Indiana Basketball: Best Case, Worst Case Scenarios in Big Ten Tournament

The Indiana Hoosiers wrapped up the Big Ten title with an incredible victory over Michigan on Sunday. As IU enters the Big Ten tournament, they are riding a huge wave of momentum. 

As regular season champion and No. 1 seed, Indiana is one of the favorites to win the Big Ten tournament. Here are the best case and worst case scenarios that could happen to the Hoosiers when games in Chicago begin.

Best Case Scenario, Quarterfinals: IU Handles Illini or Golden Gophers

At noon on Friday March 15, the Hoosiers will play their first game of the Big Ten tournament. They will face either Minnesota or Illinois.

For Indiana, it doesn't matter which team they play. Both have beaten the Hoosiers this season, so Indiana will be motivated. Don't expect the Hoosiers to get caught off guard by either of these squads.

They know exactly what Minnesota and Illinois are capable of. As long as IU stays focused and feeds the ball to Cody Zeller, they shouldn't have a problem with either of these teams.  

Best Case Scenario, Semifinals: IU Gets Revenge

If I'm Indiana, I am hoping Wisconsin makes it to the semifinals. For IU, it would be a chance to avenge one of their losses. 

Wisconsin came to Bloomington and shocked Indiana on their home floor. The Badgers forced IU into a slow, grind-it-out game. Indiana turned the ball over 11 times and only shot 3-of-12 from the three-point line. The loss surely left a bitter taste in Indiana's mouth.

If the Hoosiers face Wisconsin, the Badgers will try the same game plan as before. By beating Wisconsin, Indiana can show that it can win games that depend on half-court execution. 

Indiana can prove to itself and the rest of the country that they can play a variety of styles of basketball and still win.

Best Case Scenario, Championship Game: IU Wins Rubber Match

Ohio State has been playing great basketball lately. They have won their last five games. Because of this winning streak, I'm going to assume that they will oppose IU in the Big Ten tournament final.

The Hoosiers would definitely welcome a third game against the Buckeyes.

These teams split their regular-season series. In the second game, IU was celebrating Senior Night, while trying to lock up the outright Big Ten title in front of its home crowd. 

Getting to face Ohio State and beating them is the best thing that could happen to Indiana. Not only do they defeat the Buckeyes two out of three times, but they atone for the loss on what was supposed to be a memorable night in Bloomington. 

Winning the Big Ten tournament sets IU up for a great NCAA tournament run. If this predicted outcome turns into reality, the Hoosiers are sure to be the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, where games are going to be played in Indianapolis.

Being able to play in that region would be a big boost for Indiana and would give them their best chance to make the Final Four. 

Worst Case Scenario

For Indiana's worst case scenario, it doesn't matter whether they have to play Illinois or Minnesota. Both have shown that they can beat the Hoosiers. The Illini/Golden Gophers will not fear Indiana.

If IU arrives in Chicago content with what they have already accomplished, an early exit from this tournament is in their future. 

For Illinois, playing in Chicago essentially gives them home-court advantage. Minnesota smacked the Hoosiers in late February. Because that game is still fresh in their memories, they will not have forgotten the recipe to knock off IU.

This means that whoever Indiana faces, they are a legitimate threat.

The No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA tournament is not a guarantee for Indiana. The worst result from the Big Ten Tournament would be to show up overconfident, get beat in the first game and miss out on that crucial No. 1 seed.