In this episode of "Big Ten After Dark," host JR and guest Larry K from the @knightwatch9712 podcast recap the first round of the Big Ten basketball tournament, aired on March 12, 2025. They dive into Rutgers' double-overtime loss to USC (97-89), highlighting Rutgers' valiant comeback but ultimate struggle with three-point shooting, while USC capitalized on perimeter shots to secure the win. The duo also covers Iowa's upset victory over Ohio State, noting Iowa's balanced team effort and Ohio State’s disappointing performance, particularly from transfers Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart. Northwestern’s 72-64 win over Minnesota is discussed, with praise for their cohesive play despite an unusual hotel air conditioning issue that left coach Chris Collins frustrated with the Big Ten. JR and Larry touch on coaching critiques, including Steve Pikiell’s uncertain future at Rutgers and Ben Johnson’s challenges at Minnesota, while previewing the next day’s matchups with a playful nod to Northwestern as a potential upset pick. The episode blends detailed game analysis with fan perspectives and a dash of humor, encapsulating the highs and lows of the tournament’s opening night.What is the Big Ten Huddle? https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/More from JR:Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankingsBig Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddleRead JR's Ohio State coverage: https://x.com/jrs_rankingsListen to JR on Ohio State (Most Sundays at 8 pm ET): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb18UD0A7PPUktICZC3ehCgListen to JR on Illinois (Monday episodes): https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnIlliniListen to JR on Iowa (Monday afternoons): https://x.com/1600ESPNBig Ten Basketball Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBigTenHuddle-BasketballSPONSORSCoach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room College Huddle - https://thecollegehuddle.com/Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTHCatch The Big Ten Huddle daily, covering football or basketball. Here is our live show schedule:SUNDAY LIVE @ 9:00 pmMONDAY LIVE @ 10:00 am - BasketballTUESDAY LIVE @ 9:00 pm*All times are Eastern timeAUDIO ONLY PLATFORMSThe Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddleLEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle!