The Big Ten played two games Wednesday night and both had significant implications for the NCAA Tournament. Purdue hosted Minnesota and Wisconsin traveled to face Nebraska.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
–No. 23 Nebraska Cornhuskers 90, Wisconsin Badgers 60
This one looked pretty even before the tip. While Nebraska was off to a strong start, Wisconsin had an impressive statistical profile and looked ready to prove it was better than its raw record. However, that ultimately didn’t turn out to be the case, as Nebraska absolutely ran past Wisconsin in a 30-point blowout. Nebraska’s offense finished with 1.29 points per possession. Rienk Mast finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
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For Nebraska, it was just another notch in the team’s belt. The Huskers entered Wednesday at 9-0, but it was a relatively soft schedule, with no opponents in the top 50 on KenPom. Well, Wisconsin fit that bill and Nebraska not only won, but did it resoundingly. It was a remarkable performance and shows the Huskers should be firmly in the race for an NCAA berth come Selection Sunday.
On the other hand, Wisconsin fans must be crushed by this result. The Badgers were kicked off the field by BYU in November and struggled against TCU on Black Friday. The team had to show that these were aberrations. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and the margin of defeat sent many Badger fans into panic mode. Wisconsin is now 39th on KenPom, raising real concerns about its playoff hopes.
Nebraska improved to 10-0 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play with the win, while Wisconsin fell to 7-3 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Huskers will now prepare for Illinois on the road on Saturday. Wisconsin will look to bounce back against Villanova in Milwaukee on December 19.
–No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers 85, Minnesota Golden Gophers 57
There was a little extra intrigue about this one after Minnesota shocked Indiana at home last week. Many wondered if this version of the Gophers would show up against Purdue. However, that was not to be the case, as the Boilers took an easy win at home. Braden Smith led the way with 15 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Trey Kaufman-Renn also had 14 points.
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Purdue improved to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play with the win, while Minnesota fell to 5-5 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Boilers will now prepare for Marquette at home on Saturday. Minnesota will host Texas Southern at home on Sunday.
