Michigan State was the first team to win, with UCLA capping off the night for the four Big Ten teams that were victorious Tuesday night in non-conference play.
The first game featured an in-state matchup between Michigan State and Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies became nationally known when they upset Kentucky in the NCAA tournament before falling to NC State in overtime in the round of 32.
This game is annually played due to the friendship between Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo and Oakland's coach Greg Kampe. The Spartans have defeated the Golden Grizzlies all 23 times they have played them. However, the game was close, with the Spartans only having a one-point lead at the half.
The game was tied four times in the first half, and the Golden Grizzlies were leading briefly in the first half. The Spartans responded right away in the second half as Oakland's hot three-point shooting of the first half began to fade in the second half. Then Oakland stepped up and cut the Spartans lead to three, with the score being 43-40. However, Michigan State would pull away to win the game. The Spartans ended up defeating the Golden Grizzlies by 19 points.
Maryland extended their home win streak against unranked non-conference opponents to 22 games with their win over St. Francis (PA). However, the game was close early in the game as the Red Flash cut Maryland's lead to two points with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. Then Maryland went on a huge run to end the first half.
The Terrapins went into halftime with a 55-29 commanding lead. Maryland never let up and cruised to another non-conference victory on their home court. The Terrapins put up 111 points and won by 54.
Ohio State hosted Valparaiso Tuesday night and looked to rebound after losing three of their last four games before this game. The Beacons started off playing well and even led the Buckeyes 16-12 with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half. Then Ohio State went on a 14-0 run and went into halftime with a double-digit lead on Valparaiso.
The Buckeyes would continue to increase their lead by 31 points from Devin Royal as Ohio State would end up winning by 22 points.
UCLA led the entire game and dominated Prairie View A&M for their tenth win of the season. The Bruins were winning at the half by 17 and extended their lead even further in the second half. Ten different UCLA players scored, and five players scored in double digits.
Dylan Andrews led all scorers with 21 points and also had six assists. Tyler Bilodeau contributed with 18 points, and Eric Dailey Jr. had 14 points, helping the Bruins offense excel in this game. Kobe Johnson had an outstanding all-around game with 12 points, seven assists, three steals, and five rebounds.
It was a good night for Big Ten teams, and the conference as a whole looks to continue to collectively have a strong non-conference season with not just wins but quality victories against power four conferences and top-tier mid-major teams.