approach every game the same way." </p><p>From wide receiver Elijah Sarratt: "We understand it's the national championship and a lot of people are going to be watching, but we're going to treat this practice week the same. Go in, work every single day leading up to that game." </p><p>“It stems down from the coach's mindset," defensive back D'Angelo Ponds says. "Coach Cig does a great job keeping us steady, keeping us moving one week at a time... Success or failure. We don't look back at it. We just keep moving forward.” </p><p><br /></p><h2>No Complacency </h2><p>There's a lot of talk when you're the undefeated, top-ranked team in the country. But the Hoosiers aren't listening. </p><p>"We understand that outside noise is exactly what it is. It's outside," Coogan said. "It has no impact on our ability to go perform on the football field. It's not going to score us any touchdowns. It's not going to convert any third downs... Certainly, Coach Cig instills that mindset of ‘eliminate all noise and clutter.’" </p><p>From Nowakowski: "Every single time [Cignetti] talks to us, he's going to hammer on the point that nothing we got before is going to earn us anything in the future." </p><p>On Indiana’s success so far, Fisher said, "It won't mean really anything unless we walk away with a win in this game. I'm proud of where the team's at right now. I think we're playing well all together, and we got to put it on the field Monday night." </p><p>"We understand our goal," Sarratt said. "We understand how we're going to get to our goal, and it's just by doing what we've been doing, staying in the moment... Nothing really matters too much unless we win that game." </p><p>Mendoza put it simply: “There isn’t any time to celebrate because this is what everybody dreams of.” </p><p><br /></p><h2>People as the Cornerstone </h2><p>Cignetti himself summed everything up best after a reporter asked him what he'd say to those who call Indiana a "Cinderella Story". </p><p>"I think that's a fact. If you look at the record since Indiana started playing football and relative to the success we've had the last two years, we've broken a lot of records here... So it's been kind of surreal, but you get it done with the right people, properly led." </p><p>"You've got to have a blueprint, plan in process," he continued. "You've got to have the right people on your staff and the right people in the locker room. We've been fortunate to have great staff continuity." </p><p>"Then down in the locker room, we've got a lot of older guys that have high character, great leadership traits. They can buy into the team vision. They're very consistent, day in and day out, in terms of being committed and disciplined and working hard toward improvement, staying focused on the goal, keeping the eye on the bull's-eye, so to speak." </p><p>"Being able to enter every Saturday prepared with the right mindset and then putting it on the field. It's all about people. And then you've got to have a blueprint and a plan. And I think there's no question about it, that's what's gotten us to this point.” </p><p><br /></p><h2>“Nothing Else Matters” </h2><p>We’ll see if the Hoosiers’ preparation, consistency, grittiness, and character-centric culture earn Indiana its first-ever national title. </p><p><strong>Watch No. 1 seed Indiana vs. No. 10 seed Miami on Monday, January 19</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h4>Want more Insider content like this? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti focused before the Peach Bowl

2026-1-16 Blog: Indiana Football Pre-CFP Press Conference

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>On Friday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the No. 1 seed <strong>Indiana</strong> Hoosiers and the No. 5 seed <strong>Oregon</strong> Ducks will collide under the lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The stakes? A coveted ticket to the CFP National Championship game. </p><p>The plotlines here write themselves: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Both programs are chasing their first-ever national title. </li><li
          class=""
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          value="2"
        >Both teams absolutely dismantled their quarterfinal opponents—Indiana crushing Alabama 38-3 and Oregon blanking Texas Tech 23-0. </li><li
          class=""
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          value="3"
        >The quarterbacks leading these offenses are potentially the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >It's a rematch of one of the season's most pivotal games, where Indiana handed Oregon its only loss of the year in a 30-20 thriller in Eugene. </li></ul><p>Since that day, the Ducks haven't lost, and Indiana has remained undefeated. If the Hoosiers win it all, they will etch their name in history as the first 16-0 team in college football. But to get there, they have to beat a team that has spent months stewing on that October loss. </p><p>Buckle up, college football fans. The road to the title runs through Atlanta. <strong>Let's break down the Big Ten battle in the national semifinal. </strong></p><h2>Oregon Peaking in Prime Time </h2><p>Make no mistake: the Oregon team that will take the field in Atlanta is playing on a different level than the one that lost in October. Head coach Dan Lanning said, “Neither one of us is the same team that you saw earlier in the season when we played each other. I think we've grown in a lot of different ways... As your team changes, you change and adapt to your strengths.” </p><p>Now, Lanning has his squad firing on all cylinders, combining high-octane offense with suffocating defense. </p><h3>The Road to the Semis </h3><p>In the quarterfinals, the Ducks sent a loud message to the rest of the field. Facing a Texas Tech team that had dominated the Big 12, Oregon didn't just win; they shut them out 23-0. This came after a first-round performance against James Madison where the Ducks, despite winning 51-34, weren't entirely satisfied with their second-half execution. That dissatisfaction fueled a defensive masterclass against the Red Raiders. </p>
        <img
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      <p>Defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei put it bluntly when reflecting on that shutout: "Looking back, it's definitely cool to watch the film and be, like, there's a few plays where we could have done better. But overall, we dominated them." </p><p>“At the same time, we are playing the best team in the country. Last week stays back there. Now, I just focus on Indiana.” </p><h3>A Wake-Up Call </h3><p>For Oregon, the regular-season loss to Indiana wasn't just a blemish on the record; it was a catalyst. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher believes that stumble was necessary for the team's evolution. </p><p>"I believe everything happens for a reason," Boettcher said. "I think we needed that to kind of wake us up. We came out of a big Penn State win... Got a little lackadaisical with our prep, I think. It was a good wake-up call. The rest of the season leading up to this point is a pretty good testament to the way we responded to that loss." </p><h3>Offensive Explosiveness </h3><p>Statistically, Oregon is a nightmare to prepare for. They boast a top-10 offense and defense nationally. The Ducks' offense is dangerously explosive, leading the nation in 20+ yard play rate at 10.3%. When they have the ball, they average a staggering 6.95 yards per play and 3.15 points per drive.  </p><p>Combine that with their rushing attack of Noah Whittington and Dierre Hill Jr. – each of whom has at least 570 yards this season – the Ducks’ arsenal can keep defensive coordinators up at night.  </p><h3>Defense on Lock </h3><p>Defensively, Oregon is equally imposing. And according to safety Dillon Thieneman, the Ducks are hitting their stride at the perfect moment. "I know Lanning, coming into the Playoffs, he did a lot of research into March Madness, and... how you want to peak at the right time. I think as a defense, we're starting to hit that peak." </p><p>The Ducks rank in the top 10 for yards per play allowed and points per drive. They excel at forcing opponents into long-yardage situations and creating rhythmic disruptions that are hard to overcome. Furthermore, they are disciplined against the big play, ranking fifth in defensive marginal explosiveness by allowing just 4.1% of snaps to gain 20+ yards. </p><p>They’ve faced a gauntlet to get here, ranking ninth in strength of schedule. Aside from that single blemish against Indiana, they’ve been perfect. The Ducks are 13-1, and they are hungry for revenge. </p><h2>Hoosiers: Precision and Power</h2><p>The Hoosiers have looked precise, calm, and terrifyingly confident throughout their undefeated run. Now, coach Curt Cignetti hopes to cap off Indiana's unbelievable turnaround story with a national championship. </p>
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      <h3>Balanced and Brutal </h3><p>No team in the country matches Indiana’s balance. They are currently the only team in the FBS with over 3,000 yards both rushing and passing. This dual-threat capability makes them nearly impossible to defend. If you stack the box, they air it out. If you drop into coverage, they run it down your throat. </p><p>And it’s not just offense. Indiana is the only FBS team to rank in the top five of both scoring defense (No. 2) and scoring offense (No. 3). Their defense has been a stone wall, allowing only two touchdowns in their last four games and just a single rushing score in their last nine games. That is a level of dominance rarely seen in the modern era of high-scoring college football. </p><p>Even Dan Lanning acknowledged the complexity of preparing for Indiana's defense, calling it an "illusion defense." </p><p>"They show you one thing and they take something else away," Lanning explained. "They're really good at post-snap movement, which makes it difficult for the quarterback... Probably the best zone break defense I've seen this year in college football." </p><h3>Preparation and Focus </h3><p>Discipline is another hallmark of this squad. They commit the second-fewest penalty yards per game and the third-fewest turnovers per game. It’s this clean, razor-sharp brand of football that allowed them to capture the 2025 Discover Big Ten Championship over then-No. 1 Ohio State and dismantle the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl. </p><p>Cignetti attributes this to the team's preparation. "I think confidence and belief come from when you're prepared, totally prepared and get the result you're looking for," he said. "And when they become successful, they develop more confidence and belief, and it becomes sort of a snowball effect." </p><h2>The Quarterback Duel: Mendoza vs. Moore </h2><p>It's no secret that all eyes will be on the center of the field, where two future NFL stars will orchestrate their respective attacks. </p>
        <img
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      <h3>Fernando Mendoza, Indiana </h3><p>The Heisman winner has been nothing short of spectacular. Mendoza leads the nation with 36 passing touchdowns and boasts a pristine 184.7 passer rating. Against Alabama, he completed 87.5% of his passes in a surgical performance where he had more touchdown passes than incompletions. “I’d give him an A plus,” Cignetti said. </p><p>But it’s not just his arm. Mendoza has consistently made the right reads and extended plays with his legs all season, rushing for 256 yards and six touchdowns. Even Oregon's defenders know they have to watch out for his legs. "I would say I think he's one of the best scramblers in the country as far as decision-making," Uiagalelei noted. </p><p>What really makes Mendoza different is his ability to close out wins and perform in big moments. Against Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State, he made key late-game passes, proving that no stage is too big for him. When under pressure, Mendoza ranks 1st nationally in NFL passer rating and 2nd in passing grade. </p>
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      <h3>Dante Moore, Oregon </h3><p>On the other sideline stands Dante Moore, a quarterback who has evolved significantly since these two teams last met. In the October loss, Moore struggled, throwing for just 186 yards with two interceptions. But that version of Moore is long gone. </p><p>Since that game, Moore has thrown for at least 230 yards in five straight contests. He has been lights out, completing over 70% of his passes in four of his last five appearances. He balances a deep-ball threat—tossing 14 deep touchdowns—with incredible efficiency in the short game, completing 82.2% of his short passes. </p><p>Lanning emphasized Moore's growth through experience: "You gotta remember when we played earlier in the season, Dante hadn't played a ton of games, and as you play an entire season, you get exposed to a lot of different looks, and you learn from those moments... He's been obviously a great player for us and done an unbelievable job, and he's not the same player he was earlier this year." </p><h2>The Battle in the Trenches </h2><p>Aside from the QB comparison, this game will likely be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. </p><h3>Oregon’s Rushing Offense </h3><p>The Ducks deploy a ferocious duo in the backfield in Whittington and Hill Jr. – they both have five or more touchdowns on the season. However, Indiana’s defensive line has been a brick wall, holding Alabama and Ohio State to a combined 81 rushing yards. The Hoosiers rank No. 1 in points per drive allowed (0.86) and rarely give an inch.  </p><p>Oregon will need to find a way through the IU blockade to open up the attack, which the Ducks are certainly capable of. If you ignore the sacks, they rushed for 116 yards against Indiana in October. If Oregon can improve on that, it’s in business. </p>
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      <h3>Indiana's Pass Rush </h3><p>In their first meeting, IU’s defensive line pressured Moore 24 times and recorded six sacks, which ultimately led to two game-changing, fourth-quarter interceptions. If Indiana can replicate that pressure, it could be a long night for the Ducks.  </p><p>Conversely, if Oregon’s O-line can keep Moore clean as they have the rest of the season (just 1.14 sacks allowed per game), his deep-ball accuracy could expose the secondary. </p><h2>Road to Victory: Indiana Hoosiers </h2><p>For Indiana to punch their ticket to the National Championship, the formula is clear: Apply pressure and stay balanced. </p><h3>1. Unleash the Pass Rush </h3><p>The blueprint from the October win is still valid. In that game, Indiana’s six sacks and constant pressure rattled Dante Moore, leading to two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions. Defensive standouts like Rolijah Hardy (8 sacks) and Isaiah Jones (7) need to disrupt the line to keep Moore out of rhythm early. </p><h3>2. Feed the Playmakers </h3><p>Mendoza has options. No one runs routes quite like wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., and Charlie Becker has come up clutch for the Hoosiers on multiple occasions. In his presser, Sarratt showed he's ready for whatever Oregon throws at him, specifically noting Oregon's tendency to play press coverage. "It's a challenge that we're going to have to face this week," Sarratt said. "If you can't win those one-on-one matchups against press, you're not going to make it too far in this football world." </p><h3>3. Break Their Will </h3><p>Indiana certainly did that against Alabama, and running back Roman Hemby made it clear they're bringing that same philosophy on physicality to the Peach Bowl. "We want to make it a four-quarter fight where we impose our will," Hemby said. "At some point in the game, we feel we can potentially break the defense or make that play that helps us win." </p><h2>Road to Victory: Oregon Ducks </h2><p>For the Ducks to avenge their only loss and advance, they need to dictate the tempo and protect their quarterback. </p><h3>1. Use the "Get Back" Mentality </h3><p>The motivation in the Oregon locker room is palpable. The Ducks aren't just playing for a title; they are playing for redemption. Aaron Flowers, Oregon DB, didn't mince words: "We're just super hungry. This is a good opportunity for us to try to just get a get-back. That loss felt horrible, especially at Autzen." </p><p>It could give the Ducks a psychological edge. Even Cignetti admitted, "It's hard to beat a great team twice." </p>
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      <h3>2. Protect Dante Moore </h3><p>The offensive line must hold up better than they did in October. They need to pick up Indiana’s blitzes and give Moore time to find his targets, particularly tight end Kenyon Sadiq, whose big body could be a mismatch for Indiana’s secondary.  </p><h3>3. Win on Third Down </h3><p>Defensively, Oregon has to get off the field and force the Hoosiers into long yardage situations. Indiana converts a nation-leading 56.5% of their third downs and is lethal in the red zone. If Dillon Thieneman and the Ducks' secondary can limit Mendoza's opportunities, the momentum could swing in their favor. </p><h2>Who Advances to the Title Game? </h2><p>This matchup has everything: star power, revenge narratives, and contrasting styles that are equally effective. Indiana has the momentum of a historic undefeated season and the quiet confidence of a squad that has already proven they can win this matchup. Oregon has the motivation of vengeance and a defense that is peaking at the exact right moment. </p><p>Can Indiana’s defense get to Moore again? Or will Oregon’s playmakers find the gaps that were closed in October? </p><p>Whoever wins, one thing is certain: they will have earned every inch of their spot in the National Championship game. <strong>Tune in Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h3><em>Are you a fan of the Big Ten? </em><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Stay in the loop</em></span>
      </a><em> with Insider content.</em></h3><p><br /></p>
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Curt Cignetti and Dan Lanning shake hands after Indiana's win over Oregon in October 2025

