CBB: Illinois outlasts Ohio State in OT thriller to win Big Ten title

The Illinois Fighting Illini (20-6, 16-4) capped a dominant run in the Big Ten Tournament with a 91-88 overtime victory in the title game against Ohio State (21-9, 12-8) on Sunday, March 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Brad Underwood’s team jumped out to a 27-10 lead but the Buckeyes were able to battle back, cutting the halftime deficit to 40-35. Justice Sueing's and-one with 24 seconds left sent the Big Ten Tournament title game to overtime for the second time ever. Andre Curbelo scored six points in OT and helped push Illinois past Ohio State. Dosunmu sealed the 91-88 win with a pair of free throws.

Dosunmu, who was named Most Outstanding Player, finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists on 42.8% shooting on 3-pointers. Kofi Cockburn and Curbelo each scored 16 points in the win. Duane Washington almost singlehandily dragged Ohio State back into the game, scoring a tournament-high 32 points and eight rebounds on 57.1% shooting from the field. Sueing impressed with 22 points and four rebounds while EJ Liddell added 12 points and seven rebounds in the loss. This marks Illinois’ first Big Ten Tournament championship since 2005, when they made a run to the Final Four.

“After we beat Ohio State to win the Big Ten title, it was crazy. We couldn’t really soak it in all at one time because we had just won the Big Ten Tournament title. We were celebrating and cutting down the nets, and the selection show came on. It was a great feeling," Dosunmu told ESPN on Monday. "There’s definitely a sense of urgency with myself and with our teammates because now it’s win or go home. It’s no time for collapses. Every game has to be played tremendously hard to accomplish our goals. It feels great to understand that. We have a great chance to go out there and do something special.”

Photo Credit: Illinois Athletics.