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Big Ten Basketball: 2023 conference tournament preview and predictions

Indiana Hoosiers forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (23) defends Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) during the NCAA men’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Indiana Hoosiers won 79-71.Purdueiumbb022523 Am308
Indiana Hoosiers forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (23) defends Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) during the NCAA men’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Indiana Hoosiers won 79-71.Purdueiumbb022523 Am308 /
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Big Ten BasketballOhio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) tries to steal from Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit  Basketball Ceb Mbk Wisconsin Wisconsin At Ohio State
Big Ten BasketballOhio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) tries to steal from Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit  Basketball Ceb Mbk Wisconsin Wisconsin At Ohio State /

Predictions

First Round

#12 Wisconsin vs. #13 Ohio State (March 8, 6:30pm)

It’s insane that a matchup of these two programs truly is a first-round game with these low seeds, but it’s been a disappointment for both the Badgers and Buckeyes this year. Wisconsin did win the earlier matchup on the road, though the Buckeyes got some impressive wins in the final weeks of the regular season. Expect revenge and for the candle to go out in Madison.

Ohio State wins

#11 Nebraska vs. #14 Minnesota (March 8, 9:00pm)

The Golden Gophers won just two Big Ten games and lost twice to Nebraska but were playing decent ball at the end of the season, especially on the offensive side. However, Nebraska’s been playing a bit better, winning six of eight down the stretch and will soar into the second round.

Nebraska wins

Second Round

#8 Michigan vs. #9 Rutgers (March 9, 12:00pm)

The Wolverines are not dancing without getting the job done in the tournament. They won at Rutgers just a few weeks ago in one of their best defensive efforts of the season. If that defense shows up again, they’ll knock out a Scarlets Knight team that isn’t playing their best ball down the stretch.

Michigan wins

#5 Iowa vs. #13 Ohio State (March 9, 2:30pm)

Losing the season finale to Nebraska was a big bummer, but the Hawkeyes have been hot offensively and should get back on track against a Buckeyes team they hammered less than a month ago. Ohio State isn’t really in position to go on a deep run, while Iowa tries to improve their seed.

Iowa wins

#7 Illinois vs. #10 Penn State (March 9, 6:30pm)

The Nittany Lions actually won both matchups between these two teams by double digits, but it’s hard to beat a team three times in one season. Illinois has come up short in a lot of big games this season and they’ll be felled again by a Penn State team that won five of six to finish off the regular season.

Penn State wins

#6 Maryland vs. #11 Nebraska (March 9, 9:00pm)

The Cornhuskers actually won this matchup a few weeks ago in an overtime thriller. Maryland suffered some tough road losses to end the season but have the potential for a deep run and won’t go down in their opening game. Expect better offense from the Terrapins than we saw last week.

Maryland wins