Oregon

2026-1-7 Blog: Peach Bowl Preview Indiana vs. Oregon

IU-ORE Football

2026-1-5 Blog: Cignetti-Lanning CFP Semifinal Interview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Bryce Boettcher is a standout on <em>two</em> of <strong>Oregon's</strong> teams – football and baseball – both of which are top 10 programs nationally. Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Boettcher embodies what it means to be a Duck. From his humble beginnings as a walk-on to becoming the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy winner, his journey is a testament to perseverance and heart. Whether dominating on the football field or the baseball diamond, Bryce has left an indelible mark on Oregon Athletics.  </p><p>In this exclusive interview, the senior linebacker opens up about his walk-on mentality, his love for his hometown, being a two-sport athlete, and what the future holds as he prepares to take off the Oregon jersey for the last time. </p><p> </p><h4>Host (Andrew McDevitt): Welcome to Oregon senior linebacker and 2024 Burlsworth Trophy winner Bryce Boettcher. Bryce, that's kind of where I want to start. Burlsworth Trophy given to the best player that started their career as a walk-on. What does it take to have a walk-on mentality and what did that award mean to you? </h4><p>Bryce Boettcher: Yeah, that award meant everything, man. There's a lot more days in my college football career that looked like they weren't going to pan out. I wasn't going to get the opportunity I wanted, but I kind of just stacked the days and kept the faith. And, obviously it worked out last year, had a solid season and the team had a good season. It's a mindset that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. Once a walk-on, always a walk-on. And it's just a greedy mindset. </p><p> </p><h4>You were born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. Was there ever a chance you were going to go anywhere else? </h4><p>No, man. I mean, I had an offer from the University of Utah in baseball. That was really my only scholarship offer for any sport. But then obviously Oregon offered me a walk-on spot for baseball originally. And as soon as that was the case, I was coming here. </p><p> </p><h4>I heard both Coach Lanning and Coach Wasikowski say that you wearing an Oregon jersey just means more. Why is that? </h4><p>Just being from here, you know, all my family and friends are from the Oregon, Pacific Northwest area. When you grow up watching the games and really know what it means to be a Duck fan and bleed green and yellow, when you put the jersey on, it means more because you've been a part of it for longer. </p><p> </p><h4>Which was your first love? Did you love baseball first or football? </h4><p>Oh man, I'd say probably baseball. That's what I started playing first. But I started playing football too when I was in second, third grade. So both fairly early, but I'd say baseball. </p><p><br /></p>
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      <h4>You were drafted in 2024 by the Houston Astros. Did that make the decision to return for football challenging, or was that kind of something that you knew you had there, and it was worth pursuing the football situation regardless? </h4><p>Yeah, it was certainly challenging. You know, that's a pretty cool opportunity to get drafted and have that option. But knowing that I had one more year of football eligibility and being a Duck fan, I feel like I'd regret it down the road if I didn't give it one more year. And obviously the Astros wanted to be there, but they understood. And that door's open down the road if I want to pursue baseball. </p><p> </p><h4>I heard Coach Lanning say that you have a little bit of crazy in you. I think that he has a little bit of crazy in him. What's the relationship like between the pair of you? </h4><p>Yeah, it's a good relationship, man. It's definitely evolved over the years. I respect the guy, the way he works, the way he coaches. Yeah, I'd say it's a fair analysis. We both are a little crazy in our own regard. Before the games, walking out of the tunnel, he'll kind of look at me and I'll look at him. We'll make eye contact for a split second and kind of just smile because we both know we're on the same wavelength. </p><p> </p><h4>That craziness has resulted in a pretty quality start. Do you enjoy going on the road to difficult environments? </h4><p>I love it personally. When we went to Penn State, that was super cool. It's a new opportunity, a new place you get to play. Having come from the Pac-12, pulling out these new places in the Big Ten is pretty neat, so I enjoy it. </p><p> </p><h4>Do you have a favorite away stadium that you've played in thus far? </h4><p>I mean, I'd say Penn State has to be up there. </p><p> </p><h4>You've played in massive moments both on the baseball diamond and on the football field. Regional wins, Big Ten Championship wins. Is there a win that is better than another win, or are all wins the same? </h4><p>I mean, I'd be lying to you if I said all wins are the same. Obviously, there's some that feel a little better than others. I'd say the Big Ten Championship win from last year was up there. The Pac-12 Tournament win in baseball, that was pretty special against Arizona. And obviously some other sprinkled in there. Baseball against the Beavers. My senior year, we ended up beating them in my last game ever on a Tuesday. And this last Oregon State game at home was pretty special as well. </p><p> </p><h4>At some point in the next three months, you are going to take off that Oregon jersey for the last time. What do you want the Ducks fans to remember the most about Bryce Boettcher? </h4><p>Man, good question. Someone who just gave it his all for the green and yellow and the university. That's why I came back. I love this place. I love what the University of Oregon stands for, and its athletic program. Just a guy who gave it 100%, left nothing else on the table, who was there for his teammates, and played hard. </p><p> </p><h4>I love the video from last year where you go from the football spring game straight over to the baseball field. What's that experience like? And you know, there are very few guys that have the talent to do that at the level you're doing it. </h4><p>Yeah, that was a pretty cool opportunity. It was cool that they asked me to throw out the first pitch this year. And then obviously, a couple of years ago, I ended up playing in both, which was obviously really cool as well.  </p><p>You know, I'm just blessed to be able to do both and have both coaches support me through both sports and communicate well enough to where I was able to do both of them. So, yeah, I'm just blessed. </p><p> </p><h4>What do we got to do to get the neck brace back? </h4><p>It's funny. I was actually talking to my mom about that yesterday. She was like, “I was in the stands, and the fans want you to bring back the neck brace.” You know, I was having neck issues last year and the year before. So that's why I was wearing it. This year I kind of readjusted how I hit it and move around. So I wasn't having as many neck issues. And you know, the neck brace, it looks good, but it kind of leaves me a little stiff. It's hard for me to maneuver with that thing on. So I figured the functionality of play and finesse was a little more important than looks. </p><p> </p><h4>Fair, fair. In a couple of months, you're going to be in a great spot. You're going to have options. What do you hope the future looks like for you? </h4><p>Man, I mean, what do I hope it looks like for me? Hopefully I get a shot to go play in the NFL and once that road comes here, maybe go do that, or I go play some baseball, depending on what my opportunities look like. But right now, I'm really just focused on the now and enjoying my last couple of months as a Duck. </p><p> </p><h4>Favorite athlete growing up? </h4><p>Derek Jeter. </p><p> </p><h4>Is there a Dan Lanning saying that you particularly stick to? </h4><p>I mean, he's got a lot of good ones. But I like “The grass is damn green in Eugene.” </p><p> </p><h4>Fitting for you. Last one would be, what's your favorite part about being a Duck? </h4><p>Probably running out in Autzen Stadium, seeing the fans and the green and yellow. </p><p> </p><h4>Bryce, great meeting you, man. Best of luck the rest of the way. </h4><p>Sweet. Appreciate you, Andrew. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><hr /><h3><strong>Catch Boettcher and the Ducks in their first College Football Playoff game against James Madison on Saturday, December 20</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, or Max. </strong></h3><p><br /></p>
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Oregon Football's Bryce Boettcher high five-ing fans after the game

2025-12-17 Blog: Bryce Boettcher Interview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The stage is set in Kansas City. After a season defined by grit, growth, and marquee victories, <strong>Wisconsin Volleyball</strong> has punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament Semifinal for the seventh time in program history and fifth time in the past seven seasons. The Badgers are playing their best volleyball of the year at the perfect moment, but a massive blue wall stands between them and the NCAA Championship match – the Kentucky Wildcats, a No. 1 seed, riding a 26-match winning streak. </p><p>Feel familiar? Flashback to the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, when an undefeated Kentucky team faced off against Wisconsin and the Badgers ended the Wildcats' perfect 38-0 season. Now, on the volleyball court, the stakes are just as high, the opponent just as formidable, and the opportunity for history is just as real. </p><p>Here is <strong>everything you need to know as the Badgers look to tame the Wildcats and advance to the NCAA title match. </strong></p><h2>Wisconsin's Regular Season: Getting Better and Better </h2><p>Wisconsin's road to Kansas City was forged in fire. The Badgers are currently 28-4 overall and finished second in the Big Ten with a 17-3 conference record. Their four losses all came to ranked teams: then-No. 5 Texas, then-No. 19 Penn State, then-No. 25 USC, and the juggernaut No. 1 Nebraska. </p><p>But over the last month and a half, the Badgers have been nearly untouchable. <em>They haven't dropped a match since Halloween</em>, giving them a 13-match winning streak. During that stretch, they’ve dropped only four total sets. Wisconsin hasn't just been winning; it’s been dominating, and at the right time. </p><p>The resume speaks for itself. Wisconsin notched 11 wins over ranked opponents this season (including the tournament). The individual accolades followed the team's success, with Mimi Colyer, Carter Booth, and Charlie Fuerbringer all earning All-Big Ten First Team honors. Head coach Kelly Sheffield was named AVCA North Region Coach of the Year, while Colyer is a finalist for AVCA National Player of the Year. </p><h2>Badger Dominance: The Road to the National Semifinal </h2><p>2025 marks the Badgers’ fifth national semifinal appearance in seven seasons and sixth under head coach Kelly Sheffield. Take a look at how they got here. </p>
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      <h3>Regional Final vs. No. 1 seed Texas </h3><p>In the Regional Final, <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2025/12/14/volleyball-no-3-badgers-wrangle-longhorns-punch-ticket-to-kansas-city" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wisconsin got redemption at No. 1 seed Texas</span>
      </a>. The Longhorns were responsible for one of Wisconsin's few regular-season losses, but the NCAA Regional Final told a different story. Wisconsin dismantled the four-time national champs in four sets to advance. It was a complete team effort: Mimi Colyer (23 kills), Una Vajagic (15 kills), and Carter Booth (11 kills) all surpassed double digit kills, while setter Charlie Fuerbringer dished out 57 assists as the Badgers hit .294. It was Wisconsin’s first win over Texas in Austin since 2016, and it couldn't have come at a better time. </p><p>"I'm excited to still be playing with these guys," said head coach Kelly Sheffield after the win. "I love how far this team has gone. They have grown so incredibly much since the beginning of this season. I know nobody wants this thing to end." </p><h3>Regional Semifinal vs. No. 2 seed Stanford </h3><p>Before toppling Texas, the Badgers made history in the regional semifinal, <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2025/12/12/volleyball-no-3-badgers-stump-cardinal-advance-to-regional-finals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">taking down No. 2 seed Stanford</span>
      </a>. It was the first time in program history Wisconsin defeated the Cardinal, and its offense did it in style, hitting a scorching .420 as a team—a program record for a four-set match. </p><p>That match also saw Mimi Colyer etch her name in the record books, joining the elite 2,000 career kill club behind a masterful 27-kill performance and breaking Sarah Franklin’s school record for kills in a season. </p><p>"I want to get in these big games and be competitive and play with a group of girls that want to win and need to win," Colyer said. "I think our team is doing just that, I think we're gelling at the right time, and we're gaining so much momentum." </p><h3>First Two Rounds </h3><p>Earlier in the tournament, the Badgers <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2025/12/5/volleyball-saddle-up-no-3-badgers-advance-to-regional-semifinals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        swept North Carolina
      </a> in the second round, showcasing a suffocating defense where three players recorded double-figure digs. They also made <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2025/12/4/volleyball-no-3-badgers-stifle-panthers-to-kick-off-postseason-action" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        short work of Eastern Illinois
      </a>.  </p><h3>And Now... </h3><p>As Coach Sheffield noted, the team has found a "collective confidence." They aren't just a collection of talent; they are a cohesive unit peaking at exactly the right moment. </p><h2>Scouting Report: The Kentucky Juggernaut </h2><p>To advance to Sunday, Wisconsin must get past <em>another</em> No. 1 seed and one of the hottest teams in the country. Kentucky hasn't tasted defeat since September. The Wildcats are perfect in their last 26 matches, including a spotless 15-0 run through the SEC regular season and tournament. </p><p>The Wildcats are led by a two-headed offensive monster: Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye. The duo is capable of taking over matches. Against UCLA in the tournament’s second round, they combined for a staggering 57 kills. As head coach Craig Skinner put it, they "carry the offensive load" and bail the team out of tough situations. </p><p>But don't sleep on their defense. Kentucky's back row is relentless, anchored by libero Molly Tuozzo, who recently led the Cats to a three-set school record 66 digs against Wofford in the first round. This is a program with a winning pedigree—SEC Champions for nine consecutive seasons—and serious resilience. They proved that in the SEC Tournament title game, pulling off a reverse sweep against Texas to take the crown. </p><p>Their path to the Final Four has been dominant: sweeps over Wofford, Cal Poly, and No. 3 seed Creighton, with their only dropped set coming against No. 8 seed UCLA. </p><h2>A Tight Matchup on the Books </h2><p>On paper, this is a clash of statistical titans. Both programs are playing some of the best team volleyball in the nation. </p><h3>The Quarterbacks </h3><p>The setting battle features two of the best. Wisconsin's Charlie Fuerbringer leads the nation with 12.32 assists per set, while her Kentucky counterpart, Kassie O'Brien, isn't far behind. She's seventh nationally with 11.02 assists per set. Because of their distribution, Wisconsin (first, 14.26) and Kentucky (second, 13.93) are the top two teams in the country in assists per set. </p><h3>The Offenses </h3><p>Expect fireworks. These two teams lead the nation in kills per set. Wisconsin sits at No. 1 (15.16), while Kentucky is right on its heels at No. 2 (14.95). However, the Badgers hold the edge in efficiency, hitting .325 (second nationally) compared to Kentucky's .295 (ninth). </p>
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      <h3>The Stars </h3><p>The match will feature two of the four AVCA Player of the Year finalists. Unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection Mimi Colyer enters ranked third nationally with 5.39 kills per set, while Kentucky's Eva Hudson – the SEC Player of the Year – averages 4.54 per set.  </p><h3>The Past </h3><p>History is on the Badgers' side in recent meetings—Wisconsin has won the last three matches against Kentucky. The powerhouse squads have never faced off in the postseason. </p><h2>Keys to Victory: How Wisconsin Wins </h2><p>So, how does Wisconsin pull off the upset and end Kentucky's streak? </p><h3>Win the Net Battle </h3><p>This match will likely come down to Wisconsin's elite offense trying to crack Kentucky's scrappy defense. While Wisconsin hits a blistering .325 (compared to UK's .295), Kentucky holds opponents to just .180 hitting and scoops up nearly 15 digs per set. </p><p>The Badgers must stay patient and aggressive. They're elite at penetrating the opponent's block, having been stopped only 189.5 times all season. (In comparison, Kentucky has been blocked 241.5 times). If Colyer, Booth, and the Badgers can get through the block more than Hudson and DeLeye, the momentum shifts red. </p><h3>Feed the Hot Hands </h3><p>Setter Charlie Fuerbringer needs to continue her masterclass in distribution. Coming off a career-high 61 assists against Stanford, she has the keys. Balancing feeds between Colyer (outside) and Booth (middle) will be crucial to keeping the Wildcats off-balance. Booth has been automatic lately, hitting over .500 with zero errors in four of the last five matches. </p><h3>The X-Factor? </h3><p>While Colyer and Booth grab headlines, keep an eye on Una Vajagic. Fuerbringer calls her "the most underrated player in the whole NCAA," and the stats back it up. Vajagic hit .444 with 13 kills in the win over Stanford. If Kentucky over-commits to stopping the big names, Vajagic could be the one to step up. </p><h2>On, Wisconsin! </h2><p>Kentucky may be a No. 1 seed, but Wisconsin Volleyball is playing with a dangerous mix of momentum, talent, and belief. Fuerbringer said it best: "There are no underdogs in this thing. Everyone is giving their best volleyball."  </p><p>The Badgers conquered the Cardinal and tamed the Longhorns, and now they have the Wildcats in their sights.  </p><p><strong>Watch the Wisconsin-Kentucky NCAA Semifinal on Thursday at approximately 9 p.m. ET on ESPN (30 minutes following Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M). </strong></p><p>If Wisconsin wins on Thursday night, they will advance to the NCAA Championship to play the winner of No. 3 seed Texas A&M and No. 1 seed Pittsburgh on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><strong>Want to know how everything shakes out? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span>
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Wisconsin Volleyball huddles after a point at Texas

