(1) Michigan State 64, (8) Minnesota 56
No. 1 Michigan State overcame a poor performance from its starters, getting 34 points from its bench in a 64-56 win against No. 8 Minnesota. Sophomore guard Chris Allen led the team with 17 points off the bench. The Spartans played good perimeter defense, limiting the Golden Gophers to 3-of-18 shooting from long range.
(5) Ohio State 61, (4) Wisconsin 57
Junior guard Jeremie Simmons made two free throws with seven seconds to go to give No. 5 Ohio State a 61-57 lead and preserve a tight win against No. 4 Wisconsin. Simmons finished with 10 points off the bench, and sophomore swingman Evan Turner led the Buckeyes with 19 points. Ohio State’s defense frustrates the Badgers throughout the game, holding Wisconsin to 36 percent shooting. Ohio State will play Michigan State, which won in Columbus by 11 points in January.
(2) Illinois 60, (7) Michigan 50
After leading by only a point at halftime, No. 2 Illinois opened the second half with a 25-7 run to build a 19-point lead and cruise to a 60-50 win against No. 7 Michigan. The Wolverines came no closer than eight the rest of the way. Sophomore forward Mike Davis paced the Illini with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Illinois will try to complete a three-game season sweep of No. 3 Purdue in the semifinals.
(3) Purdue 79, (6) Penn State 65
No. 3 Purdue led by as much as 24 in the second half before putting the game on cruise control and letting Penn State cut the final margin to 14 in a 79-65 romp. Sophomore forward Robbie Hummel was 8-of-12 for 20 points, and the Boilermakers made 12 three-pointers to run past the Nittany Lions.
