Big Ten Tournament Bracket 2026 — Results, Today's Games, and Updated Bracket
The Big Ten Tournament is underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Thursday's first round is nearly complete, and Friday's quarterfinal matchups are now set. Here is the full updated Big Ten Tournament bracket picture heading into Friday, March 13.
Thursday Big Ten Tournament Results
Thursday's first-round action produced two results that set up Friday's quarterfinals. Ohio State and Wisconsin both advanced and will be in action again on Friday.
Ohio State 72, Iowa 69 — The Buckeyes edged the Hawkeyes in a tight one, with Ohio State now moving on to face Michigan in a Friday quarterfinal at noon ET.
Wisconsin 85, Washington 82 — The Badgers survived a late push from Washington to advance, and will now square off against Illinois on Friday at 2:30 PM ET.
Purdue 81, Northwestern 68 — The Boilermakers handled Northwestern convincingly. Purdue advances to face Nebraska on Friday at 6:30 PM ET.
Friday Big Ten Tournament Schedule — Quarterfinals
| Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|
| Noon | Michigan vs. Ohio State |
| 2:30 PM | Illinois vs. Wisconsin |
| 6:30 PM | Nebraska vs. Purdue |
| UCLA vs. Rutgers | ~9:00 PM ET |
The UCLA vs. Rutgers first-round game tips off tonight at 9:00 PM ET, with the winner advancing to face a higher seed in the quarterfinals on Friday.
What to Watch in Friday's Big Ten Quarterfinals
The Michigan vs. Ohio State quarterfinal is the marquee matchup of the day. The rivalry always carries extra weight and a Big Ten Tournament setting sharpens it further. Ohio State enters on the strength of a gutsy win over Iowa, while Michigan comes in rested with a bye through Thursday.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin sets up as a battle of contrasting styles. Wisconsin is coming off back-to-back games after surviving Washington, while Illinois has been off and fresh. The Badgers' fatigue could be a real factor late in that one.
Purdue enters as one of the hottest teams in the bracket after rolling Northwestern by 13. The Boilermakers have the size and experience to make a deep tournament run, and Nebraska will need a complete 40-minute effort to slow them down.
The Big Ten Tournament continues Friday exclusively on CBS and Peacock.