Big Ten Tournament 2012: Bracket, Dates, Start Time and TV Schedule

The Big Ten is going to be home for a fierce tournament this year. There are three teams in the Big Ten that are currently in the top 13 in the nation. That means No. 1 and 2 seeds in the Big Dance are likely on the line. 

And, of course, March Madness existence is on the line for teams that are lower in the Big Ten standings. 

The action is going to come fast and furious once it tips off. Here is everything you need to know.

Bracket

View the full bracket here.  

Dates and Start Times

First Round: Thursday, March 8

Play will be broken up into two sessions of two games each. The first begins at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 5:30 p.m..

Quarterfinals: Friday, March 9

Play will be broken up into two sessions of two games each. The first begins at Noon and the second at 6:30 p.m..

Semifinals: Saturday, March 10

Back-to-back games will be played, and the first tips off at 1:40 p.m.

Championship: Sunday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m.

* all times ET

TV Schedule

First Round - March 8

First Session: BTN

Second Session: ESPN2

Quarterfinals - March 9

First Session: ESPN

Second Session BTN

Semifinals - March 10

CBS

Championship - March 11

CBS

Players to Watch

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Sullinger is one of college basketball's elite big men. The sophomore is averaging 17.0 points per and 9.3 rebounds per game this season, and is likely staring at a long career in the NBA. 

John Shurna, Northwestern 

The 6'9" forward has had a tremendous season. He is the conference's leading scorer at 20.1 points per game, and he can get those points on the inside or outside. 

Tim Frazier, Penn State

This sharpshooting guard comes in averaging 18.8 points per game. He is hitting 42.7 percent of his threes this season, and is also averaging 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. 

Teams to Watch

Michigan State

The Spartans are locked into the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament. They are currently ranked No. 5 in the nation, and have been stellar all year. 

This is a tough defensive squad that is beastly on the boards

They are led by forward Draymond Green, who is averaging a double-double this season.

Michigan 

At 21-8, Michigan is currently No. 13 in the nation. This is a well-balanced team that can hurt you in a multitude of ways. 

The Wolverines like to keep the score down and grind out wins.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is a crafty playmaker and their leading scorer. 

Ohio State

The Buckeyes are currently sitting at 23-6. That finds them ranked No. 10 in the country. They like to push the ball, and can score with the best of them. 

Their offense centers around Sullinger, but they have great ball movement and outside shooting as well.