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Ohio State holds up the Big Ten Tournament trophy.
It was a classic defensive battle between two of the Big Ten’s best. It was a low scoring affair but it was still a fun game to watch. The first half was an old-fashioned back and forth battle as both teams traded shots and kept challenging one another. Neither team would be denied as the first half was grind to the finish with Wisconsin taking a 24-23 lead at halftime.
The second half began as more of the same for the most part. There were five ties and six lead changes for the first 14 minutes and 30 seconds. Then with 5:35 remaining, Ohio State took over. DeShaun Thomas, Aaron Craft, and LaQuinton Ross began to drain one shot after another. They took a page out of Wisconsin’s playbook as their defense was the one to step up and lock it down.
They held Wisconsin to just 19 second half points, and just four points in the final seven minutes. They also managed to only allow one Wisconsin player to score in double figures. Badgers guard Traevon Jackson finished the game with 10 points.
Not only did Wisconsin’s defense fail to perform to the level they had been performing since Friday, their offense also fizzled out after scoring a total of 136 points in their first two tournament games. Ohio State takes home the 2013 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship by the final score of 50-43.
Ohio State performing the ceremonial cutting down of the nets after their championship victory. Here is the box score from today’s game:
Ohio State gets the Big Ten’s automatic bid into the 2013 NCAA Tournament, but six other Big Ten teams got at-large bids. Here is the list of Big Ten teams who were selected:
Indiana #1 East Region
Ohio State #2 West Region
Michigan State #3 Midwest Region
Michigan #4 South Region
Wisconsin #5 West Region
Illinois #7 East Region
Minnesota #11 South Region
Minnesota gets in ahead of Iowa despite the fact that they lost their first round game to Illinois. Iowa’s dominating performance over Northwestern, combined with a 21-11 regular season record was not enough to convince the committee to let them in. But I can guarantee that they will be a top five team in the National Invitational Tournament.
Here is the full bracket for the 2013 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament:
I’d thank to thank the Big Ten Conference for their hospitality these last four days.
The updated bracket for this year’s tournament…..
Today is the day where all parties involved need to give it everything they have. Today is about more than just a tournament victory, it’s about more than just a championship trophy, it’s about an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Wisconsin Badgers and the Ohio State Buckeyes are well aware of what’s at stake here. Ohio State is looking for redemption as they lost last year’s title game to Michigan State, this is their fourth straight tournament championship game appearance. They are 2-2 in that stretch.
As for Wisconsin, this is their first Big Ten Tournament Championship game since 2008, and their fourth in school history. They are also 2-2 in Big Ten title games. Yesterday both teams came off of some thrilling victories. Wisconsin slowed down the #1 seed Indiana Hoosiers and beat them 68-56.
Ohio State put on a clinic in the second half to get past Michigan State 61-58. Wisconsin’s formula for success these last few days has been their defense. But as good as their defense has been, their offense has also stepped up in a big way.
The Badgers have scored 136 points so far in this year’s tournament. Bo Ryan’s team isn’t exactly known for their offense. The Buckeyes have gotten it done in three ways:
1. Back-to-back double digit performances from forward DeShaun Thomas.
2. Production from their bench players.
3. Good second half defense.
Thad Matta has coached his team well and they are fully capable of executing any game plan that is presented before them. And they will need that game plan if they are going to get past the best defense in the Big Ten. Wisconsin must also have a solid game plan, especially when it comes to matching up against DeShaun Thomas.
Another player that the Badgers must account for is Buckeyes guard Aaron Craft. His 20 point explosion against Michigan State yesterday was their main key to victory in the Big Ten semi-finals. But today is a new day and this game will be decided by which defense can make the most stops.
Both teams will wind up getting into the NCAA Tournament regardless of who wins and loses. But whomever gets the automatic bid will more than likely get a top five seed.
Both of these teams have something to prove and something to play for. This nationally televised game will be the talk of the town when this one is all said an done.
You can follow me on Twitter during the game @GabeSalgado82 #Q101Sports
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