The Illini made it clear they can close out big games, but they also showed an inability to make defensive adjustments

This year’s Big Ten tournament carries higher stakes. The Boilermakers were picked as the preseason conference favorite. They held sole possession of first place with a month remaining in the regular season. Yet they stumbled back to Indianapolis as the 6 seed, well off the pace of that coveted third consecutive championship.

The Boilermakers couldn't get into their offense with Michigan's defense contributing to tough shots in a physical game.