The Big Ten Tournament Semifinals start on Saturday when the 13-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (16-18, 13-20 ATS, 8-15 Big Ten) take on the 1-seed Purdue Boilermakers (27-5, 12-18-2 ATS, 16-5 Big Ten). Ohio State defeated the 4-seed Michigan State in their last game, winning 68-58 as 6-point underdogs. Purdue defeated the 9-seed Rutgers 70-65, but failed to cover the 6.5-point spread. These teams met twice this season with Purdue winning both games, they won by 2 on the road and by 27 at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 ET from the United Center in Chicago and can be found on CBS. The winner advances to the Big Ten Tournament Final on Sunday.
Ohio State is continuing their Cinderella run through the Big Ten Tournament, which is especially important for them as they are not projected to make the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes are finally playing better basketball as of late, they won their last five out of six games and are finally playing up to their potential. In the game against Michigan State, they were led by freshman Bruce Thornton with 21 points and 6 assists in the win.
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— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 10, 2023
Thornton is a 6'2 guard who has caught fire as of late, he has scored 15 or more in his last four games and has upped his regular season production all conference tournament. Thornton averages 10.3 PPG, but is turning the conference tournament into his own showcase as he looks like the best player on the Buckeyes. Their leading scorer Brice Sensabaugh did not play in the game against Michigan State due to knee soreness, and his status for the Purdue game is unknown. Senior leader Justice Sueing had 14 points against Michigan State and is a reliable wing averaging 12.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State is ranked 49th overall by KenPom, which is 11th in the Big Ten. They have scored well all season, their offense ranks 21st in adjusted offensive efficiency. Their defense ranks 97th in efficiency. Ohio State is not currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament, but is two wins away from an automatic bid.
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