Detroit Jock City
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Michigan State basketball's Miles Bridges
Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Aaron Jordan #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Game 7: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin

Michigan State winning both matchups in the regular season gives them an advantage in this game. Even with the news surrounding Tom Izzo and Miles Bridges, I expect to see a big game from Jaren Jackson. Jackson is a miss-match against every team. Expect him to have a game-high in points. Ethan Happ will be defending Nick Ward and helping on Miles Bridges all game. Michigan State should have an easy time in the game, moving on to play either Michigan or Nebraska in the semi-final.

Prediction: Michigan State 77-64

Game 8: Nebraska vs. Michigan

In the only matchup all year, Nebraska came out on top of an all-around bad performance from Michigan. Michigan had only one player score double digits in the game while Nebraska had four of the starting five score in double figures in a 72-52 win over Michigan. This could be a far different game than what we all saw in January. I expect three of Michigan’s starting five in double digits points, with Duncan Robinson coming off the bench and adding defense and multiple three-pointers. Michigan should have a fairly easy game against Nebraska since they far out talent them. As long as Michigan can play normal Michigan basketball, they will be moving on to play Michigan State in the semi-final.

Prediction: Michigan 72-58

Game 9: Ohio State vs. Penn State

In both matchups this year, Penn State took home both wins this year. A home game for Ohio State this year, the Buckeyes fell on a buzzer beater. Then on the road, the Buckeyes fell again, this time in a very decisive fashing. This game in the Big Ten tournament might be one of the most intriguing games of the tournament. Both teams can score when they want so whichever teams defense can step up will decide the game. Keita Bates-Diop will have another big game just like he has all year, becoming the Big Ten player of the year. Ohio State will have a difficult time against Penn State but will eventually pull away with about five minutes left in the game and will move on to the semi-final.

Prediction: Ohio State 73-64

Game 10: Purdue vs. Minnesota

Anyone trying to debate the best team in the Big Ten can argue that Purdue is the best team. With guys like Issac Haas, Carsen Edwards, and Dakota Mathias Purdue has a good chance to make a big run in both the Big Ten tournament and the big dance. Having faced each other twice Purdue and Minnesota battled through both games. Still, Purdue came out on top by double digits each time. Purdue will have an easy warm up game to get to the semi-final against Ohio State.

Prediction: Purdue 83-62

Home/Michigan State Spartans