The first day of the Big Ten Tournament is in the books and it’s now time to turn our focus to day two.
Wednesday evening provided some exciting hoops to kick off the Big Ten Tournament, and Thursday’s action should be even better with a full slate of games on the docket.
Michigan State is again off today, but will have eyes on the Iowa-Ohio State matchup this afternoon, with the winner advancing to face the Spartans in the quarterfinals. That game will tip off at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
Get all of your details and information for today’s games at the Big Ten Tournament below:
No. 8 Michigan vs. No. 9 Rutgers
Tip Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Prediction: Michigan beats Rutgers
Both of these teams desperately need a win to help bolster their chances at making the NCAA Tournament, and I believe the Wolverines will easily achieve that in Thursday’s first game. Rutgers has been struggling down the stretch with losses in six of their last eight games. Michigan is the better team and they’ll handle the Scarlet Knights for a comfortable victory.
No. 5 Iowa vs. No. 13 Ohio State
Tip Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Prediction: Ohio State beats Iowa
There will be at least one upset on Thursday (potentially a few) and this one seems like the most likely to happen. The Buckeyes are playing much better these past three weeks, and Iowa has struggled when playing outside of Iowa City. This seems like a perfect spot for an upset.
No. 7 Illinois vs. No. 10 Penn State
Tip Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Prediction: Illinois beats Penn State
Penn State swept the season series against Illinois, and will probably need a victory in this game to feel comfortable about making the NCAA Tournament. So the Nittany Lions will be completely invested (arguably more than Illinois), but I think Illinois is simply too good to lose to the same team three times in a season. This will be a fun game to watch with plenty of offense, but the Fighting Ilini come out on top late.
No. 6 Maryland vs.No. 14 Minnesota
Tip Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Prediction: Maryland beats Minnesota
Can Minnesota keep up its late season hot play? The Golden Gophers upset Nebraska on Wednesday night but I’m not as confident they’ll be able to do the same today against Maryland. Expect this game to be close throughout most of the game but the Terps will pull away late for the victory.
Updated Big Ten Tournament Bracket
The most up-to-date Big Ten Tournament bracket can be found below:
Day 1️⃣ #B1GMBBT
See you tomorrow morning #B1GMBBall fans! pic.twitter.com/4QzspMlQPi
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 9, 2023
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