MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo described it as a “historic” tournament for the conference — the first time the Big Ten has had a field featuring six teams ranked in the top 10 during the course of the season.
This doesn’t even count No. 22 Wisconsin, whom Izzo once described as the conference’s most consistent team, after staying in the Big Ten title race down to the final week.
It all should make for an exciting Big Ten Tournament, even the first round, where anything could happen.
“(There’s) only (been) three times in the last 10 years where the Final Fours (had) four top-10 teams in it,” Izzo said.
“It’s going to maybe be one of the craziest tournaments I think they have had in the whole country.”
Illinois (21-11, 8-10) vs. Minnesota (20-11, 8-10) (noon, Big Ten Network)
The best matchup of the first round likely will feature these two athletic, high-scoring teams. Both teams are reeling of late and in need of a confidence boosting win. Minnesota’s size will help them get it done.
Prediction: Minnesota
Michigan (25-6, 12-6) vs. Penn State (10-20, 2-16) (2:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
The Wolverines’ loss in the regular-season finale not only cost them a chance at the Big Ten title, but also forced them to play in the opening round of the tournament. It will be no easy task against a Nittany Lions team that’s been surprisingly competitive against U-M this season, narrowly losing in the teams’ first meeting before stunning the Wolverines in the second. As a result, U-M will be ready.
Prediction: Michigan
Purdue (15-16, 8-10) vs. Nebraska (14-17, 5-13) (6:30 p.m., ESPN2)
After going through a rough stretch midway through the conference season by losing five of six, the Boilermakers have righted the ship of late, with wins in three of their past five games, including victories against Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nebraska has fought valiantly this year, nabbing impressive victories against Minnesota and Iowa, but ultimately, they don’t have Purdue’s talent.
Prediction: Purdue
Iowa (20-11, 9-9) vs. Northwestern (13-18, 4-14) (9 p.m., ESPN2)
Although the Wildcats have shown a lot of heart this season, including coming back to tie their last game against MSU on Sunday with five minutes to go, they’re going through a tough stretch, riding an eight-game losing streak. Crippling injuries have done Northwestern in, while Iowa has become what Izzo described as one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten. With wins in six of their past eight games, Iowa will be tough to beat.
Prediction: Iowa
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