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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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ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Jackson Jr. (C) of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Jackson Jr. (C) of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

8. Michigan State vs. 9. Wisconsin

It’s a rematch of the season classic season finale. Wisconsin made it look like the old classic games between the Spartans and Badgers. Most will say, it’s hard to lose to a team three times in a season. Plus, remember what I said earlier? The last two Tournaments, the winner of the 8-9 game has gone on to upset the No. 1 team. Personally, that would make me very happy. But Michigan State is about to go on a special run.

Prediction: Michigan State 68 Wisconsin 61

4. Nebraska vs. 5. Michigan

This is going to be fun. Two teams that tied for fourth place. The Cornhuskers got the tiebreaker because of the victory in the one match up they played earlier this season. Michigan is going to have a chip on their shoulder because they know that determined who got the double bye. The Wolverines are poised and they have had a nice recent history of making runs in the Conference Tournament.

Prediction: Michigan 71 Nebraska 65

2. Ohio State vs. 7. Penn State

This will be one of the better 2-7 match ups you will see in a conference tournament. What’s making it interesting is that the Nittany Lions have defeated the Buckeyes twice already. Could we see two teams win their third game over another in the quarter finals? I would love to say yes. That would make it so much fun. Great way to start off March. Penn State just matches up so well over Ohio State and that could help Penn State keep their Tournament life alive.

Prediction: Penn State 76 Ohio State 73

3. Purdue vs. 6. Indiana

The battle of the two teams from Indiana. I feel like Dan Dakich is going to be very active on Twitter between this game and the previous one. The Boilermakers are going to have complete control. Vincent Edwards is going to be more than ready to go by this point. Purdue needed three-straight get right games to put themselves in good position for the Tournament. Imagine if this Tournament were being played in Indianapolis?

Prediction: Purdue 81 Indiana 70

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