West

Wisconsin

Women's Volleyball

2025-12-16 Blog: Wisconsin Volleyball NCAA Semifinal Preview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Is there anything better than the holiday season mixed with college football? </p><p>After a historic regular season, the 2025 bowl schedule is locked in, and the Big Ten is ready to make some noise on the postseason stage. Beyond the conference's three College Football Playoff contenders (No. 1 Indiana, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 5 Oregon), nine squads have their sights set on ending the year with bowl game hardware in hand: No. 16 <strong>USC</strong>, No. 18 <strong>Michigan</strong>, No. 23 <strong>Iowa</strong>, <strong>Illinois</strong>, <strong>Penn State</strong>, <strong>Minnesota</strong>, <strong>Nebraska</strong>, <strong>Northwestern</strong>, and <strong>Washington</strong>. </p><p>This isn't just about exhibition games; it's about bragging rights, recruiting momentum, and setting the tone for next season. <strong>Take a look at every Big Ten bowl matchup</strong> outside of the CFP. </p><h2>No. 16 USC vs. TCU – Valero Alamo Bowl </h2><p><strong>USC</strong> is set for its first-ever trip to the Valero Alamo Bowl, facing off against TCU (8-4, 5-4 Big 12). The No. 16 Trojans (9-3, 7-2 B1G) bring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses to San Antonio. Quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten with over 3,400 passing yards and a nation-best 91.2 QBR, and he has a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including Biletnikoff finalist Makai Lemon. Lemon has been a nightmare for defenses, racking up over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, and his chemistry with Maiava will be the key to dissecting a TCU defense that has been prone to giving up big plays. The Horned Frogs allow over 240 passing yards per game, which doesn’t break the top 100 nationally. </p><p>On the other side of the ball, the Trojans' defense holds its opponents to just 22.4 points per game – its best mark in nearly a decade. Watch for safety Bishop Fitzgerald, an All-American candidate with a second-in-the-nation five interceptions, to be a difference-maker against TCU’s aerial attack led by QB Josh Hoover. If the offensive line can keep Maiava clean – he’s only been sacked 11 times all year – and the defense can force a few turnovers, USC has all the ingredients to cap off their season with a statement victory in Texas. </p><p><strong>Watch USC-TCU on December 30</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>No. 18 Michigan vs. No. 13 Texas – Cheez-It Citrus Bowl </h2><p>Get ready for a New Year’s Eve showdown in Orlando! No. 18 <strong>Michigan</strong> (9-3, 7-2 B1G) is set to clash with No. 13 Texas (9-3, 6-2 SEC) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, marking the Wolverines' seventh appearance in the game. This matchup pits two 9-3 powerhouses against each other, both looking to cap off their seasons with a signature win. Michigan has won five of its last six contests, powered by a suffocating defense that ranks among the nation's elite. The Wolverines break the top 20 in rushing defense (101.7 ypg), scoring defense (18.7 ppg), and interceptions (13). On the other side, Texas is also riding high, winning six of its last seven, including an impressive victory over CFP No. 7 seed Texas A&M. </p><p>The Wolverines will lean on their dominant ground game, led by the dynamic duo of Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, who combined for over 1,700 rushing yards this season. Defensively, first-team All-Big Ten edge rusher Derrick Moore terrorizes offenses (10.0 sacks this season) and will be key to disrupting Arch Manning and the Longhorns' rhythm. For Michigan to secure its 10th win of the season, it'll need to control the line of scrimmage and contain a potent Texas offense that has proven it can compete with top-ranked teams. This will be the second postseason meeting between the two storied programs, with Texas narrowly winning the 2005 Rose Bowl in a 38-37 thriller. Expect another hard-fought battle as these two titans collide. </p><p><strong>Watch December 31</strong><sup><strong>st</strong></sup><strong> at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt – ReliaQuest Bowl </h2><p>No. 23 <strong>Iowa</strong> (8-4, 6-3 B1G) is set to clash with No. 14 Vanderbilt (10-2, 6-2 SEC) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve, marking a historic first-ever meeting between these two programs. Coming off gritty back-to-back wins against Michigan State and Nebraska, Kirk Ferentz’s squad enters the postseason with serious momentum and a chance to secure its fifth win in its last eight bowl appearances. It’s a classic Big Ten vs. SEC showdown to close out 2025 at Raymond James Stadium. </p><p>Iowa will rely on its stout defense in the top 25 bout. Eyes will be on defensive tackle Aaron Graves, a finalist for the Pop Warner Award and William V. Campbell Trophy, to disrupt the backfield. The ultimate test will be containing Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, who led the SEC in total offense (334.8 ypg), pass efficiency (171.5), touchdown passes (27), and completion percentage (71.2%).  </p><p>On the other side of the ball, Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski looks to cap off a record-setting year where he broke the school records for rushing touchdowns (15) and rushing yards (491) by a QB. If the Hawkeyes can control the tempo on the ground and unleash Big Ten Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year Kaden Wetjen in the return game, they have a prime opportunity to take down a 10-win SEC opponent and finish 2025 on a high note. </p><p><strong>Tune in on December 31</strong><sup><strong>st</strong></sup><strong> at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Illinois vs. Tennessee – Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl </h2><p>In another Big Ten-SEC postseason game, the Fighting Illini (8-4, 5-4 B1G) will play in the 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl in Nashville, where they'll face off against the Tennessee Volunteers (8-4, 4-4 SEC). This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs and <strong>Illinois</strong>' debut in the Music City Bowl. A win would give the Illini back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time in program history and make Bret Bielema the first Illinois head coach to win bowl games in consecutive years. </p><p>To secure that historic victory, Illinois will lean on quarterback Luke Altmyer, who finished in the top seven in the Big Ten in passing TDs, yards, and completion percentage. He'll have plenty of support from first-team All-Big Ten selection J.C. Davis, who anchors the offensive line. On the defensive side, second-team All-Big Ten pick Gabe Jacas, who led the conference in sacks, will be tasked with containing Tennessee's explosive offense. The Volunteers boast the SEC's leading passer in Joey Aguilar and the conference's Freshman of the Year, Braylon Staley, making this a must-watch showdown between two powerful units. </p><p><strong>Catch this Big Ten-SEC showdown on December 30</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Penn State vs. Clemson – Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl </h2><p><strong>Penn State</strong> (6-6, 3-6 B1G) is heading to Yankee Stadium to face ACC powerhouse Clemson (7-5, 4-4 ACC) in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. It’s a battle of iconic brands as the Nittany Lions look to cap off their season with a statement win against a tough Tigers squad. This marks only the second meeting ever between these two programs and the first since 1988. Penn State is hungry to repeat their Pinstripe Bowl magic from 2014, when they defeated Boston College, 31-30, in overtime. </p><p>We'll be watching Penn State's ground game vs. Clemson’s rushing defense. The Nittany Lions are led by the dynamic duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, but the Tigers are 14<sup>th</sup> nationally in rushing defense (102.8 ypg). Allen averages more than that alone (108.6 ypg). He has been an absolute force, racking up over 1,300 yards this season and becoming the program's all-time leading rusher. He’ll be running behind a rock-solid offensive line featuring All-Big Ten standouts like Olaivavega Ioane. For the Nittany Lions to hoist the trophy, they’ll need to control the clock and let their relentless rushing attack wear down the Clemson defense. </p><p><strong>Watch this Big Ten-ACC clash on December 27</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 12 p.m. ET on ABC. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Minnesota vs. New Mexico – Rate Bowl </h2><p>Gophers in the desert? For the third time in program history, <strong>Minnesota</strong> (7-5, 5-4 B1G) will compete in the Rate Bowl, facing off against the New Mexico Lobos (9-3, 6-2 MWC). This marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Under P.J. Fleck, the Gophers have been postseason perfectionists with a 6-0 bowl record. Minnesota will look to extend that dominance against a gritty New Mexico squad making their first bowl appearance since 2016. </p><p>For the Gophers to secure their ninth consecutive bowl victory – their current eight straight is the best active streak in the nation – all eyes will be on the offensive backfield. Quarterback Drake Lindsey (2,235 passing yards) and standout running back Darius Taylor (554 rushing yards) will need to find a rhythm early against a Lobos defense eager to prove itself on a big stage. Head coach Jason Eck has led New Mexico to its first nine-win campaign in nine years in his first year with the program. </p><p>On the other side of the ball, Minnesota's defense, anchored by First Team All-Big Ten edge rusher Anthony Smith (10.5 sacks), must disrupt a Lobos offense that averaged 27.92 points per game this season. If Smith can wreak havoc in the backfield and the Gophers maintain their disciplined, high-energy style of play, Fleck and his squad have a prime opportunity to bring another trophy back to Minneapolis. </p><p><strong>Watch Gophers-Lobos on December 26</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Nebraska vs. No. 15 Utah – SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl </h2><p>The Cornhuskers (7-5, 4-5 B1G) are headed to the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl to take on the No. 15 Utah Utes (10-2, 7-2 Big 12). This marks a massive opportunity for Coach Matt Rhule’s squad to face a ranked opponent in one of the nation's premier venues. It’s the first time these two programs have clashed since 1992, and <strong>Nebraska</strong> will be looking to keep its perfect 4-0 all-time record against the Utes intact while chasing a momentum-building postseason upset. </p><p>The key to this matchup? The ground game. Nebraska’s offense will ride the legs of Emmett Johnson, the newly crowned Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year. Johnson racked up 1,821 yards from scrimmage (second nationally) and leads all FBS running backs in receptions. The Huskers will look to take advantage against a Utah defense that allows 182.8 rushing yards per game but loves to force turnovers in the air (14 interceptions).  </p><p>On the flip side, Nebraska has its work cut out containing Utah’s high-octane offense, led by a rushing attack averaging a second-nationally 269.8 yards per game. It’s going to be a physical battle in the desert. </p><p><strong>Watch the Big Ten-Big 12 matchup on December 31</strong><sup><strong>st</strong></sup><strong> at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Northwestern vs. Central Michigan – GameAbove Sports Bowl </h2><p>Motor City, here come the 'Cats! <strong>Northwestern</strong> (6-6, 4-5 B1G) is hunting its sixth consecutive bowl victory as it heads to Ford Field to take on Central Michigan (7-5, 5-3 MAC) in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Coach David Braun has this program humming, securing a postseason bid for the second time in three seasons. The Wildcats are looking to extend a bowl winning streak that dates back to 2016 and is currently tied for the third-longest in the nation. </p><p>The road to a Wildcat win starts with defense. With All-Big Ten standouts like Robert Fitzgerald (a conference-best 68 solo tackles) and linebacker Mac Uihlein patrolling the field, Northwestern has the power to stifle the Chippewas' attack. On the other side of the ball, running back Caleb Komolafe fueled a late-season surge, finishing the regular season with ten touchdowns and nearly 900 yards. The offensive line, led by All-Big Ten honoree Caleb Tiernan, will need to lock down against CMU’s Michael Heldman, who’s eighth in the nation in sacks (10.5). If Northwestern can control the line, the Wildcats look primed to bring another trophy back to Evanston. </p><p><strong>Catch the ‘Cats on December 26</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>Washington vs. Boise State – L.A. Bowl </h2><p>The <strong>Washington</strong> Huskies (8-4, 5-4 B1G) are descending on the City of Angels this Saturday to cap off their 2025 campaign against Mountain West Champions Boise State (9-4, 6-2 MWC) in the Bucked Up L.A. Bowl. It’s a massive opportunity for Jedd Fisch’s squad to secure a nine-win season, but they’ll have their hands full against a Broncos team riding a three-game winning streak. </p><p>The keys to victory? The Huskies will need to be disciplined on defense, specifically against the run; Washington is winless this year when allowing more than 140 rushing yards, a mark the Broncos have hit in all nine of their wins. On offense, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been the catalyst for the Dawgs all season. When he is sharp and the offense is completing over 63% of its passes, Washington is nearly unbeatable (8-1). Look for the Huskies to try and control the tempo to keep Boise State's offense off the field. If the defense can stuff the run and Williams Jr. finds his rhythm, the Huskies could bring some shiny hardware back to Seattle. </p><p><strong>Watch the Huskies-Broncos bout on December 13</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. </strong></p><p> </p><h2>The Stage is Set </h2><p>From the high-stakes College Football Playoff clashes to the traditional New Year's showcases, the Big Ten has a massive opportunity to assert its dominance on the national stage again (...who won the last two championships?). These games represent a culmination of months of hard work, a chance to send seniors out with hardware, and a springboard into the 2026 campaign.  </p><p>We’ve given you the breakdown and plotlines to watch—now sit back with some cocoa and enjoy the postseason football. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p>Want to see how the games shake out? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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The Iowa Football team stands lined up before the game in front of their fans at home

