The 2017 Big Ten Tournament is heading into the quarterfinals and here’s a look at what the updated bracket looks like after round two.
Another day of action is in the books and none of the 2017 Big Ten Tournament’s round two action was even remotely competitive. While there were some solid matchups, on paper, every game was decided by at least 20 points.
Despite a plane scare on Wednesday night which forced Michigan’s travel plans to be a little tight on Thursday morning, the Wolverines played loose and confident, demolishing Illinois, 75-55, to start the day. Derrick Walton Jr. is proving to voters why he should be considered the biggest snub from the All-Big Ten first-team.
Next, Michigan State had its way with Penn State from the get-go. The Spartans jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. It was the trio of freshmen — Miles Bridges, Nick Ward and Josh Langford — who led the way for Michigan State with 43 combined points and 23 rebounds. The Spartans got revenge for an early-season loss to the Nittany Lions, 78-51.
RELATED: Updated 2017 NCAA Tournament Bracket
Iowa came into the third game of the day on fire and looking to beat Indiana in order to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume. However, the Hoosiers are looking to win the whole thing and put the nightmare season behind them. Indiana put a stop to the Hawkeye hype, winning 95-73.
Although many felt Northwestern was in the NCAA Tournament already, the Wildcats would feel much better with a win in the final game of the day and they got just that. Northwestern downed Rutgers easily, 83-61, essentially re-punching a ticket to its first-ever tourney.
Here’s a look at the updated bracket after the second round of play:
Friday’s quarterfinals action will begin at noon with No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 8 Michigan. That will be followed by No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 5 Michigan State, then No. 2 Wisconsin vs. No. 10 Indiana and the day will conclude with No. 3 Maryland vs. No. 6 Northwestern.
Friday’s games should set the tone for the remainder of the weekend and will — hopefully — be more competitive than Thursday’s