There were two big almost-upsets in the Big Ten yesterday, but only almost.

Last week Wisconsin knocked off Minnesota. Yesterday the Badgers were poised to repeat the feat behind 26 from Jolene Anderson, but Purdue wiggled away in the last minute. "Darn it, it was right there," said coach Lisa Stone.

Many expected the Badgers to have a breakout season, but it never materialized. Still, the last two games are cause for hope. And as Stone said: "We’re not done yet. We have some damage to do in the Big Ten tournament."

Out in the Happy Valley, Penn State built a big early lead over Ohio State. But the Buckeyes chipped away layup by layup. With two seconds left, OSU took the lead and the win on a Marscilla Packer jumper.

A few dozen students protested coach Portland before and during the game. Several hundred fans responded by holding up signs reading "We Believe In Rene." The signs had been distributed by Portland supporters prior to the game. Rene called the show of support unexpected.

After the game, Rene bristled when reporters questioned her about the controversy. "Can we just talk about basketball? You guys have tried for six god-damn months [to get a comment on the controversy.] I want to talk about basketball."

The Lions finished 6-10 in the Big ten and earned the 8 seed for the conference tournament. They'll meet Wisconsin in the first round on Thursday.