Hoge: Big Ten Tournament Day 3 – What Happened And What It Means
By Adam Hoge-
INDIANAPOLIS (CBS) – Here's a look at how Saturday's Big Ten Tournament semifinals played out and what it means for all four teams that played.
No. 1 Michigan State 65, No. 4 Wisconsin 52
What happened: After falling behind 20-9, the Spartans finished the first half on a 26-5 run (including three straight threes from Austin Thornton) as the Badgers failed to make a field goal in the final 10:21 of the half. After the break, Michigan State picked up where it left off and built a 19 point lead. Wisconsin used a 13-0 run to make it 46-40 at one point, but then missed nine of their final 12 field goal attempts.
What it means for Michigan State: The Spartans are still alive for a No. 1 seed and may be battling Ohio State for that nod. The Big Ten Tournament championship game rarely has an effect on the seeding but in this rare case, tomorrow's winner has a good chance of grabbing a No. 1 spot.
What it means for Wisconsin: With the loss, the Badgers may have fallen back to a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Quotable: "Some people say Coach Izzo takes the Big Ten Tournament off to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. That's such a myth." – Draymond Green after the Spartans reached their first Big Ten Tournament Championship Game since 2000.
Video:
No. 3 Ohio State 77, No. 2 Michigan 55
What happened: Carrying over from Friday night, Ohio State has decided it is good at basketball. Clearly boasting the best talent in the conference all year long, the Buckeyes are finally looking like it and stomped on Michigan early and often. Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas combined for 46 points
What it means for Ohio State: The Buckeyes are suddenly playing their best basketball all season and look like a No. 1 seed if they can beat the Spartans Sunday.
What it means for Michigan: The Wolverines are likely looking at a No. 3 in the NCAA Tournament.
Quotable: "That's an incredible feat. When you stop and I think about it, I can't think of all the different players William Buford has played with in his time here. It's amazing." – Thad Matta on William Buford reaching the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game in all four years at Ohio State.
Adam is the Sports Content Producer for CBSChicago.com and specializes in coverage of the White Sox, Blackhawks and college sports. He was born and raised in Lincoln Park and attended St. Ignatius College Prep before going off to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a Journalism degree. Follow him on Twitter @AdamHogeCBS and read more of his columns here.
