The Big Ten only had two games on the docket, but both featured groups trying to make NCAA Tournament pushes. One of the matchups ended up being tighter than expected.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers 81, Washington Huskies 73
While the Boilers entered this one as significant favorites, Washington was able to keep things pesky in the second half and cut the final margin to just eight points at the buzzer. Purdue certainly controlled the outing, but the Huskies acquitted themselves well on the road in a tough environment. Braden Smith carried the day with 23 points and seven assists. Trey Kaufman-Renn also had 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Purdue improved to 14-1 overall and 4-0 in Big Ten play with the win. And while the win was expected, it was an important one, as the Boilers try to keep pace with Michigan and Nebraska in the Big Ten title race. The group also remains in great position to enter late January with an unblemished record in conference play, with the next two games at home against what look like inferior opponents.
On the other side, Washington fell to 9-6 overall and 1-3 in Big Ten play with the loss. It was the team’s second straight loss after putting together a solid December. The team will now return home for a crucial slate of games. Like a few other teams across the conference, the clock is ticking on the Huskies — Washington needs to start winning these games or risk another year without an NCAA appearance.
The Boilers will return to action on Saturday at home against Penn State. Washington will get Ohio State at home on Sunday. It’s a crucial matchup for the Huskies.
The Rest:
–Indiana Hoosiers 84, Maryland Terrapins 66
The Hoosiers were favored coming into this one, but nobody was quite sure what to expect from Indiana, considering the team entered the evening at 0-2 on the road and just 1-3 away from home. However, those concerns proved unfounded, as Indiana cruised to an 18-point win. Lamar Wilkerson was excellent in the outing, finishing with 24 points and six rebounds. Tayton Conerway also had 19 points and eight rebounds.
Indiana improved to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play with the win, while Maryland fell to 7-8 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Hoosiers will now prepare for Nebraska at home on Saturday in what’s looking like a massive showdown in Bloomington. Maryland will try and bounce back against UCLA on the road on Saturday.
