The Big Ten only had two games on Tuesday night, but both had significance for March. Northwestern was hoping to add a win and the Spartans were hoping to take care of a feisty Toledo squad.
Let’s take
a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–Northwestern Wildcats 86, Valparaiso Beacons 70
While the Wildcats entered this one as solid favorites, things ended up pretty tight in the first half. Northwestern’s offense was relatively slow for segments, but it picked up steam in the second half. Nick Martinelli led the way with 29 points and six rebounds. Arrinten Page also had a nice showing with 18 points and seven rebounds. Northwestern eventually finished with 1.26 points per possession.
Northwestern improved to 7-4 overall with the win. It was the group’s second straight win after taking care of Jackson State at home on Saturday. Both wins came by double-digits. Wildcat fans are hoping the positivity carries over into this weekend’s matchup against Butler in Indianapolis. It figures to be one of Northwestern’s tougher games of the season to date. KenPom favors the Bulldogs. It’s Northwestern’s last meaningful game of the calendar year.
The Rest:
–No. 9 Michigan State Spartans 92, Toledo Rockets 69
The Spartans returned to action after last weekend’s nail biter against Penn State and took care of a decent Toledo squad at home. Sonny Wilson has a great game for the Rockets, but Michigan State’s defense was otherwise smothering, holding Toledo to just 0.96 points per possession. Jaxon Kohler led the scoring for the Spartans, finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Jeremy Fears also had 15 points and eight assists.
Michigan State improved to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play with the win. The team will now prepare to face off against Oakland in Detroit on Saturday. It should be a festive atmosphere.
