USC Survives Double Overtime, Northwestern and Iowa Advance in Big Ten Tournament
The Big Ten Tournament tipped off with Southern California, Northwestern, and Iowa securing key opening-round victories, setting up high-stakes matchups in the second round.
USC Escapes in Double OT to Knock Out Rutgers
USC 97, Rutgers 89 (2OT)
- Desmond Claude exploded for 28 points, including 22 after halftime.
- USC recovered after losing a 15-point lead to force overtime.
- Rashaun Agee (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Wesley Yates III (24 points) fueled the win.
- Jeremiah Williams missed two crucial free throws for Rutgers in regulation.
The No. 14 seed Trojans (16-16) advance to face No. 6 Purdue on Thursday.
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Northwestern Shuts Down Minnesota to Advance
Northwestern 72, Minnesota 64
- Nick Martinelli led all scorers with 28 points, while Ty Berry added 14.
- The Wildcats shot 48.2 percent from the field compared to Minnesota’s 37.7 percent.
- Minnesota (15-17) lost its third straight game despite Dawson Garcia’s 22-point effort.
No. 13 seed Northwestern (17-15) will meet No. 5 Wisconsin in the next round.
Iowa Pulls Away in Second Half Against Ohio State
Iowa 77, Ohio State 70
- Payton Sandfort scored 17 points, and Josh Dix added 16 for the Hawkeyes.
- Brock Harding (15 points) and Pryce Sandfort (10 points) provided key contributions.
- Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton had a standout game with 24 points and nine assists.
No. 15 seed Iowa (17-15) moves on to play No. 7 Illinois in the second round.
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Big Ten Tournament Second Round Matchups
With these first-round battles wrapped up, the Big Ten Tournament action continues with the following second-round matchups:
- No. 6 Purdue vs. No. 14 USC
- No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Northwestern
- No. 7 Illinois vs. No. 15 Iowa
Will USC’s momentum carry them past Purdue? Can Northwestern keep rolling against Wisconsin? The stakes continue to rise as the Big Ten Tournament heats up.
