Illinois vs. Ohio State score: Illini secure first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005 with win over Buckeyes

Illinois looks as dangerous as ever after stomping through the end of the season

The Big Ten delivered all season while cementing its place as the top conference in college basketball, and Sunday's conference tournament final served as a fitting cap. No. 2 seed Illinois outlasted No. 5 seed Ohio State 91-88 in an overtime battle of heavyweights destined for great seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Ohio State battled back from an early 27-10 deficit to take their first lead of the game with 5:35 left. But the Illini found their footing from there to lock up their first conference tournament title since 2005. That 2005 team went on to appear in the national title game, and this team has similar aspirations as it heads to the Big Dance with a 23-6 record.

Despite the final loss, the Big Ten Tournament represented a return to form for Ohio State (21-9), which had dropped four straight to close the regular season. The Buckeyes won three close games -- including an overtime victory against Purdue in the quarterfinals and a dramatic victory over rival Michigan in Saturday's semifinals -- to reach the final. Duane Washington Jr. led the Buckeyes with 32 points on Sunday.

But in the end, an Illinois team led by star guard Ayo Dosunmu and center Kofi Cockburn proved too much to handle as the Illini captured a 2-1 lead in the season series with Ohio State. The duo also had plenty of help Sunday as Illinois saw six players reach double figures.

Start a bracket pool to compete against friends or fill out your bracket for a chance to win a brand new Nissan Rogue and a college basketball dream trip. Get in the action today!

Below is the complete schedule and results from the tournament. For a look at the updated Big Ten Tournament bracket, click here. 

2021 Big Ten Tournament schedule, scores

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium -- Indianapolis
Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free) | Follow live: CBS Sports App  

All times Eastern; some start times approximated

First round -- Wednesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 13 Minnesota 51, No. 12 Northwestern 46 | Recap
Game 2: No. 11 Penn State 72, No. 14 Nebraska 66 | Recap

Second round -- Thursday, March 11
Game 3: No. 8 Maryland 68, No. 9 Michigan State 57 | Recap 
Game 4: No. 5 Ohio State 79,  No. 13 Minnesota 75 | Recap
Game 5: No. 7 Rutgers 61, No. 10 Indiana 50 | Recap
Game 6: No. 6 Wisconsin 75, No. 11 Penn State 74 | Recap

Quarterfinals -- Friday, March 12
Game 7: No. 1 Michigan 79, No. 8 Maryland 66 | Recap
Game 8: No. 5 Ohio State 87, No. 4 Purdue 78 (OT) | Recap
Game 9: No. 2 Illinois 90, No. 7 Rutgers 68 | Recap
Game 10: No. 3 Iowa 62, No. 6 Wisconsin 57 | Recap

Semifinals -- Saturday, March 13
Game 11: No. 5 Ohio State 68, No. 1 Michigan 67 | Recap
Game 12: No. 2 Illinois 82, No. 3 Iowa 71 | Recap

Big Ten Tournament Championship Game -- Sunday, March 14
Game 13: No. 2 Illinois 91, No. 5 Ohio State 88 | Recap

Follow below for updates, analysis and highlights throughout the event.

[Mar 14, 2021 at 5:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ohio State refuses to quit, as a Towns' 3 brings the Buckeyes within 87-84. But the Buckeyes will need help from Illinois.

[Mar 14, 2021 at 5:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

What a fitting finish to the Big Ten season. An OT battle to the death between two great teams.