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Big Ten Basketball: Predicting the 2018 Conference Tournament

By Devin Jones

Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers puts up a shot over D.J. Wilson #5 of the Michigan Wolverines during the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Championship game at Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers puts up a shot over D.J. Wilson #5 of the Michigan Wolverines during the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Championship game at Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Poole of Michigan basketball
Jordan Poole of Michigan basketball /

Game 3: Maryland vs. Wisconsin

Only playing once it the Big Ten regular season, the matchup between Wisconsin and Maryland was a good one. The Terrapins came out on top despite Ethan Happ’s almost double-double. Maryland came out on top 68-63 in a close in College Park. I would expect to see another close game between these two familiar foes, but Wisconsin will get the final laugh. Wisconsin with the emergence of the star freshman point guard Brad Davison is going to be the difference maker in the game. Ethan Happ will post close to another double-double, and Wisconsin will need all of his contributions in this one.

Prediction: Wisconsin 72-66

Game 4: Michigan vs. Iowa

Both matchups this year went toward the Wolverines. Game one in Iowa City was a close seven-point victory. Once Iowa came to Ann Arbor it was a whole different story with the same ending. Michigan won by 15 points and had key contributions from Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman and Duncan Robinson both scoring 18 points, while Luka Garza for Iowa had a game-high of 22 points. It is hard to beat a team three times in one year but Michigan is playing very well right and out talent the Hawkeyes in many categories. Michigan will move on to play Nebraska on Friday.

Prediction: Michigan 70-61

Game 5:  Penn State vs. Northwestern

Splitting the regular season meetings at one game apiece, this is the deciding factor for both of these teams seasons. Neither team had an amazing year means one of these teams hopes to win the Big Ten tournament to get an automatic bid to the Big Dance. Penn State could have one of the most talented backcourts in all of the Big Ten gives them an advantage in this game. I would expect Tony Carr or Lamar Stevens to have a big day to power the Nittany Lions. Penn State will have to play Ohio State on Friday.

Prediction: Penn State 72-64

Game 6: Indiana vs. Minnesota

Indiana winning both of the regular season meetings between Indiana and Minnesota gives Indiana a good confidence boost going into this game. Indiana will have a week off to prepare for this game might end up hurting the Hoosiers in the end. Minnesota playing the night before will give them the boost of energy and confidence needed to have fast start against a well-rested Indiana team. In the end, it will be a close one between both Indiana and Minnesota but the senior leadership of Nate Mason will eventually grant Minnesota the win in a close game.

Prediction: Minnesota 66-62

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