Big Ten Tournament: Michigan State Favored, NCAA Bids Up for Grabs
The Big Ten basketball season culminated in a dramatic finish, with Michigan State surging to the top of the standings after a midseason stumble by rival Michigan. The Spartans’ impressive seven-game winning streak secured them the regular season title, finishing three games ahead of Maryland and Michigan, who tied for second place. This dominant performance has positioned Michigan State as the clear favorite in this week’s Big Ten Tournament, a highly anticipated five-day event that promises intense competition and significant implications for NCAA Tournament seeding.
The Big Ten boasts a strong contingent of teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, with projections estimating anywhere from eight to ten teams earning bids. However, the conference is unlikely to secure a coveted No. 1 seed, with powerhouses like Houston, Duke, and two teams from the SEC considered the frontrunners for those top spots.
Michigan State, despite its regular season success, is likely locked into a No. 2 seed. However, a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament, potentially securing their seventh title under coach Tom Izzo, would solidify their position. Maryland and Wisconsin, while not considered locks for a No. 2 seed, could potentially rise to that level with dominant performances in the tournament and favorable outcomes in the SEC and Big 12 tournaments.
Tournament Overview:
The Big Ten Tournament commenced on Wednesday, March 12th, with Northwestern defeating Minnesota 72-64. The opening round continued with Iowa facing Ohio State and Southern California battling Rutgers.
The second round, scheduled for Thursday, March 13th, features Oregon against Indiana, Wisconsin against Northwestern, Illinois against the winner of Iowa-Ohio State, and Purdue against the winner of Rutgers-Southern California.
The quarterfinals, slated for Friday, March 14th, will see Michigan State take on the winner of Oregon-Indiana, UCLA face the winner of Wisconsin-Northwestern, Maryland compete against the winner of Illinois-Iowa-Ohio State, and Michigan clash with the winner of Purdue-Rutgers-Southern California.
The semifinals, scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, will pit the winner of Michigan State-Oregon-Indiana against the winner of UCLA-Wisconsin-Northwestern, and the winner of Maryland-Illinois-Iowa-Ohio State against the winner of Michigan-Purdue-Rutgers-Southern California.
The championship game, the highlight of the tournament, is scheduled for Sunday, March 16th, and will feature the winners of the two semifinal matchups.
Teams to Watch:
Michigan State: The Spartans are a force to be reckoned with, boasting the best field goal percentage defense in the Big Ten and ranking 17th nationally, holding opponents to just 40.1% shooting. Their impressive 12 Quad 1 wins, second only to Auburn nationally, further solidify their status as a top contender.
Maryland: The Terrapins finished the regular season strong, winning seven of their last eight games. Their momentum and talent make them a dangerous opponent in the tournament.
Wisconsin: While the Badgers faltered down the stretch after being in contention for a No. 2 seed, they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament, especially with the projected return of guard Max Klesmit. His absence since February 25th has been noticeable, and his return would provide a significant boost to the team.
Key Players:
The Big Ten is brimming with talented players who can impact the outcome of the tournament.
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Braden Smith, G, Purdue: Smith, a key returnee from last year’s regular-season Big Ten champions, is a dynamic playmaker. He averages 16.3 points per game and ranks second in Division I with 8.8 assists per game. His ability to score and distribute the ball makes him a constant threat.
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Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan: Goldin followed coach Dusty May from Florida Atlantic and has seamlessly transitioned to the Big Ten. He is averaging 16.7 points per game on a conference-best 64.2% from the field and is drawing All-America consideration. His size and efficiency inside are difficult to defend.
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Derik Queen, C, Maryland: Queen has earned first-team all-conference honors after nearly averaging a double-double (15.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game). He is one of only two players in the country to rank in the top two on his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His versatility and impact across all facets of the game make him a valuable asset.
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John Tonje, G, Wisconsin: The former Missouri transfer has emerged as one of the top scorers in the Big Ten, averaging 18.9 points per game. His proficiency from beyond the arc (37.8%) and the free-throw line (91.6%) makes him a reliable scoring option.
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Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers: While the season hasn’t unfolded as anticipated for Rutgers, Harper has elevated his game since early February. He is averaging 20.3 points in his past nine games, showcasing his potential as a high-scoring guard.
Bubble Teams:
Several teams in the Big Ten are on the NCAA Tournament bubble, making their performance in the conference tournament crucial for their chances of receiving an at-large bid.
Indiana, under coach Mike Woodson, is firmly on the bubble. A second-round win against Oregon would significantly strengthen their tournament case, while a loss to the Ducks would likely eliminate them from contention.
Ohio State is another team with an uncertain tournament outlook, particularly after dropping their final game against Indiana. As the No. 10 seed in the Big Ten bracket, they will need to win their opening game against Iowa and then upset No. 7 seed Illinois to bolster their resume.
The Big Ten Tournament promises a week of thrilling basketball action, with high stakes for both teams vying for the conference title and those seeking to secure their place in the NCAA Tournament. The outcomes of these games will undoubtedly shape the landscape of college basketball and determine which Big Ten teams will compete for a national championship.
