College basketball highlights: UConn-Marquette, Penn State-Northwestern, more

Contents

Ohio State’s Felix Okpara throws down a dunk Michigan State’s Mady Sissoko records a filthy block against Ohio State Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton makes the quick bucket Rutgers’ Clifford Omoruyi drops a one-handed reverse dunk vs. Purdue Purdue’s Zach Edey delivers a MONSTROUS two-handed jam vs. Rutgers

The further we advance into the week, the higher the stakes get in the world of men’s college basketball, as the major conference tournaments — including the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 — kick into high gear Friday.

The day began with an intense matchup between Big Ten regular-season champion Purdue and Rutgers, which saw the Scarlet Knights come up just short in a game that went down to the wire in Chicago.

Pac-12 regular-season champion UCLA will be in action later in the day, as will Big East champ Marquette and defending national champion Kansas out of the Big 12.

We’ve got you covered with all the action from start to finish from around the league.

Here are the top moments!

Ohio State 68, Michigan State 58 (Big Ten)

Hot start

Ohio State was first to strike in this one, but Michigan State‘s Tyson Walker sparked a run for the Spartans early.

Then, the Buckeyes heated up as the first half got underway, connecting on one shot after another to build a small lead.

Throw it down big man!

Ohio State big man Felix Okpara threw down a two-handed flush to give the Buckeyes a 24-17 lead over the Spartans.

The Buckeyes took a 33-24 lead into halftime.

Ohio State’s Felix Okpara throws down a dunk

No quit

The Spartans went on a run early in the second half after a much-needed spark from Mady Sissoko, who came up with a massive block to swing the momentum Michigan State’s way.

Michigan State’s Mady Sissoko records a filthy block against Ohio State

Eyes on the prize

Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton drained a quick bucket thanks to a smooth pass from teammate Sean McNeil that extended their lead to double digits, 46-36, midway through the second half.

Ohio State held on to win by the same margin, 68-58.

Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton makes the quick bucket

Purdue 70, Rutgers 65 (Big Ten)

And we’re off!

Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi accounted for the first points of the game on this smooth reverse dunk.

The Scarlet Knights jumped out to a 12-4 lead by the first official TV timeout, making a big statement early.

Rutgers’ Clifford Omoruyi drops a one-handed reverse dunk vs. Purdue

Keeping it close

Purdue went on a 5-0 run midway through the first half to keep Rutgers within arm’s reach, 17-10.

The Scarlet Knights had a few tricks up their sleeve, however, as the first half continued. Exhibit A: Cam Spencer.

Boom!

Boilermakers center Zach Edey slammed it home to tie things up for Purdue ahead of the break.

It was a one-point game at halftime, 29-28.

Purdue’s Zach Edey delivers a MONSTROUS two-handed jam vs. Rutgers

Back and forth

Rutgers regained the lead early in the second half, but Purdue turned up the heat and didn’t stay behind for long.

Not how they drew it up

Rutgers guard Derek Simpson drained a 3-point jumper to make it a one-point game, 50-49, late in the second half after the team’s initial play didn’t go as planned.

Rutgers continued to bring the pressure with one big bucket after another as the game wound down.

Tensions running high

Things got heated as the final moments approached. Edey was assessed a flagrant 1 foul during the sequence, which involved players from both teams getting in a dust up on the court.

In the end, the Boilermakers were able to hang on to the lead and secure the win, 70-65.

COMING UP:

Penn State vs. Northwestern (Big Ten)