2025-12-12 Blog: Football Bowl Game Previews

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The scene is set in Indianapolis for the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. On one side stands No. 1 <strong>Ohio State</strong>, the perennial powerhouse, a program accustomed to the brightest lights and biggest stages, now looking to reclaim its throne. On the other, No. 2 <strong>Indiana</strong>, the ultimate turnaround tale, storms into Indianapolis with a perfect 12-0 record for the first time in school history. </p><p>This isn't just a game; it's history in the making. Here, we'll <strong>dive deep into the stats, the epic quarterback duel, exclusive locker room insights from the coaches and players, and the key matchups</strong> that will define the Indiana vs. Ohio State showdown. </p><p>(Oh – and you can <a href="https://web.witcontests.com/bigten/pickem/big-ten-championship-bingo-win-251204?utm_source=website&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=big-ten-championship-bingo-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">win tickets to next year's game</span>
      </a> by playing Big Ten Championship Bingo)!</p><h2>More Than Just Hardware </h2><p>The stakes for this game are immense, and the opponents have created unprecedented territory for the conference. <strong>Never before have two undefeated teams – or the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country – met in the Big Ten Football Championship Game.  </strong></p><p>The winner not only captures the conference crown, but likely secures the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff and the path of least resistance to the national championship. The loser, while certain to still clinch a CFP berth, will have to grapple with the sting of a championship loss. Pride, momentum, and legacy are all on the line. </p><p>The game also represents a collision of program trajectories. Ohio State is a blue-blood program chasing its 40th Big Ten title and its first since a dominant four-year run from 2017 to 2020. For Indiana, this is a chance to capture its first outright conference title since 1945 (its 1967 championship was shared with Purdue and Minnesota), making Saturday's game a moment that could redefine the program for years to come. </p>
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      <h2>Immovable Object vs. Unstoppable Force </h2><p>Both teams have steamrolled their opponents this season, building their undefeated records on foundations of sheer dominance. The tale of the tape for Saturday? <strong>The Buckeye defense vs. the Hoosier offense. </strong></p><p>Ohio State boasts the nation's top scoring defense, allowing a paltry 7.75 points per game. Their total defense is also ranked first, giving up just 203 yards per contest. They play a suffocating, mistake-free brand of football that has stifled every opponent they have faced. </p><p>Indiana counters with the No. 2 scoring offense in the country, averaging an explosive 44.3 points per game. But don't mistake them for a one-dimensional team. The Hoosiers also rank fourth nationally in total defense (251.8 yards per game), proving they can win on both sides of the ball. </p><p><strong>We're specifically excited to see how OSU's defense handles Indiana's passing game, and vice versa.</strong> Fernando Mendoza leads the country in passing touchdowns (32), while Ohio State allows the fewest passing yards per game nationally (121.3). We highlight some key position matchups below. </p><p>Potential pivot points?  </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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        >The turnover battle will be critical. Indiana’s defense is opportunistic, leading the the nation in turnover margin (+17) while OSU sits at just +5. That said, both squads take care of the ball on offense; they’re in the top four nationally with eight or fewer lost possessions. Can the Hoosiers force their agenda? </li><li
          class=""
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        >Who can get to the quarterback? With how impressive both QBs have been this season (we'll get to them in a moment), making them uncomfortable will be huge for both defensive lines and secondaries. </li></ul><p>Will the prowess on both sides show under the lights? We'll find out on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. </p>
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      <h2>Quarterback Duel between Heisman Hopefuls </h2><p>At the heart of this championship clash is a battle between two of the nation's elite (and arguably, the two best) quarterbacks: Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. </p><p><strong>Julian Sayin</strong>, just a redshirt freshman, has been a model of efficiency and precision. He shattered the NCAA record for regular-season completion percentage, connecting on an astounding 78.9% of his passes for 3,065 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. After the win against Michigan, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Sayin is “such a smart player” who "knows how to win.” </p><p>Across the field, <strong>Fernando Mendoza</strong> has authored his own legendary season, sparking the "Heismendoza" narrative. He leads the nation with 32 touchdown passes and boasts an impressive 72% completion rate. His high football IQ and quick decision-making have been the catalysts for Indiana’s historic run, as has his "outstanding leadership" according to coach Cignetti. Despite the upcoming battle, Mendoza has immense appreciation for his counterpart. "I really respect Julian," Mendoza said. "His completion percentage is out of this world." </p><p>This matchup frames a classic quarterback duel: Sayin’s surgical precision and efficiency against Mendoza’s anticipatory, cerebral approach. Both of these quarterbacks have shown poise in big moments – whoever can maintain it on the championship stage will likely lead his team to victory. </p><h2>Key Matchups: Where the Game Will Be Won </h2><p>Beyond the quarterbacks, several individual battles will shape the contest. </p>
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      <h3>D'Angelo Ponds (IU) vs. Jeremiah Smith (OSU) </h3><p>Former high school teammates will face off as Indiana’s All-American cornerback D'Angelo Ponds lines up against Ohio State’s generational sophomore talent, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Cignetti didn't mince words when describing Smith, comparing him to NFL legend Julio Jones, saying he's "in a league of his own." This one-on-one battle will be a must-watch showcase of elite talent. </p><h3>The Chess Match: Caleb Downs (OSU) vs. Fernando Mendoza (IU) </h3><p>Indiana’s QB knows where his focus needs to be. "As a quarterback, your eyes are always on the safeties," Mendoza explained. He'll be locking eyes with one of the best in the country in Ohio State All-American Caleb Downs. Downs, a cerebral and versatile defender who's already named a finalist for four national awards, is prepped for the mental warfare. Downs acknowledged that Mendoza is "playing at an elite level" and said he’s “excited” for a “test for the defense.” </p><h3>Trench Warfare </h3><p>As is often the case in championship football, the battle at the line of scrimmage will be decisive.  </p><p>Ohio State’s offensive line is coming off a physically dominant performance against Michigan, where they didn’t allow a single sack. The Buckeyes have let up just six sacks all season, which is second in the country. </p><p>Indiana's defensive front, however, is built to disrupt. Led by Stephen Daley, who's second nationally with 18 tackles for loss, and Rolijah Hardy, the team's leading tackler, the Hoosiers will look to disrupt the Buckeyes' rhythm. Perhaps this is one area Cignetti hopes to test OSU. </p><p>On the flip side, the Buckeye defense is armed with everything it needs to put pressure on Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosier offense. Between Caden Curry (top 15 nationally with 9.0 total sacks) and Caleb Downs (regarded as the best safety in the country), IU’s powerhouse offense will take on its biggest challenge yet. </p><h2>Inside the Locker Room: Exclusive Insights </h2><h3>Ryan Day: Checking off the List </h3><p>Ohio State head coach Ryan Day isn't letting the Buckeyes take their foot off the gas. Fresh off a <a href="https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/11/29/football-no-1-ohio-state-to-big-ten-title-game-after-27-9-win-at-michigan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">rivalry win over Michigan</span>
      </a>, Day made it crystal clear in his press conference that the job isn't finished. <strong>"We're playing for the hardware," Day said. "We want to be the one seed [in the College Football Playoff]."</strong> For this "businesslike" squad, the trip to Lucas Oil Stadium isn't just an exhibition—it's a chance to check a massive box on their list of season goals. </p><p>Day had high praise for the upcoming opponent, acknowledging the incredible turnaround Curt Cignetti has engineered at Indiana. He noted that the Hoosiers are "well coached" and aggressive, specifically pointing out how Cignetti has successfully overhauled the roster through modern talent acquisition. </p><p>Despite the high stakes, Day feels confident in his team's maturity, noting that this year's group is "talented, tough, smart, and they care about each other." </p><p>Key insights from Day's availability include: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Title Focus: Day emphasized that winning the Big Ten is a critical step toward being the number one seed. As he put it, "We got our gold pants last week, and now we're looking to get the Big Ten Championship." </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Dominant O-Line Play: Day revealed a stunning stat from The Game, noting the offensive line racked up 43 knockdowns—a number he admitted he’d "never heard of before." </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Defensive Adjustments: He offered glowing praise for defensive play-caller Matt Patricia, calling his in-game problem solving "elite" and highlighting his ability to use technology on the sidelines to fix issues instantly. </li></ul><p><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Day_B1GFCG.mp4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Watch coach Day's full interview</span>
      </a>. </p>
        <img
          alt="Curt Cignetti.jpg"
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          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Curt Cignetti.jpg"
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        />
      <h3>Curt Cignetti: The "No Handouts" Mindset </h3><p>Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is ready for the moment. During his press conference, Cignetti addressed the challenge of facing the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes and the rapid turnaround of the Indiana program under his leadership. This isn't just another game for Indiana; it pits Cignetti's disciplined, process-driven philosophy against one of the nation's elite rosters. </p><p>Despite the high stakes, Cignetti emphasized a business-as-usual approach. When asked about balancing playoff preparation with the championship game, he was clear: "We're treating this like a one-game season." He acknowledged the experience gap and the hostility of the environment from <a href="https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/11/23/football-top-5-showdown-gets-away-from-hoosiers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">last year's loss to the Buckeyes</span>
      </a>, but doubled down on his team's development and resilience.  </p><p>When asked about CFP seeding, Cignetti refused to rest on his laurels, stating firmly, "I don't expect any handouts. <strong>We've earned everything up to this point, and we've got to earn it on Saturday." </strong></p><p>More from Cignetti: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Development is Key: He credits his staff's longevity (some together for 10+ years) and a strict adherence to standards for the program's quick turnaround. "You’ve got to have a blueprint and a plan and standards and expectations, accountability." </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Respect for the Buckeyes: He acknowledged Ohio State's dominance, noting they play "fast, physical, nasty with an edge," and praised Jeremiah Smith as "sensational." </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Quarterback Evolution: Cignetti highlighted the growth of QB Fernando Mendoza, noting his dedication to the process and ability to bounce back from adversity. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Process-Driven Focus: The team's mantra remains "fast, physical, relentless, smart, disciplined, poised, not affected by success or failure, and never satisfied," with a focus on playing one play at a time, regardless of the score or the stage. </li></ul><p><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Cignetti_B1GFCG.mp4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Watch Cignetti's full opening presser</span>
      </a>. </p>
        <img
          alt="Caleb Downs.jpg"
          height="1280"
          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Caleb Downs.jpg"
          width="1920"
        />
      <h3>The Players' Perspective </h3><p>The coaches' mentality resonates throughout their locker rooms.  </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>Fernando Mendoza</strong> attributes Indiana's success in clutch moments this season to an "unwavering belief" and a powerful sense of "brotherhood." He’s excited to compete in what he believes will be a “great quarterback matchup.” See <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Mendoza_B1GFCG.mp4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mendoza's interview here</span>
      </a>. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >For Ohio State's <strong>Caleb Downs</strong>, the drive comes from a different place. Drawing a comparison between Ryan Day and his former coach, Nick Saban, Downs spoke of the "anxiousness" that "somebody's going to take it from you." This urgency fuels a defense that sought to “prove themselves” this season. <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Downs_B1GFCG.mp4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Watch Downs' presser</span>
      </a>. </li></ul><p><strong>Watch more player interviews from OSU and IU </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/783/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>here</strong></span>
      </a><strong>. </strong></p><h2>Who Will Claim the Crown? </h2><p>The Big Ten title game is a collision of a historic powerhouse and a rising juggernaut, a battle of coaching philosophies, and a showcase of a dozen future NFL stars. Whether you are rooting for Indiana or Ohio State, this game represents the absolute pinnacle of the 2025 college football season. </p><p>Don’t miss a second of the action. <strong>Tune in to FOX at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday</strong> for the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. </p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Play Big Ten Championship Bingo to </strong><a href="https://web.witcontests.com/bigten/pickem/big-ten-championship-bingo-win-251204?utm_source=website&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=big-ten-championship-bingo-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>win tickets to the 2026 title game</strong></span>
      </a><strong>!</strong></p><p><br /></p></div>

Fernando Mendoza, Julian Sayin, and the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game logo

2025-12-3 Blog: FCG Preview

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Welcome to the final, crucial weekend of the Big Ten Football regular season. This isn't just another Saturday slate of games; four teams—Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan, and Oregon—are still in the hunt for a coveted spot in the Big Ten Football Championship Game, with a dizzying seven possible ways things could shake out. Oh – and it's rivalry weekend. </p><p>The stakes extend far beyond school pride. Massive College Football Playoff implications loom over every snap, especially for top-ranked teams whose perfect seasons could be defined or derailed in these final 60 minutes.  </p><p>Get ready for a thrilling weekend of Big Ten football. <strong>This breakdown will guide you through the key rivalry games, untangle the championship scenarios, and analyze everything on the line. </strong></p>
        <img
          alt="FCG Trophy.jpg"
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        />
      <h2>The Path to Indianapolis: B1G Championship Scenarios </h2><p>The goal is simple: punch a ticket to Indianapolis. We've got four teams still in the running for a championship game bid, and the top two will have a shot at the Big Ten title. </p><h3>Clear Control </h3><p>Two teams control their destiny. For <strong>Ohio State</strong> and <strong>Indiana</strong>, the formula is as clear as it gets: win, and you're in. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Ohio State (vs. Michigan) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Indiana (vs. Purdue) </li></ul><p>If both teams take care of business, they will face each other for the Big Ten crown. </p><h3>Tiebreaker Scenarios </h3><p>This is where it gets interesting. If either Ohio State or Indiana stumbles, the door swings wide open for <strong>Michigan</strong> and <strong>Oregon</strong>.  </p><p>A loss by one of the frontrunners triggers a cascade of tiebreaker scenarios, including a web of head-to-head results and strength of schedule calculations that will ultimately determine the final conference standings.  </p><p>How can Michigan or Oregon make the Big Ten Championship Game? Defeating Ohio State and Washington (respectively) is the first step. The tiebreakers determine the rest. <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/58967/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">See all the championship game scenarios here</span>
      </a>. </p><h2>Rivalry Game Spotlight: The Road to the Title </h2><p>The path to the championship runs straight through some of the fiercest and most storied rivalries in college sports. </p>
        <img
          alt="OSU-Michigan coaches post-game handshake.jpg"
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          src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/OSU-Michigan coaches post-game handshake.jpg"
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        />
      <h3>The Game: Ohio State at Michigan </h3><p>This is the pinnacle of Big Ten Football rivalries and, arguably, the greatest in all of college sports. The animosity is legendary, stretching back to the "10-Year War" between coaching icons Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. In 26 of their matchups, both teams have entered ranked in the top 10, a testament to the perpetual high stakes. </p><p>For <strong>Ohio State</strong> (8-0 B1G), a victory not only clinches a spot in Indianapolis, but also preserves its perfect season and potentially its top standing in the College Football Playoff rankings. Not to mention breaking a four-game losing streak to the Wolverines. Everything the defending CFP Champions have worked for is on the line. </p><p>For <strong>Michigan</strong> (7-1 B1G), who won last year's game at OSU, this is the ultimate opportunity. An upset would be a massive spoiler, strengthen its claim to the national stage, and could catapult the Wolverines into the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. There is no bigger stage for a season-defining moment. Plus, they'll have the home field advantage. </p><p>While Ohio State and its top-ranked defense (7.64 points allowed per game) are certainly the favorites here, Michigan currently leads the league with 32 rushing touchdowns. According to QB Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines may be "peaking at the perfect time." </p><p>We'll see who claims "The Game" on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. </p>
        <img
          alt="Old Oaken Bucket.jpg"
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        />
      <h3>Old Oaken Bucket: Indiana at Purdue </h3><p>The stakes have rarely been higher in this classic in-state clash. <strong>Indiana</strong> (8-0 B1G) is on the brink of history. With a win (or an Ohio State win over Michigan), the Hoosiers will secure their first-ever appearance in the Big Ten Football Championship Game. It’s a monumental opportunity for a program seeking to reach the conference's – and the nation's – summit. </p><p>Standing in their way is <strong>Purdue</strong>, who's embracing the ultimate spoiler role. For the Boilermakers, nothing would be sweeter than shattering their rival's dream season, redeeming their 66-0 loss in Bloomington last year, and getting their first conference W of 2025. This is one of the oldest Big Ten Football rivalries, and this season, it has championship weight. </p><p>We'll see if QB Fernando Mendoza, who leads the NCAA with 30 passing touchdowns, can close it out for the Hoosiers. See for yourself on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. </p>
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          alt="Oregon-Washington Football.jpg"
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      <h3>The New Frontier: Oregon at Washington </h3><p>A fierce rivalry forged in the Pac-12 now has massive Big Ten Championship implications. The intense border battle between Oregon (7-1 B1G) and Washington (5-3) has become one of the West Coast’s premier events. </p><p>For the Ducks, the defending Big Ten Champions, a win is non-negotiable to keep their title defense alive. They need a victory over the Huskies and a Michigan win over Ohio State. </p><p>For the Huskies, who have won three of the last four meetings with Oregon, this is a chance to end the conference season and enter their bowl game on a high note. Ending Oregon's championship aspirations would be a major victory for a proud Washington program. </p><p>This is familiar territory for Oregon. The Ducks are coming hot off a 42-27 victory over USC, which was dubbed a "College Football Playoff elimination game" for both teams. Will the Dante Moore-Kenyon Sadiq combo reign again? Find out Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. </p><h2>More Than Bragging Rights: Other Key Rivalries </h2><p>The intensity isn't limited to the title contenders. The entire Big Ten Football schedule is packed with historic clashes where pride is actually everything. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>USC</strong> vs. <strong>UCLA</strong>: LA's battle for the Victory Bell brings its West Coast flair and deep-seated animosity. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Wisconsin</strong> vs. <strong>Minnesota</strong>: The most-played rivalry in FBS history, these teams battle for the legendary Paul Bunyan's Axe. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>Iowa</strong> vs. <strong>Nebraska</strong>: What started as a manufactured Black Friday game has blossomed into the heated Heroes Trophy rivalry. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Illinois</strong> vs. <strong>Northwestern</strong>: The Land of Lincoln Trophy is on the line in this all-Illinois showdown. </li></ul>
        <img
          alt="Ohio State Football College Football Playoff.jpg"
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        />
      <h2>The National Picture: College Football Playoff Ramifications </h2><p>The Big Ten results this weekend will be felt across the national landscape, directly impacting the College Football Playoff: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >A loss for undefeated <strong>Ohio State</strong> or <strong>Indiana</strong> would throw the top of the CFP rankings into chaos, potentially knocking one of the nation's premier teams out of a top spot and opening the door for other contenders. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Wins for the Buckeyes and Hoosiers could solidify their spots as the nation's top two teams and their first-round byes in the CFP. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >With an upset over OSU, <strong>Michigan</strong> might have a strong enough national resume for an at-large CFP bid. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>Oregon</strong>, who's already in a strong position for a spot in the playoffs, could secure home field advantage with a win in Seattle. </li></ul><p>Furthermore, a surprise winner in the Big Ten Football Championship Game would force some tough decisions for the selection committee, possibly changing an automatic bid or forcing close calls between multiple one-loss teams.  </p><p>For fans analyzing potential College Football Playoff teams, this weekend is a critical piece of the puzzle. The Big Ten Champion will be a major player, but who that champion will be is still very much up in the air. </p><h2>Get Ready for the Big Ten Football Finale </h2><p>Rivalry weekend is a pressure cooker of historic tensions, championship dreams, and national title aspirations. It’s the culmination of a grueling season. By the time the dust settles Saturday night, the Big Ten Football Championship Game matchup will be set, and the CFP selection committee will start to narrow down its choices. </p><p>Think this year's game will crack <a href="https://bigten.org/blog/58576/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the 7 Best Big Ten Football Championship Games of All Time</span>
      </a>? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p>Want more special features like this? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span>
      </a>.</p></div>

A Michigan football player makes a tackle on an Ohio State football player

2025-11-26 Blog: Football Rivalry Weekend, FCG Scenarios, CFP Stakes

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Need classrooms? Or a basketball court? What about faculty offices, a wrestling arena, or weight rooms? Maybe conference spaces, research labs, and a gymnastics stadium?  </p><p><strong>How about having that all in one building? </strong></p><p>Some campus spots are just brick and mortar. Others? They’re hallowed ground. For the University of Illinois, Huff Hall is decidedly the latter. As this iconic venue approaches its centennial in 2025, it stands as a testament to a century of unforgettable moments, athletic glory, and academic breakthroughs. For 100 years, Huff Hall has been the heart of the University of Illinois campus, a place where legends are made and futures are shaped. </p><p>Few buildings can claim such a profound and dual identity. Huff Hall is both an athletic powerhouse and an academic cornerstone for the College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS). It’s a place that has hosted everything from the Original "March Madness" to pioneering research in physical fitness and disability studies. The history contained within its Georgian-Revival walls is a core part of the Fighting Illini story. </p><p>This is the story of Huff Hall's 100 years of history: from its architectural origins and most memorable athletic triumphs, to its vital role in academic innovation. Discover the legacy of a true campus icon and the November 2025 celebration. </p><h2>The Birth of an Icon: How George Huff Hall Came to Be </h2><p>The story of Huff Hall begins on June 7, 1924, when the cornerstone was laid for what was then called the "Men's New Gymnasium." Designed by esteemed architect Charles A. Platt and University Architect James M. White, the building's Georgian-Revival style was a perfect match for other campus landmarks like the Armory and the Main Library. Constructed by English Brothers Co. of Champaign for $772,000, it was an ambitious project designed to elevate the university's athletic and academic profile. </p><p>The new gymnasium opened its doors in 1925, and its very first event set the tone for the century of excitement to come. On December 12, 1925, in front of a roaring crowd of 6,100 fans, the Fighting Illini Men's Basketball team pulled off a nail-biting 23-22 victory over Butler. </p><p>In 1937, the building was officially renamed George Huff Gym (later Huff Hall) to honor the legendary athletic director who served from 1901 to 1935. George Huff was a visionary leader, the driving force behind the construction of Memorial Stadium, and a figure whose impact on Illinois athletics is still felt today. The renaming cemented the building's place in the rich tapestry of Illinois athletics history. </p><p>March Madness Was Born Here </p><p>Long before it became a nationwide phenomenon, the electric, anything-can-happen atmosphere of "March Madness" was born right inside Huff Hall. From 1926 to 1963, Huff Gym hosted the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state basketball tournaments, creating a circus-like environment that gave rise to the famous term. </p><p>During its 38 seasons as the home of Fighting Illini men's basketball, Huff Hall was an intimidating fortress for opponents. Illinois amassed a dominant 339-79 (.811) home record, winning eight Big Ten championships and making three NCAA Final Four appearances. <strong>The demand for tickets was so intense that fans often waited years just to get a seat. </strong></p><p>Some of the most iconic moments in Illinois basketball history unfolded on its court: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>The Immortal Whiz Kids:</strong> The legendary team featuring Andy Phillip, Jack Smiley, and Gene Vance won back-to-back Big Ten titles in the 1941-42 and 1942-43 seasons. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>Breaking Barriers:</strong> On December 2, 1957, Mannie Jackson and Gov Vaughn became the first Black basketball starters for the Illini, a landmark moment for the university. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>A Grand Finale:</strong> The final men's basketball game was played on February 23, 1963, before the team moved to the newly built Assembly Hall, which is now known as the State Farm Center. Illinois sent Huff off in style, defeating Wisconsin 89-77. </li></ul>
        <img
          alt="Illinois Huff Hall - Immortal Whiz Kids.webp"
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          width="1200"
        />
      <h2>A Multi-Sport Dynasty </h2><p>Huff Hall’s legacy extends far beyond basketball. Its incredible versatility has made it a premier venue for multiple Fighting Illini teams, including volleyball, wrestling, and both men's and women's gymnastics. </p><p>Volleyball made its regular season debut at Huff Hall on September 2, 1990, with a decisive 3-0 victory over Southern Illinois. The program quickly built a massive following, and in the 1992 season, it set an NCAA attendance record with 52,666 fans packing the gym, averaging nearly 3,100 per match. One of the most thrilling chapters came in 2018, when the No. 3 seed Illini, led by future Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Poulter, defeated No. 15 Marquette and No. 8 Wisconsin to punch their ticket to the NCAA Final Four. </p><p>Wrestling has its own storied history here, with Huff Hall hosting the NCAA Championships in 1940 and 1947, along with multiple Big Ten Championships. The gymnastics programs have also seen their share of glory, hosting Big Ten Championships and NCAA Regional meets. Even women's basketball called Huff home, hosting the first and second rounds of the 1997 NCAA Tournament. With its comprehensive training facilities, weight rooms, and an underground tunnel connecting to the Armory, Huff Hall remains a top-tier facility for the university. </p>
        <img
          alt="Illinois Women's Volleyball Final Four Celebration.webp"
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        />
      <h2>The Academic Powerhouse Inside </h2><p>From its inception, Huff Hall was designed to be more than just a sports venue. It has been a hub of academic innovation and a cornerstone of what is now the College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS). </p><p>In 1932, the School of Physical Education was established, evolving into the College of Physical Education in 1957. This college became a hotbed for pioneering research and groundbreaking programs: </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        ><strong>1919:</strong> The first School for Athletic Coaches in the nation. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        ><strong>1925:</strong> The Athletic Research Laboratory, led by Dr. Coleman R. Griffith, who studied the psychology and physiology of athletics. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        ><strong>1944:</strong> The Physical Fitness Research Lab under Thomas K. Cureton, the "Father of Physical Fitness." </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        ><strong>1948:</strong> The first Bachelor of Science in Recreation program. </li></ul><p>Today, AHS continues this legacy with its three academic units: Health and Kinesiology; Speech and Hearing Science; and Recreation, Sport and Tourism. Its trailblazing service units, the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and the Chez Veterans Center, have set national standards for inclusivity. In 2011, the Khan Annex added 24,000 square feet of modern classroom and research space, finally completing the building's original architectural vision. AHS faculty conduct world-renowned research in fields like rehabilitation, aging, and wearable health technology. </p><h2>The Centennial Celebration </h2><p>The Huff Hall centennial celebration is set for November 2025, and it’s packed with exciting events for alumni, students, and the entire Illini community. </p><p>See what the University of Illinois has in store to celebrate (all times are Central): </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
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        >Wednesday, November 6: Witness a piece of history as the original 1924 time capsule is opened. </li><li
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        >Friday, November 7 (3-4:30 PM): A special program in Huff Gym featuring speakers from AHS and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA). Doors open at 2 PM, and the event is free to the public. </li><li
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        >Friday, November 7 (7:30 PM): The Men's Basketball team as they take on Florida Gulf Coast at the State Farm Center. </li><li
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        >Saturday, November 8 (starting at 11 AM): Explore the building during an open house with guided tours. </li><li
          class=""
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        >Saturday, November 8 (6 PM): The Wrestling team faces off against Rider at the UI Armory. </li><li
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        >Sunday, November 9 (12 PM): The Women's Basketball team goes up against Illinois State at the State Farm Center. </li><li
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        >Sunday, November 9 (3:30 PM): The weekend culminates with the Huff Hall Centennial Celebration volleyball game against Penn State. </li></ul><h2>A Legacy of Excellence Continues </h2><p>For 100 years, Huff Hall has been a place where community, competition, and discovery converge. As AHS Dean Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell notes, it’s one of the few buildings on campus that truly <strong>“brings together the athletic side of the house with the academic side.” </strong></p><p>This sentiment is echoed by the student-athletes who call it home. "Being part of this place, especially in the year it’s being honored, feels like a really big opportunity and an honor," says volleyball player Auburn Tomkinson. That pride is what has defined Huff Hall for a century. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><h3><strong>Want more Insider content from across the Big Ten? </strong><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here.</strong></span>
      </a></h3></div>

An old picture of the University of Illinois' iconic building, Huff Hall. It's a black-and-white of a sold-out basketball game. Additionally, the Huff Hall centennial celebratory logo is in the top left, showing an animated version of the building with "1925-2025, Huff Hall, 100" and the block I on it.

2025-11-5 Blog: Huff Hall 100th Anniversary (Illinois)

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Avery Nguyen started on the club team at Washington before trying out and earning a spot on varsity as a walk-on. Now in her senior year, she has helped the Huskies win their first-ever Big Ten Championship and the program’s first regular season crown since 2000. </p><p> </p><p><strong>We interviewed Nguyen to learn more about her journey from the club team to the Huskies’ DI roster. ⬇️ </strong></p><p> </p><h4>Andrew McDevitt (Host): Washington senior Avery Nguyen joins us. Avery, you're a part of the first Big Ten regular season championship team in Washington Women's Soccer history. How does it feel to be a part of that? </h4><p>It's a pretty surreal feeling. Coming from the beginning of the year when we set our goals, this being one of them to win the Big Ten Conference... I'm just super proud of the whole team, and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Hopefully we can keep pushing towards our other goals. </p><p> </p><h4>You mentioned in the beginning of the year, the very first game of the season, you scored your first Division I goal. Did you know right at that moment that this was gonna be a special year? </h4><p>Scoring a goal was one of my main goals. It's a simple goal, but, just not having scored one before, everyone kept telling me, “You're gonna get one, you're gonna get one.” And I'm glad I finally got one because once you get the first one, it helps [get you] rolling. The coaches challenged me to deepen my impact this year, so I've been trying to do that. </p><p>  </p><h4>You started your career at Washington on the club soccer team. How was that experience for you, and is it surprising for you to be sitting there now as a Big Ten Champion? </h4><p>I had an awesome experience on the club team. It was super cool to be able to keep playing soccer in college because I didn't think that I would be able to. I [had] fun, and I made a lot of great friends. I'm still friends with them, and they come out and support at a lot of the games. </p><p>I definitely wouldn't be here without them, so shout out to the club team. It is crazy thinking that I'm a Big Ten Champion now. I remember my freshman year, I went to one of the games with one of my club teammates, and I never thought that I would be here. </p><p>  </p><h4>You were a champion that year, correct? Your club team won some type of championship? </h4><p>Yeah, I think it was the director's cup or something. </p><p> </p><h4>You had a ton of success that year scoring. You were the leading scorer on the club team. How quickly did that transition into you being on the Division I team? </h4><p>From the time that Nicole, our head coach, texted me, it was a pretty quick turnaround. But when I came to school here, I was hoping to walk onto the team. Obviously, they didn't know who I was, so I didn't come in knowing that I would have a spot. I texted her in December, and I never got a response.  </p><p>Then in Mid-July, she reached out to me. She just texted and asked, “Would you hop on a call with me?” I called her, and she said, “We would love for you to try out for the team if that's something you're interested in.” I had a super quick two-week turnaround, and then drove up to Seattle. </p><p>  </p><h4>So you were really planning to just go into your sophomore year as a student, and then all of a sudden in July, you get that text, and next thing you know, you're on the pitch training to be on the Husky soccer team? </h4><p>Yeah, I think I was coming back from my sister's dance competition in Florida when [coach] texted me, and I was like, “Oh my gosh, what is happening right now?” But it was super exciting. </p><p> </p><h4>Yeah, I bet! Were you in shape, ready to go? </h4><p>Yes. I was definitely not in the shape that I'm in now, but I tried to keep up with my fitness. I would lift and do the fitness that I [did] in high school, so I wasn't in terrible shape. I was able to keep up a little bit, but definitely not the best. </p><p> </p><h4>Was it a challenging transition, going from the club level to Division I, and then obviously you transitioned now into the Big Ten? </h4><p>Yeah. Club is a high level, but DI is definitely a lot faster and more physical, and people have more skill. </p><p>  </p><h4>You've been a part of the team for a handful of years, but to see your name on the score sheet and put the ball in the back of the net a couple of times. What has that feeling been like, knowing that you fulfilled what you went to college to do and be a Division I soccer player? </h4><p>It's still kind of hard to believe sometimes. When I scored the goal against Minnesota, I didn't really realize it at first. But it's great to make an impact. </p><p>  </p><h4>It seems like this group is particularly close. When did that happen, and how has that helped generate production on the pitch? </h4><p>We've had a lot of returners over the past 2 or 3 years. A lot of the upperclassmen have been here forever, so just continuing to bring in the freshmen and transfers... that obviously helps on the pitch. </p><p><br /></p>
        <img
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      <p> </p><h4>Think back to 2022, and where you are now as a Big Ten Champion. What would you have said to yourself entering college as a club team member? </h4><p>Probably to run more. Just to be ready because things are unexpected, and [I] definitely was not expecting this opportunity. </p><p> </p><h4>What would it mean to you guys to continue this run and win a Big Ten Tournament Championship? </h4><p>It would be super exciting. We're just taking each game as it comes. We have bigger goals, but [we’re] just focusing on each game and not getting ahead of ourselves. I know for me it would be exciting to play in Kansas City [for the NCAA Women’s College Cup] because it's where my home is. So hopefully we can continue and make it as far as we can. </p><p> </p><h4>How many friends and family would make that trip to see you play with an opportunity to play in the NCAA semifinals or the championship? </h4><p>I would hope most of them, because they're all around the area, so they don't have any excuse. </p><p> </p><h4>Avery, great meeting you. Congrats on all your success this year and best of luck heading into this weekend in the postseason. </h4><p>Thank you. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><br /></p><h3>You can see Nguyen in action at the <a href="https://bigten.org/wsoc/article/58643/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament</span>
      </a> presented by Allstate.</h3><p><br /></p></div>

