Minnesota Wins One for Record Book

Nobody went scurrying for the record book to find out the last time it happened.

That’s because there is no record book.

The Big Ten--trying the conference tournament business for the first time in its 102-year history--promptly saw top-seeded Michigan State tumble Friday when eighth-seeded Minnesota upset the 12th-ranked Spartans, 76-73.

Fans at the United Center, still neophytes at all this, didn’t stir to Minnesota’s side the way fans usually do when they smell an upset that could open the bracket for their own team.

Even Michigan fans--whose team benefits by playing the 14-14 Gophers in a semifinal game today--were oddly neutral.

Indiana fans sat idly by, waiting for the Hoosiers to play Purdue in the most anticipated of four quarterfinal games, and saw the Boilermakers hold off an Indiana upset bid to advance to the other semifinal against Illinois.

Michigan State’s shot at becoming the first Big Ten tournament champion went awry with every miss by Mateen Cleaves, the conference player of the year.

Cleaves had a truly atrocious shooting performance, missing his first 11 shots and finishing two for 18.

His final attempt clanged off the heel of the rim with seven seconds left, ending the Spartans’ hopes and sending them into the NCAA tournament with two consecutive losses after an overtime loss to Purdue to end the regular season.

“I’ve had some frustrating days before, that’s what sports is all about,” Cleaves said. “Some other days you never forget, like the best you’ve ever had. I just really couldn’t get my shot going today.”

Minnesota used the experience of what few players it has left from last year’s Final Four team to knock off Michigan State. Still, it’s been a comedown after losing star Bobby Jackson from last year’s team.

“I think we had the advantage of going to the Final Four last year,” said Minnesota guard Eric Harris, who scored 29 points and made 10 of 12 shots, including four three-point shots. “That gave us a lot of confidence with the setting and the lights. Myself, Sam [Jacobson], Miles [Tarver[ and Quincy [Lewis], there were no nerves. We just played loose. We’re the underdogs with nothing to lose.”

Michigan State has stumbled lately, and was forced to the share the regular-season title with Illinois because of the Purdue loss. Michigan State had already raised a banner at its final home game, drawing criticism for counting its chickens early.

“We did something for our fans, and our seniors,” Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo said when asked about the situation again, reacting angrily to the criticism. “I think that’s a joke, without being insulting. That’s an absolute joke.”

With Minnesota and Purdue still alive, it’s possible the Big Ten title game might be a matchup of coaches who are no fans of the tournament.

“Just ‘cause we won--I’d still vote the same way,” Minnesota Coach Clem Haskins said.

Izzo stuck by his position too.

“If you want to know if I’m still a proponent of the tournament, yes, I am,” he said. “It’s the right thing for the Big Ten. Was it the right thing for us? Maybe not.”

No. 9 Purdue 76, Indiana 71--Mike Robinson had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Boilermakers (25-6), who scored the final five points of the game after Indiana tied the score, 71-71, with 1:35 left. Indiana (19-11) is slightly on the NCAA tournament bubble but has a strong No. 21 ranking in the Ratings Percentage Index that is used by the NCAA to help select the field. However, Indiana lost to Iowa twice.

No. 17 Michigan 77, Iowa 66--Ranked as high as No. 10 this season, Iowa might be left out of the NCAA tournament after losing in the quarterfinals. The Hawkeyes have a 20-10 record, but have only one victory over a ranked opponent--Purdue--and a No. 68 RPI.

“Frankly, it is up in the air,” Iowa Coach Tom Davis said. “I’m proud of this team and feel good about the team. We’ll be playing somewhere. I don’t want them to be too disappointed if we don’t make the NCAA tournament.”

Louis Bullock led Michigan (22-8) with 21 points.

No. 18 Illinois 66, Wisconsin 61--The Illini (21-9) had to fight off a rally by the Badgers, who scored only 10 points in the first half but took a 46-45 lead with six minutes to play. However, Illinois guard Kevin Turner, who finished with 24 points, scored nine consecutive points to squash the upset bid by Wisconsin (12-19).