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Sports Thursday, March 12, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. There’s a reason the Big Ten decided to expand its men’s tournament in 2026 and let all 18 teams participate, making it a six-day basketball extravaganza in Chicago instead of a nice, long weekend. As long as TV networks or streamers are willing to televise these games, there’s always a chance someone will watch. But getting fans to come out to the United Center for the early slate has been a challenge. Only the most die-hard students and alumni showed up Wednesday on Day 2 to watch eight teams that likely would be eliminated by Friday, if not by the end of the night. Northwestern guard Justin Mullins, center, and teammates walk off the court after a 74-61 win over Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center on March 11, 2026, in
Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Northwestern had the alleged hometown advantage Wednesday night against Indiana, and though the sparse crowd was dominated by red-clad Hoosier fans, the Wildcats held on for a 74-61 second-round win to extend the Nick Martinelli Farewell Tour for at least one more day. In other conference tournament play, Loyola advanced in the Atlanta 10, while DePaul was upset in the first round of Big East play. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History | | | | The Chicago Bears shuffled their roster through several signings, trades and departures. As the dust settles, did they come out ahead or behind? | | | | | Fallout from the failed Maxx Crosby trade begs the question: What’s next for the Las Vegas Raiders and the marquee edge rusher? It’s a lot for the Chicago Bears to ponder. | | | | | Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain while playing for Team Italy at the WBC on Tuesday. | | | | | Wednesday represented the first time Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw played first base at any level. | | | | | A day later than expected, the United States has punched its ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. | | | | | Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis averaged 19.2 points in the 13 games since the trade deadline, including a career-high 41 on Tuesday. He believes it’s just the start. | | | |