Avery Nguyen of Washington Women's Soccer celebrating a goal with her teammates

2025-11-4 Blog Interview: Avery Nguyen – Washington Women's Soccer

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Ashley Sessa is an Olympian, NCAA Champion, and All-American. In October 2025, she received her third NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week honor following her combined eight-point performance against No. 13 Michigan and No. 18 Ohio State. Her game-winner against the Wolverines earned the Wildcats the Big Ten Championship. </p><p><strong>We caught up with Sessa to hear about her experiences as an Olympian, collegiate champion, and at Northwestern. ⬇️ </strong></p><p> </p><h4>Andrew McDevitt (Host): Welcome Northwestern junior Ashley Sessa, national champion and Olympian. Ashley, does it ever get old having those two titles attached to your name? </h4><p>Not at all. It's a little surreal. </p><p> </p><h4>Big Ten regular season champs again for Northwestern this year. You guys locked it up with a couple of games to play. Is it challenging to stay engaged throughout the remainder of the season, or is that what you expect from your caliber of program, especially with that caliber of head coach? </h4><p>We never get complacent at all. It never gets old. I think our team does very well, staying in the moment, not thinking too far ahead. I know when we played Michigan, half of our team didn't even know that that was for [the] Big Ten regular season [championship]. We just go out there, do our best, and compete. </p><p>  </p><h4>Those standards have contributed to 10 of your 15 wins being by shutout this year. What is it about your team that has been so successful on both sides of the field? </h4><p>We have very strong people in each of [our] lines that make the team so successful. As of now, our forward line, we have Olivia Bent-Cole and Grace [Schultze], who are just insane on the press. They hold it down up there, and then we have amazing midfielders like Laura [Salamanca] is playing amazing so far, and then obviously our backline is one of our strongest. We have Maja [Zivojnovic], Kerry [McCormick], Ilse [Tromp], and then Yules [Juliana Boon] in the back, who has had a bunch of defensive players of the week so far. Them just being back there makes us so confident to do our job in the front because we know they're going to kill it in the back. </p><p>  </p><h4>It seems like this group is particularly close. What is it about your team that made you guys bond together so early on and have so much success? </h4><p>Our team culture is definitely something we work very hard on. We don't just hang out on the field, we try and make the time to hang out outside of classes [and] field hockey. Off the field, we're each other's best friends, and I think that's really important out there. We have the hard talks [about] how we can improve on the field... It all relies on how your culture is outside of the field. It correlates back. </p><p>  </p><h4>You're doing a great job of deflecting and giving praise to your teammates, which is what I expected. But you're second in the conference in points this year. You're coming off a week where you scored one of the most unbelievable goals I think most of the country's ever seen. Just how have you been able to impress yourself this year in your junior season? </h4><p>I like to compete with myself also, so I'm very hard on myself in practice and in games. A lot of the goals that you see, we practice it the day before in shooting drills. It’s insane how it correlates directly to how we play. I think what we do in practice is so important. If we treat that game-like, it's obviously going to come into the game, and I think we've seen that so far. </p><p> </p>
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          alt="Ashley Sessa - NU FH 2.jpg"
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        />
      <h4>You've been on a ton of successful teams both at Northwestern and your previous stops in college as well as the national team. When did you know Northwestern was going to be your next stop? When, what made that the right fit for you? </h4><p>This is kind of a funny story. I took a year off, I had no idea where I wanted to go, and – I told our head coach Tracey this all the time – but Northwestern wasn't on my list to go to school. It was my mom that was... pushing me to look at it. At first, I was like, “No, it's too cold." Just making up excuses, and then I actually found the time to come up here. I was up here for 20 hours, not even a full day, got off the flight 15 hours later, got back on another one. It was in the dead of winter, so I really got to feel how the campus was, and I think it was over Thanksgiving break, so there wasn't a lot of students here. Even though it was freezing cold, I still fell in love with the campus, I fell in love with the coaching staff, and I just felt at home right away. I think that's so important, your first initial reaction to the school, and I'm so happy I came here because this team is my family. I said it last year, the first couple of months I was here, I felt like I was here for a year so far. I met such amazing friends, not just on the field hockey team, but outside of the field hockey team. I think it is so important in the athletic community to build relationships with other athletes, and it's been incredible so far. </p><p>  </p><h4>You mentioned your head coach, who was a part of your national team runs, as well as one of your teammates. How cool has it been to play alongside Maddie [Zimmer] not only at Northwestern, but also representing the USA? </h4><p>It's been amazing so far. Maddie is a close friend of mine, so is Tracey. Getting to know them off the field, and also when I was in Charlotte training for the Olympics, it really brought us closer. I already had a relationship with them, but it was also great coming into [Northwestern] and building that same relationship with other teammates. I didn't know most of the team coming in, but Maddie spoke so highly of them, and I knew Olivia Bent-Cole. She sent me a picture before I came, and it was of my locker. I was a little late to preseason because of Paris, but it was something so simple, just taking a picture of it and [showing] “we're so excited for you to come here.” It already impacted me so much that she did something so little like that. </p><p><br /></p><h4>Paris, I have to bring it up, just how incredible of an experience was that? Was that something that you dreamed of when you were little? </h4><p>I've always dreamt of going to the Olympics, no matter where it was. Paris happened to be the one, and it was an incredible experience. It also [showed me] how dedicated everyone is to their sport. It's not just playing, it's how much work you put in for years coming up to it. It wasn't just the year that we were training to go, it was our entire career and what we did to prepare for that moment. You do get a little bit of imposter syndrome because there are three-time gold medalists there and it's your first Olympics. But everyone's there for the exact same reason, and I met such amazing people. </p><p>  </p><h4>And then you cap off that year with another national championship. I'm assuming that's the highlight. How do you top that year? </h4><p>I don't think you can. That year was just incredible, and I'm so grateful and... very honored. To do it with the people you love and the people you're so close with... I wasn't doing it for myself. I wasn't doing it for anyone else, but I was doing it for my teammates, and I know they were doing it for everyone else. It was such a team event to do it. Everyone just wanted each other to have that moment, and I think it was so special for that to happen. </p><p>  </p><h4>Northwestern is clearly a school that prioritizes women's sports, and a pair of women's sports brought home national championships last fall. How big or how important is it to you to be at a university that really does prioritize women's sports? </h4><p>It's amazing to see how much they prioritize their female athletes. It's great because not a lot of universities do that, and it's so important to give them credit when credit's deserved.  </p><p>One of my roommates was actually on the women's golf team, who also won a national championship, and I just remember sitting in our living room and screaming at the TV over golf. I've never watched golf like that before, and it was such an amazing experience. When they came back, everyone was outside waiting to greet them, and not just the female athletes. It was also the male athletes. Everyone was there, the AD was there. Mark Jackson always tries his best to come out to all of our games, which is so important. He doesn't just go out to football games. He was at our national championship. He was at our Villanova game in the middle of a season, [which was] not even in conference. It's so important for people to just show up. </p><p>Students love sports and they love athletes in general. Same with our lacrosse team, we're very close with them. We support them, they support us, and so on throughout the university. It's amazing to see. </p><p> </p><h4>You guys are striving to become back-to-back national champs. What would it mean for you to send your seniors out on that high note and really put a stamp on their career at Northwestern? </h4><p>Obviously, that would be amazing. Right now, we're really looking at... the Big Ten Tournament. I think it's so important not to look ahead... just playing each game [one] at a time. If you look ahead, you're going to miss everything that's going on in front of [you], and there's amazing stuff happening there. </p><p>  </p><h4>And a couple rapid fire for you. </h4><p>Of course. </p><p>  </p><h4>Your last game of the regular season is on Halloween. What's your favorite Halloween candy? </h4><p>Oh, I'm a big Twix girl. </p><p>  </p><h4>Candy corn, yes or no? </h4><p>Absolutely not. </p><p>  </p><h4>Favorite athlete growing up? </h4><p>Simone Biles, even still to this day. </p><p> </p><h4>And you were in Paris with her. Did you get to meet her? </h4><p>I walked by her a couple times. I was a little too scared to say hi. Starstruck. </p><p> </p><h4>Favorite Big Ten away field to play at. </h4><p>Oh, away field. I like Michigan. </p><p>  </p><h4>If something breaks in your apartment, which teammate would you call to try and fix it? </h4><p>Olivia Bent-Cole. </p><p> </p><h4>Favorite spot on Northwestern campus. </h4><p>Oh, I love university library. It's a beautiful atmosphere. </p><p> </p><h4>Your favorite memory as a Wildcat? </h4><p>Probably winning the national championship last year. </p><p>  </p><h4>Ashley, thank you so much. I appreciate you joining me. Good luck closing out the regular season and headed into postseason. </h4><p>Yes, thank you so much. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><br /></p><h3>You can see Sessa in action at the <a href="https://bigten.org/fh/article/58539/">
        <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2025 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament</span>
      </a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>presented by Allstate.</h3></div>

