Big Ten Conference Tournament: Despite trailing by a dozen in the second half, No. 1 Ohio State found a way to win against No. 8 Penn State 63-56. The Buckeyes hit a three-pointer with about six minutes remaining to take their first lead of the game at 50-49. Junior guard Ron Lewis led Ohio State with 17 points. The Buckeyes advance to the semifinals to play No. 5 Indiana.
Indiana continued to play well following the resignation of coach Mike Davis, beating No. 4 Wisconsin 61-56 to advance to the semifinals. Senior forward Marco Killingsworth led the Hoosiers with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Indiana overcame a horrid first half in which the Hoosiers didn’t score for nearly 10 minutes and managed only 15 points in the half. Indiana used a 7-0 run with less than seven minutes remaining to take the lead for good. The Hoosiers have won five consecutive games since Davis announced he will step down after the season.
No. 2 Iowa spoiled a valiant effort from senior guard Vincent Grier of No. 10 Minnesota to win 67-57 and advance to the semifinals. Grier scored 29 points, more than half his team’s point, and helped the Golden Gophers grab a 45-41 lead in the second half. But the Hawkeyes responded with an 11-4 run. Senior guard Jeff Horner led Iowa with 26 points. The Hawkeyes will play No. 6 Michigan State in the semifinals Saturday.
No. 6 Michigan State upset No. 3 Illinois 61-56 to set up the semifinal match up vs. Iowa. Senior center Paul Davis and senior guard Maurice Ager scored 16 points apiece to lead the Spartans. Michigan State lead throughout much of the game, but Illinois remained close until the final minute. The Spartans successfully contained senior guard Dee Brown after he had torched Michigan State in two losses in the regular season. [3/10/06]
