Ohio State Survives Illinois, Advances To Big Ten Tournament Final

There is a reason they call him The Villain. For the second striaght day Evan Turner may have ruined the postseason dreams of a Big Ten foe. Illinois will now have a long wait over the next 24 hours or so until the field of 65 is revealed as Turner scored 31 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and dished out six assists to move Ohio State into the Big Ten Championship game with an 88-81 double overtime win.

The game was the first multiple overtime game in Big Ten Tournament history and the Fighting Illini very nearly kept the dream alive at the end of regulation and the first overtime. Both times Illinois had the ball for the final shot, but they were unable to get one off before time expired. Mike Davis had an open look at a layup at the end of regulation, but he missed from point blank range and the shot was likely late anyway.

John Diebler then gave Ohio State the lead for good with a 3-pointer from the top of the key just 12 seconds into the second overtime. Turner then scored on drives on Ohio State’s next two possessions before fouling out with one minute remaining. Illinois trailed 84-80 at that point, but were unable to take advantage of his absence.

Illinois placed five players in double figures with Demetri McCamey scoring 22. Illinois will now have to hope its Friday win over Wisconsin is enough to move it into the field of 65.