Ashley Sessa of Northwestern Field Hockey passes the ball

2025-11-4 Blog Interview: Ashley Sessa, NU FH

Illinois wrestler Lucas Byrd celebrates a win at the 2025 Big Ten Championships

2025-10-31 Blog: Top Duals on the 2025-26 Wrestling Schedule

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The Big Ten Conference has built a reputation as one of the fiercest battlegrounds in NCAA Hockey. Last season, Michigan State made history by becoming the first team ever to capture both the regular season and Big Ten Hockey Tournament titles in back-to-back seasons. Penn State shocked everyone with a Cinderella run from an 0-8-1 conference start all the way to their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. And with upsets all around, every team in the conference showed they could win on any given night. </p><p>This season? The stakes are just as high, the talent is even deeper, and the storylines are absolutely loaded. </p><p>This comprehensive preview breaks down every Big Ten Hockey team's outlook, highlights the key players to watch, and pinpoints the must-see matchups that will define the 2025-26 conference season. Let's drop the puck. </p><p><br /></p><h1>Big Ten Hockey Preseason Power Rankings & Key Storylines </h1><p>Here's how the Big Ten Preseason Poll shakes out:</p><ol style="text-align: left;" class="list-number"><li
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          value="1"
        >Michigan State </li><li
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          value="2"
        >Penn State </li><li
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          value="3"
        >Minnesota </li><li
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          value="4"
        >Michigan </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Wisconsin </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Ohio State </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Notre Dame </li></ol><p>But polls only tell part of the story. The 2025 NCAA rule change allowing CHL players into college hockey has already made waves, with<strong> Penn State</strong> landing Gavin McKenna, one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. His presence instantly elevates an already dangerous Nittany Lions roster. </p><p><strong>Michigan State </strong>enters as the defending Big Ten Champion but faces a massive hole left by Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, whose four-point performances and clutch overtime heroics were the stuff of legend. Can Trey Augustine's elite goaltending and Matt Basgall's defensive mastery carry the Spartans to a three-peat? </p><p>And don't sleep on <strong>Michigan</strong>. Despite being picked fourth, the Wolverines have roared out to a 6-0 start for the first time since 1979, looking every bit like a contender. </p><p>Let's take a look at each squad. </p><h1>Team-by-Team Breakdown </h1><h2>Michigan State: Can the Spartans Three-Peat? </h2><p><strong>Last year:</strong> Michigan State captured both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles for the second consecutive year, a feat no other team in conference history has accomplished. </p><p>In the Big Ten Tournament championship game, the Spartans defeated Ohio State 4-3 in double overtime. Isaac Howard capped a four-point performance with his 26th goal of the season, cementing his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats. </p><p><strong>So far: </strong>The Spartans' statement moment? A commanding sweep of then-No. 1 Boston University, highlighted by Trey Augustine's season-high 49 saves in the series and Matt Basgall's overtime game-winner on October 18. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Trey Augustine (G): Augustine is one of the best goalies in college hockey. A Richter Award Finalist and reigning Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, he posted a 2.07 goals-against average and .924 save percentage last season. His 49-save performance against Boston University and 38 saves in the double-overtime championship win showcase his ability to shine under pressure. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Matt Basgall (D): The defensive anchor who helped Michigan State become the toughest team to score on in the Big Ten last season. An AHCA/CCM Second Team All-American, Basgall delivered the game-winning overtime goal against Boston University last weekend and consistently shuts down opposing offenses. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook:</strong> Michigan State was selected first in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, and it's easy to see why. The Spartans will lean heavily on Augustine's elite goaltending and Basgall's defensive prowess. If they can get their offense rolling, a three-peat is within reach. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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        >vs. Michigan (December 5-6, February 6-7): In-state rivalry games that never disappoint. </li><li
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          style=""
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        >vs. Ohio State (January 9-10, February 27-28): A rematch of last season's thrilling Big Ten Tournament championship. </li></ul><h2>Penn State: The Offensive Juggernaut </h2><p><strong>Last year:</strong> Penn State's season last year was nothing short of miraculous. After stumbling to an 0-8-1 start in Big Ten play, the Nittany Lions went on a 15-4-4 tear that culminated in their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. </p><p><strong>So far:</strong> An offensive onslaught. The Nittany Lions scored 27 goals in their first six games, which was good for third nationally in scoring offense. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Charlie Cerrato (F): Off to a blistering start this season, Cerrato led the nation in points through last weekend. His speed and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Aiden Fink (F): Penn State's first-ever Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist, Fink was also a finalist for 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year. His two-way play and offensive instincts are crucial to the Nittany Lions' success. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Gavin McKenna (F): The No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna's arrival via the new CHL-to-NCAA rule has energized the program and given them a hockey superstar. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook:</strong> Selected second in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Penn State ranked third nationally in scoring through week three and has already had three different players win Big Ten First Star honors this season. This team can score in bunches, and with McKenna's star power, they're a legitimate threat to win it all. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Ohio State (October 30-31, February 20-21): A rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Semifinal where the Buckeyes ended Penn State's run. </li></ul><h2>Michigan: The Undefeated Dark Horse </h2><p><strong>Last year:</strong> Michigan finished in the middle of the Big Ten pack and missed out on the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines' offense struggled, scoring only 112 goals in 2024-25 (fifth in conference). </p><p><strong>So far:</strong> 2025-26 is a different story. Projected fourth in the preseason poll, the Wolverines burst out of the gates with a 6-0 start—their first since 1979—including a pair of wins over No. 7 Providence. Through three weeks, they led the nation with an average 6.67 goals per game and a 5.50 scoring margin. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Michael Hage (F): Tied for fifth nationally with 1.83 points per game after six games, Hage has been an offensive dynamo. His vision and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous forwards in college hockey. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Jack Ivankovic (G): Ivankovic has been an absolute brick wall, posting a 1.17 goals-against average that ranked third nationally after last weekend. His stellar play has been a huge reason for Michigan's hot start. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook:</strong> Going into conference play, Michigan led the nation in scoring offense, scoring defense, power-play percentage (.458), and scoring margin. That's not a typo—this team is balanced, lethal, and hungry. Never count out the Wolverines. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Western Michigan (October 23-24): A clash with the defending national champions. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >vs. Michigan State (December 5-6, February 6-7): The in-state rivalry heats up as the Wolverines challenge the defending Big Ten champs. </li></ul><h2>Minnesota: Reloading for Another Run </h2><p><strong>Last year: </strong>Minnesota shared the 2025 Big Ten regular season title with Michigan State but fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Now, the Gophers face the challenge of replacing their top five scorers from last season. </p><p><strong>So far: </strong>The Gophers prepped for Big Ten play with a juggernaut non-conference schedule. They split with No. 8 North Dakota and took a shootout win from No. 10 Boston College.  </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Luke Mittelstadt (D): A senior leader on the blue line known for his playmaking and defensive reliability. Mittelstadt led the Gophers with 13 assists in league play last year and recorded a career-high plus-23 rating. His experience will be vital as Minnesota integrates new talent. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Brody Lamb (F): The Gophers' returning points leader, Lamb leads the team with seven points early in the season. He'll need to step up as the primary offensive weapon, alongside... </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Brodie Ziemer (F): He's second on the team with six points so far and is Minnesota's second-highest returning point scorer. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook:</strong> Projected third in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Minnesota scheduled a brutal non-conference slate to prepare for the rigors of Big Ten Hockey. This team has championship pedigree, but they'll need to establish their reformed roster quickly. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Minnesota Duluth (October 24-25): In-state rivalry and ranked matchup. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >vs. Denver (November 29): A tough test against a national power. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >vs. Michigan State (January 23-24, March 5-6): Last year's Big Ten Champions go head-to-head. </li></ul><h2><strong>Ohio State: Rohlik's Rising Buckeyes </strong></h2><p><strong>Last year: </strong>After being picked to finish last in the 2024 preseason poll, 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year Steve Rohlik led Ohio State to a third-place conference finish and an NCAA Tournament berth. The Buckeyes also reached the 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship game, where they fell to Michigan State in double overtime. </p><p><strong>So far: </strong>After losing playmaker Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, OSU was projected to finish second-to-last in the conference this year. However, the Buckeyes are now ranked No. 14 in the country after a 3-1 start. Looks like they could have consecutive years with underdog stories. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Kristoffer Eberly (G): The Preseason All-Big Ten honoree saved 60 of 65 shots over two games against No. 12 UConn. After splitting action with Logan Terness last season, his ability to step into the full-time role will be crucial in 2025-26. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Riley Thompson (F): The team's top returning point scorer alongside David Burnside, Thompson had 33 points last season with 17 goals and 16 assists. One of three Buckeyes with three goals already, he'll anchor the OSU offense. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook: </strong>Can coach Rohlik work his magic for a second straight season? Between a balanced offense and an encouraging start from his netminder, it certainly seems like it. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Michigan State (January 9-10, February 27-28): A rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship game. </li></ul><h2>Wisconsin: Coming up Clutch </h2><p><strong>Recap:</strong> Wisconsin finished sixth last season but has already shown they're ready to climb the standings. The Badgers opened the season with two shootout victories over No. 20 Minnesota State, proving they can close out tight games. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Quinn Finley (F): The team's leading scorer from last season and a Preseason All-Big Ten First Team selection, Finley is the go-to guy for Wisconsin's offense. He had 20 goals and 20 assists last season, and already came up clutch with a tally in the Badgers' comeback against the Mavericks. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Daniel Hauser (G): This freshman sensation has been exceptional, ranking in the top five nationally in both save percentage (.949) and goals-against average (1.20) after week three. Hauser's poise is beyond his years; he didn't allow a single shootout score on 11 attempts against Minnesota State. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Christian Fitzgerald (F): After last weekend, Fitzgerald was tied for third nationally in goals per game (1.00) and is one of three Badgers with five points. With four goals on the young season, he's proven to be their primary scoring threat so far. </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook: </strong>Projected fifth in the preseason poll, Wisconsin could be a sleeper team this season. With Hauser's stellar goaltending and a few offensive pieces, the Badgers have the means to surprise in 2025-26. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Minnesota (October 30, November 1, January 30-31): This border battle never gets old. </li></ul><h2>Notre Dame: New Coach, New Era </h2><p><strong>Recap:</strong> Notre Dame pulled off an upset as the No. 7 seed against No. 2 Minnesota in the 2025 Big Ten Hockey Tournament. The Irish are now under new leadership with head coach Brock Sheahan taking the reins. </p><p><strong>Key Players: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Cole Knuble (F): Notre Dame's top scorer from last season, Knuble's playmaking will be essential. His 27 assists in 2024-25 were third in the Big Ten and 15th nationally. He's got the clutch gene too; his three game-winning goals last year led the team. </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Sutter Muzzatti (F): A transfer from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Muzzatti could become an integral part of the Notre Dame offense. He currently leads the team in goals (3). </li></ul><p><strong>Outlook:</strong> With a new coach and fresh talent, Notre Dame is looking to bounce back from a last-place finish. We’ll see if the combination of Sheahan’s new leadership, Knuble's experience, and fresh talent can bring the Irish success this season. </p><p><strong>Games to Watch: </strong></p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >vs. Minnesota (November 7-8, February 13-14): Can they recreate last year's tournament magic? </li></ul><h1>The Big Ten Hockey Race is Off </h1><p>Michigan State enters as the team to beat, but Penn State's explosive offense and Michigan's blazing-hot start prove that nothing is guaranteed in Big Ten Hockey. Minnesota is reloading, Wisconsin's freshman goalie is locked in, Ohio State is exceeding expectations again, and Notre Dame is starting fresh. </p><p>This season has it all: elite talent, fierce rivalries, and championship stakes. Every game matters. Every series could shift the standings. And by the time March rolls around, we'll have witnessed some of the best college hockey in the country. <a href="https://bigten.org/mhky/schedule/">
        Check out the Big Ten Hockey schedule here
      </a>.</p><p><br /></p><h4>Want all the Big Ten Hockey news? Never miss a moment – <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
        click here
      </a>.  </h4></div>

Michigan State Men's Hockey Player celebrates a win

2025-10-24 Blog: B1G Hockey Preview111

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>College basketball season is almost here, and the Big Ten is preparing for another year filled with intense rivalries, thrilling matchups, and high-stakes showdowns. With the Big Ten tied for a nation-best six teams in the preseason poll, there are a slew of non-conference and conference matchups that you won’t want to miss. </p><p>We’ve combed through the schedule to highlight the <strong>top games you should have on your calendar. </strong></p><p><em>All times are Eastern. </em></p><p><br /></p><h2>Purdue at Alabama – Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 </h2><p>This season kicks off with a bang as Purdue travels to Tuscaloosa for an early-season matchup against Alabama. Purdue, No. 1 in the AP Preseason Poll, returns its three top scorers in Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer, who combined for 60 points in last year’s win over the Crimson Tide. </p><p>Alabama, on the other hand, is reloading after losing players to the NBA Draft and transfer portal. Despite the roster changes, their strong track record—including a Final Four appearance in 2024 and an Elite Eight run in 2025—makes this showdown a must-watch. Purdue leads the series 7-3 and will be looking to extend its dominance. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Michigan State vs. Kentucky – Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN </h2><p>Two blue-blood programs will meet under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, continuing a rivalry that has delivered unforgettable moments since 1978, when Kentucky defeated a Magic Johnson-led Michigan State team en route to a national title. Twenty-seven years later, the Spartans clapped back with a double-overtime win in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. </p><p>This year’s matchup features the reigning Big Ten Champion and preseason No. 22 Michigan State, led by legendary coach Tom Izzo. While the Spartans lost some key players, they return dynamic talents like Jeremy Fears Jr. and high-flyer Coen Carr. On the other side, Kentucky is reloaded and ready to compete. This early-season test, airing on ESPN, will reveal how both teams measure up as title contenders. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Players Era Festival in Las Vegas – November 24-25 on HBO Max, TNT, or truTV </h2><p>Las Vegas will once again host the Players Era Festival, and Big Ten fans are in for a treat as four conference squads—Rutgers, Oregon, Michigan, and Maryland—compete against top programs from across the country. Last year’s champion, Oregon, will look to defend its title in a tournament packed with talent and intense matchups. </p><p>The schedules promise plenty of excitement, with games airing on HBO Max. You can see all the viewing information <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-07-14/2025-players-era-festival-schedule-teams-tv-channels-college-basketball-event" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        here
      </a>. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Rutgers: vs. Tennessee (11/24) and vs. Notre Dame (11/25) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Oregon: vs. Auburn (11/24) and vs. San Diego State (11/25) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Michigan: vs. San Diego State (11/24) and vs. Auburn (11/25) </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Maryland: vs. UNLV (11/24) and vs. Gonzaga (11/25) </li></ul><p>The championship and third-place games on November 26th will be the culmination of an action-packed week of hoops. </p><p><br /></p><h2>UConn vs. Illinois at Madison Square Garden – Friday, November 28 at 12:30 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>In a rematch of the 2024 Elite Eight, Illinois faces UConn in a game loaded with emotion and high stakes. The last time these two met, UConn knocked Illinois out of the tournament en route to its national championship. The teams entered 2025-26 ranked in the preseason polls (No. 4 UConn, No. 17 Illinois). </p><p>Now, the Fighting Illini are looking for redemption. While they’ve lost key players to the NBA Draft, head coach Brad Underwood has bolstered his roster with talent like Serbian guard Mihailo Petrovic, who hails from the same club as NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. This neutral-site showdown on FOX is the first of a two-game series and will set the tone for what could be a developing rivalry. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Duke at Michigan State – Saturday, December 6 at 12 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>Two iconic programs with legendary coaches face off in a matchup that could be a preview of the Final Four. Duke leads the series, but the Spartans have held their ground in recent years, going 2-3 in the last five meetings. </p><p>Both teams enter the season with high expectations. Michigan State, the reigning Big Ten Champion, returns a core group of experienced players. After losing superstar Cooper Flagg, Duke has reloaded with the nation’s top recruiting class (247 Sports), led by five-star forward Cameron Boozer. This clash, airing on FOX, is a must-watch for college basketball fans. </p><p><br /></p><h2>UCLA at Wisconsin – Tuesday, January 6 at 9 p.m. on Peacock </h2><p>UCLA and Wisconsin meet for the third time in two seasons. The two programs are tied 1-1 as conference opponents, with their last matchup in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament ending in a dominant 86-70 victory for Wisconsin behind a 26-point performance from John Tonje. Both of them were ranked in the AP Preseason Poll, with UCLA at No. 12 and Wisconsin at No. 24. </p><p>Wisconsin is retooling after graduating six seniors (including Tonje). Returning standout John Blackwell will lead the charge. UCLA, led by All-Big Ten selection Tyler Bilodeau and a strong returning core, will be looking to reclaim the upper hand. Catch this pivotal conference game on Peacock. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Purdue vs. Indiana Rivalry Series </h2><p>Few rivalries in college sports run as deep as Purdue vs. Indiana. With 221 meetings dating back to 1901, this series defines Big Ten basketball. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Purdue at Indiana – Tuesday, January 27 at 9 p.m. on Peacock </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Indiana at Purdue – Friday, February 20 at 8 p.m. on FOX </li></ul><p>The rivalry has been evenly matched in recent years, with the teams splitting the last six games. Last time out, the Hoosiers came back from a 12-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Boilermakers by 27 in the second half to win at home. This year, Purdue’s Smith, Kaufman-Renn, and Loyer will look to lead the Boilermakers to redemption. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Michigan vs. Michigan State Rivalry Series </h2><p>The battle for Michigan supremacy is always intense, and this year will be no exception. Both teams were ranked in the preseason top 25: Michigan at No. 7, and MSU at No. 22. Tom Izzo’s Spartans have dominated the rivalry recently, winning seven of the last nine meetings. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Michigan at Michigan State – Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m. on FOX </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Michigan State at Michigan – Sunday, March 8 at 4:30 p.m. on CBS </li></ul><p>Last season, the Spartans swept first-year head coach Dusty May’s Wolverines. Despite losing standouts Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf, May has retooled his roster with powerful transfers, including Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), who was a potential first-round pick before he decided to stay in college. Expect two hard-fought battles. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Illinois at UCLA – Saturday, February 21 at 8 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>Illinois travels to Los Angeles to face UCLA in a game with potentially major conference implications. Their first meeting as conference opponents was a close one in Champaign last season. Illinois held off a late UCLA comeback to win, 83-78, behind Kasparas Jakucionis' 24 points, to end the Bruins’ seven-game win streak. </p><p>Without Jakucionis and Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Will Riley, the newly-formed Illini seek their first-ever win in Los Angeles against the Bruins. The two finished 13-7 (UCLA) and 12-8 (Illinois) last season. We’re bound to have another tight one between top-25 teams on the West Coast. </p><p><br /></p><h2>USC vs. UCLA: The Battle of LA </h2><p>Perhaps the most iconic West Coast rivalry, the Battle of LA will see USC and UCLA clash twice this season. </p><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >USC at UCLA – Tuesday, February 24 at 11 p.m. on FS1 </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >UCLA at USC – Saturday, March 7 at 9 p.m. on FS1 </li></ul><p>UCLA holds a 38-24 lead in the series since 1998. USC is rebuilding under second-year coach Eric Musselman, who brought in 10 transfers including Rodney Rice, who led Maryland to the Sweet Sixteen last season. The Bruins are coming off a rollercoaster 2024-25 season, when they bounced in and out of the top 25. Veteran head coach Mick Cronin is hoping his core returners (All-Big Ten selection Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark) can keep the ship steady throughout 2025-26. </p><p>We have this one highlighted on our best games on the women’s basketball schedule, too. Big Ten regular season champs vs. tournament champs? Come on. </p><p><br /></p><h2>More games we’ll be watching: </h2><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="1"
        >Illinois vs. Alabama in Chicago at the United Center – November 19 at 9 p.m. on FS1 </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="2"
        >Illinois vs. Tennessee in Nashville – December 6 at 8 p.m. on ESPN </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="3"
        >Indiana vs. Louisville at Gainbridge Fieldhouse – December 6 at 2:15 p.m. on CBS </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="4"
        >Iowa at Iowa State – December 11, time and network TBD </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="5"
        >Indiana at Kentucky – December 13 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="6"
        >Auburn vs. Purdue at Gainbridge Fieldhouse – December 20 at 6:30 p.m. on Peacock </li><li
          class=""
          style=""
          value="7"
        >Purdue at UCLA – January 20 at 10 p.m. on Peacock </li></ul><p> </p><h2>More Than a Game </h2><p>Each game on the 2025-26 Big Ten Men's Basketball schedule is another chapter in historic rivalries, tests for retooled rosters, and previews of potential March Madness runs. The road to the Big Ten title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament will be fiercely contested. Buckle up—it’s going to be another wild ride. </p><p><br /></p><h3>Want to know how these games shake out? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        Click here
      </a>.</h3></div>

