First Round (Wednesday, March 13th)
#13 Nebraska vs #12 Rutgers
Rutgers won the first meeting between these two at home and by seven points. And if we look at the past couple of games, both teams look like they’ve been performing at the same level. For this one, I am going to lean towards the Cornhuskers due to their good offense and better shooting percentage. Nebraska 76, Rutgers 71
#14 Northwestern vs #11 Illinois
I am not liking either one of these teams preferably over the other in this matchup. I am going to move towards Illinois to get this win, since they knocked off Northwestern recently and know how to do it. Illinois 69, Northwestern 62
Second Round (Thursday, March 14th)
#9 Indiana vs #8 Ohio State
The Hoosiers are riding a four game winning streak into the Big Ten Conference Tournament. And their opponent, Ohio State, is riding a three game losing streak that originated from a loss to Purdue. I see Indiana quickly getting their strategy together and bumping out a lost Ohio State team. Indiana 74, Ohio State 68
#13 Nebraska vs #5 Maryland
Now here we have a struggling Maryland team that hasn’t played like their normal selves, but are still pulling their weight. I can see Nebraska giving Maryland some trouble, but not a secure pick for an upset. Maryland will get off the hook with this one. Maryland 73, Nebraska 71
#10 Penn State vs #7 Minnesota
In the course of the whole Big Ten season, I don’t see specifically why each of these teams did so bad. However, in this one I am going to go with Penn State with the upset. In their last five, the Nittany Lions have averaged 71 points, which is a tad over their season average. Also, they have only let one team go over their season average of opponent’s points per game. Penn State 70, Minnesota 66
#11 Illinois vs #6 Iowa
Iowa is playing in such a bad slump of basketball that it is becoming very hard to pick them. However, I think this team can piece together just enough of a good shooting performance to get a win. This will be painful to watch, but alas, its a game to watch. Iowa 71, Illinois 68
Quarterfinals (Friday, March 15th)
#9 Indiana vs #1 Michigan State
The Hoosiers have already gotten two big wins over the Spartans this season. The Spartans are looking to erase this line of losses to the Hoosiers and I feel they know what’s at stake. I am taking Michigan State in a closer game in the quarterfinal. Michigan State 75, Indiana 71
#5 Maryland vs #4 Wisconsin
I would like fans to realize that this will be one of the better games in this whole tournament if it happens. These teams have traded off wins on each other. Now, Wisconsin is the better team at neutral site and they will improve to 3-1 at neutral site, conference games. Wisconsin 77, Maryland 75
#10 Penn State at #2 Purdue
For some reason, Carsen Edwards and this Purdue team have been dominating every team in front of them. I think this trend will continue against Penn State with an impressive offensive showing. Purdue 72, Penn State 65
#6 Iowa vs #3 Michigan
Iowa is running off of a bad string of performances through his point. Michigan is playing a better brand of basketball than they did in their first loss to Iowa. The Wolverines changed for better and will win their first tournament game. Michigan 82, Iowa 74
Semifinals (Saturday, March 16th)
#1 Michigan State vs #4 Wisconsin
This is a game that I am really tossed up over. Yes, the Spartans are playing great, but last time these two met, Wisconsin was playing just as well. I am still going to stick with Michigan State though because of their recent slate of great games. Michigan State 79, Wisconsin 73
#2 Purdue vs #3 Michigan
I feel like I might get some angry fans after I say this, but I feel Michigan has declined over this whole season. Not only have I seen this in how they’re playing, but against certain teams they’re playing. They cannot control teams that are known for scoring. I will give this one to Purdue in a close one with Carsen Edwards shining. Purdue 75, Michigan 70
Big Ten Tournament Championship Game (Sunday, March 17th)
#1 Michigan State vs #2 Purdue
If there is one thing that Michigan State knows how to do it is to find one specific player and shut them down. In this game, Carsen Edwards is that man that the Spartans will do that to. I expect this one to be close in the beginning, but the Spartans will take another Big Ten Tournament Title home. Michigan State 77, Purdue 71
Big Ten Champs: Michigan State Spartans
Do you agree with this selection and the outcomes of these games? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to follow us at @redcupcollegesports on Instagram!
Photo Credits: https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2018/02/25/big-ten-mens-basketball-tournament-schedule-game-date-times-live-stream
