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Big Ten Tournament: First-round recap

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By JOHN BOSCHINI

Second-seeded Ohio State was expected to make quick work of 3-12-3 Wisconsin to start its Big 10 title defense. But the Badgers had other ideas, holding the Buckeyes scoreless for 110 minutes and advancing  5-4 on penalty kicks and providing one of the biggest shocks of the season. Wisconsin had not advanced past the first round of the Big 10 tournament since 2003 and were under constant pressure against the Buckeyes, allowing Ohio State to fire off 30 shots, including 11 on goal, but never allowed a breakthrough. In the penalty shootout, both sides converted their first three spot kicks until Austin McAnena missed for Ohio State. Wisconsin took advantage and converted its next two penalties to book a place in the semifinals. Wisconsin goalkeeper Max Jentsch extended his shutout streak to 358 minutes.

The Badgers will face off against third-seeded Michigan, who dispatched sixth-seeded Michigan State with a 2-1 victory. It was a chippy affair between the in-state rivals with seven cards produced, one of them red. After a scoreless first period, Ruben Bega gave Michigan State a surprising 1-0 lead with a tap-in off a Cyrus Saydee cross. Justin Meram equalized for the Wolverines less than seven minutes later with his 10th goal of the season. Meram was issued his second yellow card in the 65th minute and Michigan were down to 10 men. Despite the disadvantage, Michigan mantained offensive pressure and found a winner when Soony Saad laced his free kick into the side netting in the 76th minute.


Three goals in the final 17 minutes were the catalyst for fourth-seeded Penn State's 3-1 comeback victory over fifth-seeded Northwestern. The Wildcats took the lead less than a minute before halftime courtesy of a Reed Losse goal. The score remained 1-0 until the 74th minute when Corey Hertzog scored the first of his two goals to bring the Nittany Lions even. 11 minutes later, Jordan Tyler directed Matheus Braga's cross into the back of the net and Penn State had the lead. Hertzog waited only three minutes to add an insurance goal and bring his season total up to 16 goals. Penn State will face top-seeded Indiana in tomorrow's late semifinal.

Semifinals (Both games will be played at Penn State and will be televised on the Big 10 network)

TODAY

No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 7 Wisconsin, 1
No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 4 Penn State, 3:330

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What did you think of this today's results? Can Wisconsin upset Michigan and advance to the championship game? Will Penn State upset Indiana at home? Leave your throughts in the comments section below.

Comments

  1. Sonny Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!! Get ready for the dynamic forward to hopefully make a splash during the next U20 camp.

    Reply

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