Michigan State Men's Basketball head coach Tom Izzo

2025-10-17 Blog: Best Games on MBB Schedule

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>The 2025-26 Big Ten Women's Basketball season is shaping up to be one for the books with powerhouse programs, heated rivalries, and rosters stacked with returning stars and game-changing additions. With six teams ranked in the preseason poll, there are a handful of conference and non-conference matchups you’ll want on your calendar. </p><p>Get your calendars ready. <strong>Here are the top games you won't want to miss this season. </strong></p><p><em>All times are Eastern. </em><br /><br /></p><h2>USC vs. South Carolina – Saturday, November 15 at 9 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>In just their third game of the season, the Trojans face arguably the most dominant program in women's college basketball. The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by icon Dawn Staley, have appeared in every Final Four since 2021 and won two of the last four NCAA Championships. They were No. 2 in the AP Preseason Poll. </p><p>USC, however, is no stranger to the big stage, making two straight Elite Eight appearances under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. With unanimous consensus national player of the year JuJu Watkins out for the season due to injury, the Trojans have reloaded to fill the void. They’ll rely on Kennedy Smith, their lone returning starter, alongside crosstown transfer Londynn Jones (UCLA) and ESPN's No. 1 2025 high school recruit, Jazzy Davidson.  </p><p>The Gamecocks landed Ta’Niya Latson, who led Division I in points per game last season at Florida State. This early-season epic will be a massive test for preseason No. 18 USC against a perennial powerhouse. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Michigan vs. UConn – Friday, November 21 at 8 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>The young and talented Michigan Wolverines get an early test against the reigning NCAA Champion and AP Preseason No. 1 UConn Huskies at the Invesco QQQ Women’s Showcase. </p><p>Preseason No. 13 Michigan returns its dynamic duo of Olivia Olson and Syla Swords, both 2025 Big Ten All-Freshman Team selections, who combined for 32.3 points per game last season. The Wolverines also brought back alumna Danielle Rauch as an assistant coach, whose experience in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be invaluable. </p><p>Meanwhile, legendary coach Geno Auriemma is exploring UConn's new identity following the departure of WNBA No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. The Huskies still have an arsenal of talent with NCAA Tournament MVP Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, KK Arnold, and Ashlynn Shade looking to lead the charge toward Auriemma's 25th Final Four. We'll see if Michigan's skilled returning core can take down the defending champs. </p><p><br /></p><h2>UCLA vs. Texas, South Carolina, and/or Duke – November 26-27 on TNT, truTV and HBO Max </h2><p>Listed by ESPN as a top 10 title contender, UCLA enters the Players Era Women’s Championship looking to build on its first Final Four appearance. The Bruins return Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Betts, who is the program's first player to notch 600+ points, 300+ rebounds, and 100+ blocks in a single season. They were also the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the preseason poll (No. 3). </p><p>Their opponents are just as formidable. Texas returns the dynamic duo of Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, while Duke brings back an experienced group from last year's Elite Eight squad. And let’s not forget, the last time the Bruins faced South Carolina, they snapped the Gamecocks’ 43-game winning streak. Stacked with the nation's best teams, this tournament will be one to watch. </p><p><br /></p><h2>UCLA vs. Tennessee – Sunday, November 30 at 4:30 p.m. on FS1 </h2><p>UCLA will face a Tennessee squad on a mission to return to its former glory. The Bruins feature Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez, who were clutch during last season's tournament run, and they added sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens from Utah. </p><p>The Vols, who won three straight NCAA titles from 1996-1998, have made three of the last four Sweet 16s and could shape up to be a legitimate national contender this season. Head coach Kim Caldwell worked the transfer portal, adding former Bruin Janiah Barker, Nya Robertson, and Jersey Wolfenbarger to complement strong returners and the nation's second-ranked recruiting class. This likely-ranked matchup could be an early benchmark of what these teams can expect on the national stage. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Washington at USC – Sunday, December 7 at 8 p.m. on BTN </h2><p>Don't sleep on Washington this season. The Huskies could be one of the best teams in the conference, and this game will be their first big chance to prove it. Head coach Tina Langley returns both starting guards, Sayvia Sellers and Elle Ladine, who averaged a combined 32.3 points per game last year. </p><p>Adding a little lore to the matchup, sophomore sharpshooter Avery Howell returns to Los Angeles for the first time since transferring from USC to Washington. She’s lethal from three-point range (43.5% from beyond the arc in Big Ten play), so it'll be interesting to see how her former team tries to contain her. Will the dark-horse Huskies pull off an upset against the reigning Big Ten Champions? </p><p><br /></p><h2>Iowa at Iowa State – Wednesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. on ESPN </h2><p>Few events stir up Iowans like the Cy-Hawk rivalry, especially in women's basketball in the post-Caitlin Clark era. This year's clash could feature two ranked teams. </p><p>The Hawkeyes (preseason No. 21) have dominated the series recently, winning three straight and eight of the last nine meetings. Iowa senior Hannah Stuelke, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection and one of the key players from the Hawkeyes' Final Four runs, returns fresh off a gold medal win with Team USA at the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup. After falling in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year, the Hawkeyes are hungry for another deep run. We'll see how they stack up against the Cyclones come December. </p><p><br /></p><h2>UCLA vs. USC Rivalry Series  </h2><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
          class=""
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        >USC at UCLA – Saturday, January 3 at 8 p.m. on Peacock </li><li
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        >UCLA at USC – Sunday, March 1 at 6 p.m. on FS1 </li></ul><p>This time, it's not just the Battle of LA. It's a rematch of last year's conference tournament championship game when UCLA defeated USC to claim its first Big Ten Tournament title and a program-first 30-win season. </p><p>However, USC won the regular season crown. The Trojans defeated the Bruins twice en route to their first Big Ten Championship, including once behind a massive 38-point performance from JuJu Watkins. UCLA holds the historical edge, but the Trojans have won four of the last five meetings. With USC’s strong newcomers and UCLA building off a big season, both teams will be hungry to prove themselves. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Maryland at UCLA – Sunday, January 18 at 4 p.m. on NBC </h2><p>Reloaded with transfers, preseason No. 10 Maryland could give the defending Big Ten Tournament Champion Bruins a serious run for their money. Maryland leads the all-time series 5-4, and this will be their first meeting in Los Angeles since 2007. </p><p>Maryland head coach Brenda Frese brings in Yarden Garzon (Indiana) and Oluchi Okananwa (Duke) to join veterans Kaylene Smikle, Saylor Poffenbarger, and Bri McDaniel for the 2025-26 campaign. That’s a combined 62.1 points per game from last season. The Terps are strong Big Ten title contenders, but they’ll have a tall task of avenging last season’s 82-67 loss to UCLA at home. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Ohio State vs. TCU – Monday, January 19 at 12 p.m. on FOX </h2><p>One of the final nonconference games of the regular season could be a ranked battle at the Coretta Scott King Classic. Ohio State, who finished third in the conference last season, returns star guard Jaloni Cambridge and picked up Boston College transfer T’yana Todd, who shot an impressive 45.9% from three.  </p><p>TCU, however, acquired former Notre Dame star and three-time All-American Olivia Miles, who was projected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA Draft before transferring. This matchup could have implications for NCAA Tournament seeding as the Buckeyes seek their fifth-straight appearance. </p><p><br /></p><h2>Michigan vs. Michigan State Rivalry Series </h2><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
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        >Michigan at Michigan State – Sunday, February 1 at 12 p.m. on FS1 </li><li
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        >Michigan State at Michigan – Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m. on FS1 </li></ul><p>This in-state rivalry is always intense, and both teams enter 2025-26 ranked in the preseason polls. No. 13 Michigan returns its trio of young stars, while No. 23 Michigan State has added key transfers Jalyn Brown (Arizona State) and Rashunda Jones (Purdue) to its veteran core of Theryn Hallock and Grace VanSlooten. </p><p>Last season, the Spartans and Wolverines finished with the same conference record and split their regular-season meetings. (About as even as it gets)! With both squads boasting deep and talented rosters, these should be tight contests. </p><p><br /></p><h2>The Road to Glory </h2><p>From high-stakes rivalries to clashes between national title contenders, the 2025-26 Big Ten Women's Basketball schedule is packed with can't-miss action. As new stars emerge and old rivalries heat up, we'll see who comes out on top – in the conference and on the national stage. </p><p><br /></p><h3>Want to know how these matchups shake out? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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UCLA WBB - Kiki Rice

2025-10-17 Blog: Best Games on WBB Schedule

<div class="payload-richtext"><p>Goalkeeper Tanner Ijams has helped make Washington Women’s Soccer the surprise of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Soccer season. After being projected to finish ninth in the Big Ten preseason poll, the Huskies sit at the top of the conference standings with a 6-0-2 Big Ten record. They took down ranked opponents UCLA (No. 4), USC (No. 15), and Ohio State (No. 22). </p><p>Most recently, Ijams made a diving, penalty kick save in the final minutes of Washington’s game against the Buckeyes to solidify its Big Ten lead and (finally) get the Huskies into the rankings (No. 17). We met with Ijams to talk about that moment, Washington’s underdog mentality, and their approach this season. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><h4>Host Andrew McDevitt: Alright, so Tanner, Washington Women’s Soccer is off to a tremendous start and the last team undefeated in conference play. What is it that's been clicking thus far for this squad? </h4><p> </p><p><a href="https://gohuskies.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/tanner-ijams/16804" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
        Tanner Ijams
      </a>: Honestly, I think at the beginning of the season we came into it just thinking, “Hey, we're going to stay together as a unit, we're going to ride out the wins, keep momentum.” We've done an amazing job. </p><p>I think it started last year with building chemistry and staying [together] as a team in the offseason and keeping our bonding up. It prepared us really well for this season. </p><p>I think what's been clicking is the fact that we're so tight with each other on and off field. </p><p>  </p><p><br /></p><h4>Three straight shutouts, and for you specifically, seven clean sheets on the season. You went from last year, waiting for your turn, to now being such a huge impact [player] on this team. What has that been like for you throughout the season? </h4><p> </p><p>It's honestly been crazy, thinking about last year, my role, and how it's changed so significantly. I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I've had. </p><p>And in terms of the shutouts, I have to give so much credit to my backline. We've been competing as a unit in practice and in games. I've had very few shots to handle in the season overall, and that's thanks to an amazing defense and a collective unit at the top of the field. </p><p>Our coach likes to say that our whole team is defenders, whether it's the forwards or the midfielders or the defenders or me, so I have to give credit to the whole field in front of me. </p><p>  </p><p><br /></p><h4>You say that you haven't been called on much, but in this most recent game against Ohio State, you had a game-winning save on a PK to keep Washington in first place in the Big Ten. Do you like facing PKs, or is that a nervous situation? </h4><p> </p><p>I love PKs. They're my favorite, probably my favorite part of the game overall. A lot of people think I'm crazy for that. But honestly, going into this one and going into every PK in general, there's really not a lot of pressure on you. </p><p>They're supposed to score their PK, so if you save it, it's huge.  </p><p>Going into this one, the last minute of the game, I'm not thinking, “Oh, I have to save this or we're gonna tie the game.” I'm thinking, “Oh, this forward needs to make this PK, or they're gonna lose the game.” </p><p>It's really just reframing it and having confidence going into it. There was not a moment in that entire sequence where I thought she was gonna score that. </p><p>  </p><p><br /></p><h4>Washington was picked to finish ninth in the Big Ten preseason polls. Now you’re at the top of the league. Was that talked about? That a lot of people were not expecting you guys to be where you're at now? </h4><p> </p><p>I think the fact that people haven't really had a lot of confidence in us as a team has been one of our main driving forces. We really love the underdog mentality. The fact that so many people underestimated us and what we could do really just pushed us to show everyone who we were and what we were capable of. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h4>I don’t know what people were watching, because last season, you won an NCAA Tournament game on the road, and it seemed like PKs were a bit of Washington’s thing. </h4><p> </p><p>Yeah, Mia was an absolute beast and a baller in goal, so we definitely take a lot of pride in PKs as a unit. </p><p><br /></p><p>  </p><h4>You mentioned Mia. This Thursday night, big game for you. You're gonna be celebrating her and really doing your part in helping battle cancer. What has Mia been like for you as a fellow keeper this season and as a big part of the team, despite not being on the pitch? </h4><p> </p><p>It's amazing. She's had such an impact on this team, even being on the sidelines. She's been showing up for us so often, and she's probably been my biggest inspiration going into this season. We’re doing everything for her, whether it's us wearing the bows or just orange in general. Everything we do, we always tie back to Mia and making her proud. </p><p>I base a lot of my game on her. I watch her film even now from last year because she's just such an amazing keeper. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h4>Your head coach, Nicole Van Dyke, is very defense-oriented, goalkeeper-oriented. What has that meant for your development at Washington? </h4><p> </p><p>It's been amazing. We have so many of the most amazing forwards in the country... and the ability to practice defending against such top-tier forwards has prepared us for games and the Big Ten forwards that we face throughout the season. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h4>Two more regular season home games for you before one final away game heading into postseason play. What do you need to do to ensure that there's still a zero in that middle column as you head into the postseason? </h4><p> </p><p>We want to keep that record clean in terms of the losses. We take a lot of pride in getting shutouts, so I think defense [needs to stay] locked in throughout all of it. We have some really good things to play for, obviously the Minnesota match – Mia's game – and then Sunday is senior night, and then Oregon, obviously that's just our rival. </p><p>We have a lot of really good things to motivate us and play for in these upcoming games. </p><p>  </p><p><br /></p><h4>Rapid fire for you. Who was your favorite athlete when you were growing up? </h4><p>I have to give that to Hope Solo. I’ve been a keeper since I was probably 6 years old, and she's been the person that I look up to most in that sense. </p><p>  </p><h4>Favorite spot on Washington's campus? </h4><p>Husky Soccer Stadium. </p><p>  </p><h4>Favorite Big Ten away stadium? </h4><p>That is a hard one. I really liked USC’s brand-new stadium, new facilities, new locker room. It was a really good vibe, and then to be able to win on that field felt really good. </p><p>  </p><h4>Favorite postgame meal? </h4><p>I have to give that to Penn State. When we went, before the game, our coach promised us Cold Stone [Creamery] if we won. Then we obviously got that win, so we went straight to Cold Stone. That was just a fun experience. </p><p>  </p><h4>Love that dessert is always the best option. What's your biggest soccer ick? </h4><p>This is not as common anymore, but when girls used to play with their hair down. I just can't. I don't understand. I feel like it would be in your face. I have long hair. I always wore a headband. </p><p>  </p><h4>If something goes wrong at your apartment, which teammate are you most likely to call for tips to fix it? </h4><p>Lucy [Newlin], 100%. Team mom, always there for us when we need her. Easy answer. </p><p>  </p><h4>Favorite memory this season thus far? </h4><p>Definitely the PK [against Ohio State]. That was honestly the biggest moment for me, and having my team there to celebrate was really special. </p><p> </p><h4>What is the victory song that you guys are always singing? It’s stuck in my head! </h4><p>We've gotten to play that one a few times recently. “Say who? Say what? Say who, say what? Dogs in the house.” </p><p> </p><h4>Thank you so much. Good luck the rest of the way, and I appreciate you giving me a little bit of time here.  </h4><p>Of course, thank you so much. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p><br /></p><h3><em>Want more exclusive student-athlete features like this? </em><a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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