Unlike the 2014 program who fought their way to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling short to North Carolina, MSU's long and treacherous journey in hopes of receiving a bid at The Big Dance starts at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill, the site of the 2015 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. 

If the season ended today, Suzy Merchant's squad would face last place Penn State in the first round as an 11th seed. Pending a victory, the Spartans would see 6 seed Ohio State, a program who threw down a 14-point slaughter in Columbus more than two weeks ago. 

A far different scenario than last year when MSU (12-14, 4-11 Big Ten) walked into the tournament as the 2 seed and would reach the semifinals before being knocked off in embarrassing fashion by 3 seed Nebraska by 28 points. 

With the additions of Rutgers and Maryland, this year's tournament features all 14 teams competing in 13 games over five days from March 4-8. Winner of the tournament automatically receives a bid to the NCAA tournament. 

According to a press release, all individual session tickets are available for $15 and all-session tickets are $90 this weekend. General admission seating will also be accessible to the public. 

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule (EST): 

Session 1 (First Round; two games beginning at 6 p.m.) – Wednesday, March 4

Session 2 (Second Round; two games beginning at 12:30 p.m.) – Thursday, March 5

Session 3 (Second Round; two games beginning at 7 p.m.) – Thursday, March 5

Session 4 (Quarterfinals; two games beginning at 12:30 p.m.) – Friday, March 6

Session 5 (Quarterfinals; two games beginning at 7 p.m.) – Friday, March 6

Session 6 (Semifinals; two games beginning at 7 p.m.) – Saturday, March 7

Session 7 (Championship Game; beginning at 7 p.m.) – Sunday, March 8