With Tournament week already underway, one tournament that really sticks out to me is Big Ten Conference play. The Big Ten is perhaps one of the only conferences this weekend that could be up for grabs.

Sure, Sparty is the consensus favorite, but it is going to take a lot of consistency to make a three-day run to become champion. Do they have it in them?

Here is a game-by-game look at who I think will represent the Big Ten come next Sunday.

 

Thursday, Mar. 12

Minnesota (8) vs. Northwestern (9)

In an intriguing matchup of the 8-9s on Thursday, there isn't too much chatter of a tournament implication game. While some believe Minnesota needs to get two wins here, it is highly unlikely that they will do so with a matchup against No. 1 seeded MSU on Friday.

Minnesota's weak track record on the road this year shows me that they cannot get it done, even if it is a neutral setting on Thursday. With a loss at Columbus on Sunday, it looks like The Purple Cats are dead at sea, but I honestly like Northwestern, led by junior forward Kevin Coble, here to grind this one out and advance to Friday.

 

Michigan (7) vs. Iowa (10)

This middleweight bout could win or lose a shot at the tournament for the boys from Ann Arbor. While experts like Joe Lunardi are confident that the blue and maize will be dancing, it is truly possible that a victory from the Hawkeyes Thursday would cost the Wolverines a shot at the tournament.

With a high RPI and a 9-8 record in conference play, I really like Michigan's chances, if the selection show was tonight, but if Iowa can overcome the adversity and beat Michigan twice in two weeks, then kiss it goodbye, Michigan. I see Michigan stepping up to the challenge and handling Iowa with the three-ball throughout the game and securing their spot in the tournament.

Penn State (6) vs. Indiana (11)

As a Central Michigan student, I really feel for alumnus Tom Crean and the Hoosiers of Bloomington. In a near worst case scenario, Crean can only look for the future with his squad taking the court Thursday.

If the Hoosiers could pull off a near miracle, then Penn State will be NIT bound. Unfortunately, Jose Canseco has a better shot of winning a Pulitzer Prize than the Hoosiers do escaping the fieldhouse with a W. Penn State wins in a landside and heads to the tournament.

Friday's Matchups

Michigan State (1) vs. Northwestern (9)

If this game actually does happen, consider it over. Northwestern, who likes to grind out their victories, will have a long shot chance of beating Sparty twice in the same season.

With each team exchanging wins on the road, State should be able to rest their starters come the second half and prepare for Saturday's contest. If NW can get another W, then they will have two more games standing between them and the tournament. MSU wins big on Friday.

Wisconsin (4) vs. Ohio State (5)

This personally will be one of my key games to watch on Friday. Why, you ask? Both teams are trying to make a run into the late weekend to improve their seedings come Sunday.

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