Northwestern Wildcats Advance to Big Ten Tournament Second Round

The 15th-seeded Wildcats face favorable matchups against Penn State and Indiana in the opening rounds.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Despite a disappointing regular season that saw them finish 15th in the Big Ten, the Northwestern Wildcats have a favorable path to advance in the Big Ten Tournament. They will face 18th-seeded Penn State in the opening round, a team they beat by 21 points earlier this season. If they get past the Nittany Lions, they would then take on 10th-seeded Indiana, another team the Wildcats defeated during the regular season. The Wildcats will look to key players like Nick Martinelli, Tre Singleton, and Arrinten Page to lead them through the early rounds.

Why it matters

Northwestern’s NCAA Tournament hopes faded during the regular season, but this Big Ten Tournament represents a chance for redemption. A deep run could bolster their resume and potentially earn them a spot in the Big Dance. Additionally, the Wildcats’ recent success against Penn State and Indiana provides confidence they can continue their winning ways in the tournament.

The details

The Wildcats will first face off against Penn State, a team they beat handily 94-73 in late January. In that game, Martinelli scored a career-high 34 points, Singleton grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds, and West dished out 13 assists. If they get past the Nittany Lions, they would then take on Indiana, a team they defeated 72-68 on the road just two weeks ago. Center Arrinten Page was a key contributor off the bench in that win over the Hoosiers.

  • The Big Ten Tournament is taking place from March 10-14, 2026.
  • Northwestern will play Penn State in the opening round on Tuesday, March 11.
  • If they advance, Northwestern will face Indiana on Wednesday, March 12.

The players

Nick Martinelli

Northwestern’s leading scorer, who averaged 22.7 points per game during the regular season.

Tre Singleton

A key contributor for the Wildcats, known for his rebounding and defensive abilities.

Arrinten Page

A transfer center who has provided a boost off the bench for Northwestern in recent games.

Lamar Wilkerson

Indiana’s leading scorer, who averaged 21 points per game during the regular season.

Freddie Dilione

One of Penn State’s top scorers, who has improved his production since being inserted into the starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.