Big Ten Tournament 2012 Bracket: Predicting Winner of Every Thrilling Matchup

Analysts are divided.

The Big Ten tournament is more up for grabs than any other conference tourney.  Here is the schedule and predictions for each game.

No. 8 Iowa vs. No. 9 Illinois—Thursday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. EST

The Hawkeyes and Fighting Illini just faced off on Feb. 26 and Illinois defended its home court, 65-54.  On a neutral floor, though, Iowa will fly away victorious.

No. 5 Indiana vs. No. 12 Penn State—Thursday, March 8, 25 minutes following Iowa-Illinois

Penn State has no hope.  Indiana is the superior ball club and the Nittany Lions have won just four games since the start of the calendar year.

No. 7 Northwestern vs. No. 10 Minnesota—Thursday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. EST

The Wildcats and Golden Gophers went head-to-head twice this year and split the season series.  Minnesota, though, hasn’t beaten a team other than Nebraska since January.

No. 6 Purdue at No. 11 Nebraska—Thursday, March 8, 25 minutes following Northwester-Minnesota

Penn State has company—Nebraska is about to get slaughtered too.  The Huskers have one win in their last nine and Purdue beat them down, 80-57, on Feb. 18.

No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 8 Iowa—Friday, March 9 at 12 p.m. EST

In the teams' only meeting of the season, Iowa were annihilated by the Spartans, 95-61.  While Michigan State is riding a two-game losing streak, don’t expect the Hawkeyes to shock the Spartans.

No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Indiana—Friday, March 9, 25 minutes following Michigan State-Iowa

Two of the Big Ten’s hottest teams will battle in a matchup that’s sure to go down to the wire.  At home, Wisconsin beat Indiana by seven in the regular season, but the streaking Hoosiers will get their revenge.

No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 7 Northwestern—Friday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. EST

Northwestern lost to Michigan by two points twice in overtime this season.  After winning six out of their last seven games, though, the Wolverines are unlikely to get upset early.

No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 6 Purdue—Friday, March 9, 25 minutes following Michigan-Northwestern

Ohio State is one of the most talented teams in the nation, but it's inconsistent.  But the Buckeyes aren’t erratic enough to fall to the Boilermakers.

No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 5 Indiana—Saturday, March 10 at 1:40 p.m. EST

One of Michigan State’s two straight losses came at the hands of the Hoosiers, 70-55.  Going into such a matchup, Indiana would be riding a six-game winning streak and uninterested resting up for the Big Dance.

No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 Ohio State—Saturday, March 10, 25 minutes following Michigan State-Indiana

The bitter rivals split the season series as each successfully defended its home court.  The Buckeyes are the more talented basketball team and will win a tight one over the Wolverines.

No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Indiana – Sunday, March 11^th at 3:30 p.m. EST

OSU also split its two regular season meetings with the Hoosiers and, again, each team protected its house.  Big players show up on the biggest stages, and Jared Sullinger and William Buford will be too much for Indiana.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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