Let the madness begin. And while the Big Ten Tournament might lack the lure and tradition of the Big East and ACC Tournaments, there is still much to be decided in Chicago this weekend.
Play-in Round\nNo. 8 Northwestern vs. No. 9 Michigan\nMichigan has been hampered by injuries and suspensions all season. The Wolverines must contend with the outside shooting of Northwestern's big men, and the Wildcats are always a tough team come tourney time, especially at the United Center.\nBid: Northwestern
No. 7 Iowa vs. No. 10 Purdue\nThe Boilermakers face off against the Hawkeyes in what could be Gene Keady's last game on the bench. Iowa still has dreams of an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament with a 19-10 record and cannot afford to lose a game to the lowly Boilers. Purdue will be inspired to send Keady out in style, but Boiler fans shouldn't book a hotel stay for more than a night.\nPick: Iowa
No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Penn State\nFresh off its upset of previously undefeated Illinois, Ohio State is riding high and looks to the Big Ten Tournament as its national championship, not being allowed to participate in postseason play. The Buckeyes should hammer the undermanned and overmatched Nittany Lions, who have lost 11 straight games -- a streak that would have JoePa turning in his grave. Whoops!\nPick: Ohio State
Round 1\nNo. 1 Illinois vs. No. 8 Northwestern\nThe Fighting Illini will be looking to avenge their only loss of the season, and unfortunately for the Wildcats, they're stuck on the train tracks with no chance of derailing the Orange and Blue. The Illini embarrassed Northwestern by 36 points two weeks ago and much of the same can be expected. \nPick: Illinois
No. 4 IU vs. No. 5 Minnesota\nThe most important game of the tournament. Both teams have eyes on an at-large bid to the Big Dance, and a win here could go a long way into assisting the Selection Committee. A loss, and the loser could be relegated to the NIT. The Hoosiers are playing well as of late, and Minnesota have squeaked by lowly Purdue and Penn State by combined six points in its last two games of the regular season. \nPick: IU\nNo. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 7 Iowa\nThe Spartans can play spoiler against the Hawkeyes, whose hopes of dancing hinge on capturing the tournament title or at least reaching the semifinals. Iowa has the shooters to frustrate the Spartans, but Michigan State has too many weapons, both in the starting lineup and off the bench. If Iowa's Greg Brunner can get Paul Davis into foul trouble, the Hawkeyes have a chance.\nPick: Michigan State
No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 6 Ohio State\nAn intriguing match up, with the Buckeyes highly motivated. However, the Badgers behind All-Conference performer Mike Wilkinson will not overlook Thad Matta's crew. Wisconsin will try to neutralize Terence Dials in the middle and set up a marquee semifinal against the Spartans.\nPick: Wisconsin
Semifinals\nIllinois vs. IU \nWith a win against Minnesota Friday, the Hoosiers might have already assured themselves of an at-large bid, however ,an upset of the No. 1 ranked Illini at the sold-out United Center will cement the Hoosiers' cause. The teams have met only once this season, a Super Bowl Sunday win by Illinois in Champaign. However, IU was without the conference's leading scorer, Bracey Wright, and weathered the early Illini storm and played competitively for the duration of the contest.\nPick: IU (please no urine tests)
Michigan State vs. Wisconsin\nThe Spartans and Badgers split their two match ups this season, with Michigan State blowing out Wisconsin in East Lansing and the Spartans hanging tough in Madison. The match up between Davis and Wilkinson in the paint will be vital, but the Badgers can't match the Spartans explosive backcourt stable.\nPick: Michigan State
Finals\nMichigan State vs. IU\nThe Hoosiers defeated the Spartans in overtime at Assembly Hall in an exciting game. But expect Tom Izzo to have his team prepared not to repeat its 18-turnover performance. The hot-shooting that got the Hoosiers to the championship game will fail them as the Spartans win comfortably, grabbing a No. 2 seed in the Big Dance.\nPick: Michigan State
