In one of the most hotly contested Big Ten tournaments in recent memory, two teams enter with the same goal but different motivations. UCLA, having tied for the regular season championship, was expected to be here. They have played at a high level all season and have used their pitching staff throughout this tournament with an eye on having it ready for next week’s regional.
Based on its #8 seed, Nebraska was not expected to be playing today. Their season should be over and their players spread across the country playing summer ball. Their season has been a roller coaster of unmet expectations.