Illinois imposes will on indiana

Illinois (21-5, 12-3 Big Ten) dominated the Indiana Hoosiers (17-9, 8-7 Big Ten) at home yesterday in one of their best performances of the season, ultimately winning by 20 after leading almost the entirety of the game. Illinois held Indiana to one of their worst offensive performances of the season, as the Hoosiers put up just 51 points, shooting 41% from the field. The Illini turned it over just twice, and were lead by star freshmen Keaton Wagler (18 points) and David Mirkovic (25 points, 7 rebounds). The Illini have been steadily increasing their seeding, and may hold a spot on the 2 line now. Indiana has been on the bubble all year, and likely holds an 8-9 seed at the moment, even with the loss. Both teams will have plenty more opportunities to add to their resumes in Big Ten play.

Bulls best owls in overtime

South Florida (18-8, 10-3 AAC) took down in-state rival Florida Atlantic (14-12, 6-7 AAC) in a big AAC game last night, improving them to 10-3 in conference play after their fourth straight victory. The game was tight for its entirety, with the teams tied at 77 heading into OT, where South Florida would eventually pull out the 2 point victory, winning 83-81. The Bulls are currently projected to be out of the at-large picture, but are assumed to pick up the conference’s automatic bid. This win puts them in even better shape to remain in bubble conversations if they happen to drop a game in the conference tournament.

Bruins outpace the racers

Belmont (24-4, 14-3 MVC) dominated Murray State (19-9, 11-8 MVC) on the road last night, winning by 17 for a final score of 87-70. The Bruins picked up a much needed victory after going 1-1 in the week prior to the game, losing a close one to Bradley in Overtime. Belmont was down by as many as 19 in the game, but ended on a 61-25 run to ultimately dominate the Racers. Belmont was helped out by their bench depth, with sophomore Eoin Dillon and freshman Jack Smiley posting 19 and 21, respectively. Though the Bruins sit on the low-end of the bubble in terms of at-large chances, they’re currently the heavy favorite to earn the conference’s auto bid, currently holding a two and a half game lead over Bradley for the regular season title.

Seton hall slams the door on butler

Seton Hall (18-8, 8-7 Big East) continued to improve their at-large chances on Sunday, picking up a huge Quad 1 win over Butler (13-13, 4-11 Big East) on the road. This is the second win in a row for the Pirates and places them firmly in the bubble conversation, currently holding a spot in the “Next Four Out”. The Pirates trailed by 1 at the half, but ultimately outscored the Bulldogs by 8 in the second half, taking home a 63-56 victory in a low scoring affair. AJ Staton-McCray lead the Pirates in scoring posting 19, 15 of which came in the second half. Seton Hall held Butler to just 30% shooting from the field, and 24% from deep.

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Games to watch (2/16)

• Syracuse @ Duke (7 PM)
• Houston @ Iowa State (9 PM)