Big Ten Tournament Heats Up in Chicago

Northwestern advances, Illinois awaits matchup

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Big Ten men's basketball tournament is in full swing at the United Center in Chicago. Northwestern has advanced to the next round and will face Purdue, while Illinois is waiting to find out its next opponent. All eyes are on star freshman Keaton Wagler as the tournament heads towards Selection Sunday.

Why it matters

The Big Ten tournament is a high-stakes event that determines conference seeding for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Strong performances from Illinois and Northwestern could boost their chances of securing favorable seeds and matchups in the upcoming March Madness tournament.

The details

In the third round of the Big Ten tournament, Northwestern will take on Purdue after advancing past their previous matchup. Meanwhile, Illinois is awaiting its next opponent as the tournament continues. Much of the attention is focused on freshman sensation Keaton Wagler, whose standout play could be a key factor in determining his team's postseason fate.

  • The Big Ten tournament is currently underway at the United Center in Chicago.
  • Round three of the tournament tips off on March 12, 2026.

The players

Northwestern

A men's basketball team competing in the Big Ten tournament.

Purdue

A men's basketball team competing in the Big Ten tournament.

Illinois

A men's basketball team competing in the Big Ten tournament.

Keaton Wagler

A star freshman basketball player whose performance could significantly impact his team's tournament success.

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What’s next

The winners of the Northwestern-Purdue and Illinois matchups will advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament, which will be held on March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Big Ten tournament is a crucial event that will determine the conference's representation and seeding in the upcoming NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Strong performances from Illinois and Northwestern, as well as the continued emergence of star freshman Keaton Wagler, will be key factors to watch as the tournament progresses.