The Big Ten Conference is one of the most prestigious and competitive conferences in the NCAA. It features some of the best college basketball teams in the nation and is home to some of the most talented and successful players in college basketball history. Each year, teams from the Big Ten compete for the conference championship and a chance to advance to the NCAA tournament. This year, the conference crown was won by the Illinois Fighting Illini, who had an incredibly successful season and were able to outlast their competitors in the conference race.
2020-21 Big Ten Standings
Illinois led the conference in the 2020-21 season, finishing with an impressive 20-6 record. The Fighting Illini were followed closely by the Iowa Hawkeyes, who finished the regular season with an 18-8 record. Wisconsin and Michigan rounded out the top four teams in the Big Ten, with both teams finishing the season with 16-10 records. The rest of the conference was rounded out by Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Indiana, Minnesota, Maryland, Penn State, and Rutgers.
Big Ten Tournament
The Big Ten Tournament is one of the most exciting tournaments in college basketball and serves as the final step for teams to prove their worth and earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. This year, the tournament was held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and featured some of the best teams in the Big Ten. The tournament was dominated by Illinois, who were able to defeat Iowa in the championship game and secure the conference title.
Illinois vs Iowa
The championship game between Illinois and Iowa was a thrilling match-up between two of the best teams in the conference. The game was back-and-forth throughout, with both teams trading leads and the score being tied at the end of regulation. In overtime, however, Illinois was able to pull away and secure the victory, with Ayo Dosunmu leading the way with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The win gave Illinois their first Big Ten championship since 2005, and cemented their place as one of the top teams in the conference.
Illinois’ Big Ten Success
The 2020-21 season was a successful one for Illinois, who were able to earn their first Big Ten title in 16 years. The Fighting Illini were led by Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn, who both had impressive seasons and were instrumental in the team’s success. Dosunmu was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, while Cockburn was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Additionally, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year, capping off a successful and historic season for the Fighting Illini.
Looking Ahead
The Big Ten conference is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball and is sure to be even more competitive in the coming years. There are a number of teams in the conference that are capable of making a run at the conference title and earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. With Illinois returning all of their key players and adding more talent to the roster, they will be a team to watch in the 2021-22 season.
Conclusion
The 2020-21 Big Ten conference season was a thrilling one, and was won by the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois was able to outlast their competitors and secure the conference title, with Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn leading the way. The team’s success was capped off by Brad Underwood being named the Big Ten Coach of the Year. The Big Ten is sure to be even more competitive in the coming years, and Illinois will be a team to watch in the 2021-22 season.