Big Ten Tournament Complete Preview and Predictions

Wednesday, March 11

Game 1 (6 p.m. ET): No. 12 Minnesota vs. No. 13 Northwestern on BTN

Northwestern has played better as of late, including a surprise win over Penn State. The problem here will be that Minnesota is just better and a 83-57 win at Northwestern not too long ago makes that a painful fact for Northwestern fans. Look for this to be a close game most of the way with Minnesota pulling away at the end. Gophers 75, Wildcats 62

Game 2 (25 min. after): No. 11 Indiana vs. No. 14 Nebraska on BTN

Nebraska is missing players and that fact alone should make the Hoosiers big favorites in this game. The Hoosiers need a couple of wins in this tournament to feel comfortable about claiming a March Madness spot and they should get the first one right here. Hoosiers 85, Cornhuskers 57

Thursday, March 12

Game 3 (12 p.m. ET): No. 8 Rutgers vs. No. 9 Michigan on BTN

Rutgers just a week ago looked in jeopardy of not making the tournament, but that has changed in the last week. A win at Purdue should find them securely in the field of 68. Michigan looks like a top ten team one minute and an NIT team the next. This should be an interesting game and I favor the more talented Wolverines. Wolverines 71, Scarlet Knights 64

Game 4 (25 min. after): No. 5 Iowa vs. Minnesota on BTN

The Hawkeyes have troubles on the defensive end of the floor and that can cause problems here but I don’t think that Minnesota has the firepower to win this one. Hawkeyes 83, Golden Gophers 68

Game 5 (6:30 p.m. ET): No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Purdue on BTN

Purdue needs a few wins in this tournament to go marching. Ohio State is already in and they are just a more talented team. Buckeyes 68, Boilermakers 59

Game 6 (25 min. after): No. 6 Penn State vs. Indiana BTN

Penn State lost their last game to Northwestern and they have limped to the finish line. Hoosiers, 63, Lions 61

Friday, March 13

Game 7 (12 p.m. ET): No. 1 Wisconsin vs. Michigan on BTN

Wisconsin is playing as well as anybody in the Big Ten and looks to be a tough out. Michigan sometimes is world beaters and sometimes they are not. So what Wolverines team shows up in this one? Wolverines 71, Badgers 70

Game 8 (25 min. after): No. 4 Illinois vs. Iowa on BTN

This game is a toss-up between two evenly matched teams. In the end, I think Luke Garza will be the difference in this one. Hawkeyes 79, Illini 74

Game 9 (6:30 p.m. ET): No. 2 Michigan State vs. Ohio State on BTN

Michigan State has been playing the way they were expected to play this season as of late and Ohio State is a well-coached team that can play with anybody. Spartans 80, Buckeyes 77

Game 10 (25 min. after): No. 3 Maryland vs. Indiana on BTN

The Hoosiers blew a late 7-point lead against Maryland a month ago which really hurt their NCAA Tourney chances, while Maryland had to settle for a first-place tie for the Big Ten as they stumbled at the finish line. I like a Hoosier upset playing basically at home in Indy. Hoosiers 75, Terrapins 74

Saturday, March 14

Game 11 (1 p.m. ET): Michigan vs. Iowa on CBS

This will be a great matchup between two teams that can put the ball in the basket. I like Iowa’s firepower a little more as Luke Garza once again makes the difference. Hawkeyes 84  Wolverines 81

Game 12 (25 min. after): Michigan State vs. Indiana on CBS

Indiana has fared very well against the Spartans, believe it or not, over the last few years. I think they will be in this game. I just think the Spartans are better and the Hoosiers will be running on fumes in the second half. Spartans 79, Hoosiers 67

Big Ten Championship Game

Game 13 (3:30 p.m. ET): Michigan State vs. Iowa on CBS

Iowa behind Luke Garza can stay in this game but the difference in this game will be coaching and the ability to play defense. Spartans 83, Hawkeyes 73