The final Big Ten team was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, as Michigan State fell to Auburn, 70-64. The Spartans put together a spirited rally in the second half after falling behind early to the Tigers.

This time last year, the ACC and Big East were entering the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with a combined record of 14-1 and comprising seven teams of the Sweet 16 field. By contrast, the Big Ten and SEC placed just two teams apiece among the final 16 in 2024 after the conferences earned eight bids each to the Big Dance.