INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Big Ten boasts of four teams ranked in the top-10 in The Associated Press poll, and all four have advanced to the conference tournament semifinals.
Third-ranked Illini had no trouble with Rutgers as Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points in a 90-68 blowout. Dosunmu sank eight of 11 field-goal attempts, hit seven of nine at the line, had six assists and grabbed five rebounds.
Mike Smith scored 18 points and set a Big Ten Tournament record with 15 assists as fourth-ranked Michigan downed Maryland, 79-66. Tempers flared when Wolverines coach Juwan Howard got into a verbal confrontation with Terrapins coach Mark Turgeon. Howard had to be restrained and was ejected after receiving two quick technical fouls.
Fifth-ranked Iowa also advanced as Luka Garza scored 24 points and Joe Wieskamp made two key baskets late in a 62-57 win versus Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes rallied from a six-point halftime deficit behind, who made 10 of 15 field goals and 4 of 5 free throws.
Seth Towns scored six of his season-high 12 points in overtime, helping No. 9 Ohio State beat No. 21 Purdue 87-78. Duane Washington Jr. scored 20 points and EJ Liddell added 17 for Ohio State, which led by 18 at halftime.
