Big Ten Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions
Second Round
(8) Maryland versus (9) Michigan State
If there is a team the Michigan State Spartans should be able to match up with, it is the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins are void of a post presence like Kofi Cockburn, Hunter Dickenson, or Luka Garza, yet, the Spartans did not fare well in the sole contest the two teams had in the regular season.
On Feb. 28, 2021, the Terrapins extended their winning streak to five with a 73-55 victory. The Spartans shot 19 for 57 from the field and were unable to capitalize on their post advantage. The Terrapins featured a starting lineup with 6’7 Donta Scott at center on Feb. 28 as Coach Izzo played Joey Hauser and Malik Hall at center in his version of small ball. In the second round expect Aaron Henry to improve upon his 4-16 shooting and for Rocket Watts to have a better showing than his 2-7 in 20 minutes.
Prediction: Michigan State:72 – Maryland 67
(12) Northwestern versus (5) Ohio State
Ohio State ended the season on a four-game losing streak, three of which came against the three top seeds in the Big Ten Tournament. Northwestern will be coming off a victory over Minnesota the day prior and will be faced with an Ohio State team that has an opportunity to win every game they are in.
After having split their two meetings in which the Wildcats won by one point, then the Buckeyes bounced back two weeks later to get a ten-point victory the Wildcats have an uphill battle. The game will be decided by the frontcourt and the Buckeyes versatile combination of EJ Liddell and Kyle Young will make the difference versus Pete Nance and Robbie Beran.
Prediction: Ohio State 82 – Northwestern 70
(10) Indiana versus (7) Rutgers
There may be no matchup that has the combination of teams that have underachieved and have been so inconsistent in any conference tournament, let alone the Big Ten. Rutgers had over 81 percent of their scoring return from their 11-9 team a season ago, while the Hoosiers had three starters return.
One thing that was consistent, was how Rutgers defeated the Hoosiers twice this season, as Trayce Jackson-Davis carried much of the load for the Hoosiers. While Myles Johnson is not a primary offensive threat, his presence as a rim protector is an aspect the Hoosiers do not have. Johnson’s presence will allow Ron Harper Jr to capitalize on Race Thompson guarding him.
Prediction: Rutgers 68 – Indiana 60
(11) Penn State versus (6) Wisconsin
Penn State likes to score but struggles to stop opponents from getting baskets, Wisconsin has no difficulty preventing opponents from scoring but struggles at times to score themselves. The two played each other twice during the regular season over a four-day span, with each team coming away with a victory on their home floor.
The Wisconsin Badgers will be led by their senior point guard D’Mitrik Trice (14 ppg) who is instrumental in their conference low nine turnovers per game. Penn State excels on the offensive boards, an area in which the Badgers severely underachieve with Nate Reuters and Micah Potter averaging just nine total rebounds combined.
Wisconsin has the ability to go on a run in the tournament as their five losses in their last seven games came against Illinois (twice) Michigan, Iowa, and Purdue. Penn State will need their three-pointers to drop to keep this game close.