Big Ten Men’s College Basketball Tournament Predictions
Written March 9, 2009 by Jack Jones
The field is all set for the 2009 Men’s Big Ten Basketball Tournament. Games will start on Thursday, March 12th, with the championship game slated for Sunday, March 15th. The winner of the conference tournament picks up an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament this year, but it won’t likely matter as several teams from this conference should already be locked into a tournament spot. Let’s take a look at the 3 favorites to win the tournament, plus my sleeper pick for a team out of the Big Ten that could surprise this year’s field of 11.
Michigan State Spartans (15-3 Big Ten, 25-5 Overall)
The Spartans gained the #1 seed in the tournament after an impressive regular season that saw them beaten just three times in conference play. Their most recent loss came to Purdue back on February 17th, but they have since revenged that loss, beating the Boilermakers by a score of 62-51 just this last Sunday. If you were going to pick the favorite out of this field, Michigan State would certainly be it. Bet on Michigan State in the Big 10 tournament.
Illinois Illini (11-7 Big Ten, 23-8 Overall)
Illinois fought to get the number two seed in the conference tournament, but they struggled down the stretch, losing 3 of their last 5 games, all within the conference including two losses at the hands of the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Illini also lost their two regular season match ups with Michigan State, but both games were decided by just 6 points and Illinois would love another crack at the Spartans, particularly if both teams can get to the championship game.
Purdue Boilermakers (11-7 Big Ten, 22-9 Overall)
The Boilermakers lost 3 of their last 4 conference games to end regular season play, but still managed to grab the third seed in the conference tournament. As one of only 3 teams out of the conference to beat Michigan State during the regular season, you have to like the Boilermakers chance to head deep into the tournament. Purdue is one of the teams in the Big Ten that should make the NCAA Tournament regardless of how they do in the conference bracket, but the momentum they would gain by winning this tournament championship would be more than worth it.
Sleeper:Â Penn State Nittany Lions (10-8 Big Ten, 21-10 Overall)
All in all it was a successful season for Penn State, who really wasn’t expected to make a lot of noise in the Big Ten this year. The Lions ended up beating Michigan State, Illinois, and Purdue during regular season conference play, proving they have what it takes to win this tournament if things fall into place. I hated seeing them lose their last regular season game to Iowa, but hopefully they got a letdown out of the way early as they’ll face Indiana to start the tournament on Thursday.
Big Ten Conference Tournament Winner: Take the Michigan State Spartans
Looking to do some college basketball betting this tournament season? Check out these great NCAA basketball picks and view the latest NCAA basketball lines for all the tournament games at Betfirms.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2009 Big Ten NCAA Tournament Predictions
- PAC-10 Men’s College Basketball Tournament Predictions
- NCAA Basketball Odds on Big Ten Teams To Win the Tournament
- ACC Men’s College Basketball Tournament Picks & Predictions
- Big 12 Men’s College Basketball Tournament Predictions
2 Responses to “Big Ten Men’s College Basketball Tournament Predictions”
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Will be any games in the chicagoland? And where, please reply.
Regards
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They’re in Indianapolis. You should try and make the trip!
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