Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions

After five of these over the last few days, everyone should know what is coming here.

First Round
Northwestern vs Minnesota – Minnesota is in free fall. Northwestern, while nothing great, can at least shoot the ball from long range decently. That should be enough against the imploding Gophers.

Michigan St. vs Iowa – While I would for Iowa to win so we can be rid of Michigan St. as the story, it won't happen here. That would only happen if Michigan St. overlooked the Hawkeyes and after losing to them by over 20 last month and watching them beat Purdue on Saturday as a reminder, Sparty will be focused.

Penn St. vs Indiana – Penn St. has Talor Battle. The few players Indiana does have are all hurt. Nittany Lions win easily (or as easily as they are capable of winning).

Second Round
Ohio St. vs Northwestern – If Northwestern shoots well, they have a chance to pull the upset (they were close in Evanston). I don't think they will, especially with how hot Ohio St.'s shooters have been the last couple of weeks, but it's possible.

Michigan vs Illinois – Michigan is going to win since Illinois continues to be intent on underachieving and trying to play its way out of the NCAA Tournament.

Purdue vs Michigan St. - Poor Sparty. They are going to get an angry set of Boilermakers after Purdue's ugly loss to Iowa last Saturday. Even with Kalin Lucas continuing to get better after his achilles injury in last year's NCAA Tournament, Michigan St. has little chance here.

Wisconsin vs Penn St. - Wisconsin's offense, while slow paced, is way too good for Penn St. The efficiency will carry the Badgers to an easy win behind their two star players (Jordan Taylor and the semi-forgotten Jon Leuer.

Semifinals
Ohio St. vs Michigan – By this point, Ohio St. will be lacking motivation. It's time for a break before the tournament starts. Michigan will win because they have more motivation.

Purdue vs Wisconsin – Wisconsin doesn't beat equal or better teams on road or neutral courts. Purdue is pretty much equal and the court is neutral meaning a Wisconsin loss.

Final
Purdue vs Michigan – Michigan won't win three in a row here so the pick is Purdue with its two star players to ride into the tournament on a high.