The Big Ten postseason race has tightened with just over a month until the tournament, with four teams clinching their spots in Indianapolis.
In addition to the tournament clinchers, there has been significant action across the conference, including losing streaks by top-25 teams and the first conference win for a bottom-feeder.
Washington, Oregon upset Maryland
At the beginning of January, Maryland was ranked No. 7 before going on a 3-4 run. Entering last week, the Terrapins were ranked No. 16; this week’s AP rankings have them ranked No. 22.
Things haven’t been going well for Maryland, losing another pair of games last week.
After being up by 12 points entering the second half, the Terrapins gave up a 23-point third quarter to Washington. The Huskies took the game to overtime and Maryland ultimately gave up 24 points in a double-overtime window despite Yarden Garzon’s 24 points.
On Saturday, Maryland allowed 24 points in the fourth quarter to Oregon to lose its fourth-straight game and fall to 5-6 in conference play.
Indiana earns 1st conference win
While Garzon’s team hit the losing column again last week, her former team found its first win since Dec. 21.
The Hoosiers came out victorious against Northwestern on Sunday, winning 89-75 for their first conference win of the year.
Guard Shay Ciezki (4) attempts a shot during the Penn State women’s basketball game against George Mason inside the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Lady Lions beat the Patriots 84-80.
Chris Eutsler
Former Penn State senior Shay Ciezki continued to make her case as a future WNBA player, recording 33 points for her sixth 30-point game of the year.
Northwestern had two conference wins against Rutgers and Wisconsin heading into Sunday’s game, but fell to the 15th seed in the tournament, teetering on the brink of elimination.
USC, Illinois earn much-needed upsets
After only winning one game in the first three weeks of January, USC ended the month with a big win over then-No. 8 Iowa.
The Hawkeyes had an eight-game winning streak entering Thursday’s contest, but 20-plus point games by Jazzy Davidson and Kara Dunn gave the Trojans the 12-point victory.
Illinois earned an upset of its own, taking down the No. 25 Huskies at home.
The Fighting Illini also had a pair of 20-plus point scorers in Cearah Parchment and Berry Wallace, with Parchment recording a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Battle of Michigan in OT
One of the closest games of the week came in a battle of Michigan as the Wolverines traveled to East Lansing to face Michigan State on Sunday.
It was a close contest between the two teams, as the Wolverines entered the half leading by one point.Both teams were in the top-25 entering the night, but it was No. 9 Michigan who came away victorious.
The Wolverines were led by Mila Holloway and Olivia Olson, who combined for 49 points on the day.
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