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Big Ten basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

By Austin Walther

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: D.J. Wilson
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: D.J. Wilson /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 12: The Michigan Wolverines celebrate with the trophy after the Wolverines defeated the Wisconsin Badgers to win the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Championship game at Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 12: The Michigan Wolverines celebrate with the trophy after the Wolverines defeated the Wisconsin Badgers to win the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Championship game at Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Predicting the Big Ten Tournament:

First Round

12. Iowa vs. 13. Illinois

The Hawkeyes have been disappointing, but they’re probably a year way from truly competing in the Big Ten. But the talent is there, and they should take care of an injury plagued Illini team.

Prediction: Iowa 72 – Illinois 67

11. Minnesota vs. 14. Rutgers

After beating Seton Hall, there were hopes that the Scarlet Knights would take a step into competing in the Big Ten. That hasn’t happened, and the Golden Gophers should win, although that nine game skid in league play makes it more of a toss-up.

Prediction: Minnesota 76 – Rutgers 65

Second Round

8. Wisconsin vs. 9. Maryland

Wisconsin and Maryland only met once this season. The match up came on Feb. 4. That was the last game of the Badgers five-game losing streak. Since then, the Terrapins have gone 3-3 and the Badgers are 5-2. Maryland hasn’t done a whole lot besides sweep Northwestern. Wisconsin on the other hand-picked up a win over Purdue. Wisconsin also kept it very close with Michigan State. The Badgers may steal a game in the tournament.

Prediction: Wisconsin 68 Maryland 63

5. Michigan vs. 12. Iowa

This game isn’t going to be close. I’m picking Iowa over Illinois because of their experience. Tyler Cook had a great game in the first match up between the Wolverines and Hawkeyes, but not so much in the first. Michigan is on a roll right now and they’ll advance to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Michigan 72 Iowa 60

10. Northwestern vs. 7. Penn State

Usually a 7-10 match up in any bracket is close, but it probably won’t be in this one. Besides the fluky good shooting performance against Michigan State, Northwestern seems to be throwing in the towel. Penn State just ran into three good opponents at the end. Besides that, the Nittany Lions are still hanging around the NCAA Tournament bubble line.

Prediction: Penn State 76 Northwestern 65

6. Indiana vs. 11. Minnesota

I’m wasn’t a fan of Indiana down the stretch. It was amazing that the Hoosiers took Ohio State to Double OT. Obviously I’m not liking Minnesota either. The Golden Gophers seemed to have cashed it in a while ago. I’ll take Indiana just because landing the No. 6 spot in the Big Ten isn’t bad at all.

Prediction: Indiana 66 Minnesota 61

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