Big 10 Tournament 2015: Schedule and Bracket Predictions for Conference Tourney
As the Big Ten regular season winds down, most teams are starting to prepare for what should be a competitive postseason.
While a number of the league's participants are hoping to get a bid in the NCAA tournament, some won't get there without a strong performance in the conference tournament. With so many teams currently sitting on the bubble, this is certain to make for an interesting week at the United Center in Chicago.
Between the top contenders and squads trying to play the role of spoiler, there are plenty of possible outcomes at this event.
TOP NEWS
NCAA Tournament Expansion Official 🚨
.png?w=256 "NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship")
UConn's STACKED Schedule ☠️
Report: Biggest Spenders in Men's CBB 🤑
With that in mind, here is a look at the top contenders and prediction for who will take home the trophy.
| March 11 | 1 | No. 13 seed vs. No. 12 seed | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| March 11 | 2 | No. 14 seed vs. No. 11 seed | 7 p.m. | BTN |
| March 12 | 3 | No. 9 seed vs. No. 10 seed | 12 p.m. | BTN |
| March 12 | 4 | Game 1 winner vs. No. 5 seed | 25 minutes after | BTN |
| March 12 | 5 | No. 10 seed vs. No. 7 seed | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| March 12 | 6 | Game 2 winner vs. No. 6 seed | 25 minutes after | ESPN2 |
| March 13 | 7 | Game 3 winner vs. No. 1 seed | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 13 | 8 | Game 4 winner vs. No. 4 seed | 25 minutes after | ESPN |
| March 13 | 9 | Game 5 winner vs. No. 2 seed | 6:30 p.m. | BTN |
| March 13 | 10 | Game 6 winner vs. No. 3 seed | 25 minutes after | BTN |
| March 14 | 11 | Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner | 1 p.m. | CBS Sports |
| March 14 | 12 | Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner | 25 minutes after | CBS Sports |
| March 15 | 13 | Championship Game | 3:30 p.m. | CBS Sports |
Full bracket available at BigTen.org.
Contenders
Maryland (25-5, 13-4)
There weren't a lot of expectations for Maryland in its first year in the Big Ten, but Mark Turgeon's team shocked the conference with an outstanding season. This is a big surprise after last year's squad failed to make the NIT and lost five players due to transfer.
However, senior Dez Wells discussed the difference between last year's version and this one, via Aaron Kasinitz of The Diamondback:
With much better chemistry, the 2014-15 Terps have separated themselves from the pack and will go into March Madness as one of the top two teams in the Big Ten, along with Wisconsin. They also have wins over the Badgers as well as Iowa State and Oklahoma State, showing this group is a dangerous one.
Melo Trimble has been one of the top freshmen in the nation this season while Wells and Jake Layman consistently make big plays on both ends of the court.
If this team plays to its ability, there are few opponents that can beat it.
Ohio State (21-8, 10-6)
Although Ohio State hasn't always been the most consistent team, it's impossible to count it out in any game for one reason: D'Angelo Russell.
The freshman guard has been one of the top players in the nation this season, averaging 19 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. In the recent win over Purdue, he scored 28 of the team's 61 points while leading an important come-from-behind victory.
Head coach Thad Matta continued to provide praise for the talented player, via Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors:
There are other players on the roster capable of making an impact, like the athletic Sam Thompson and three-point specialist Marc Loving, but this team will go as far as Russell takes it.
Based on what we have seen, that could be a long way.
Sleeper: Indiana (19-11, 9-8)
Things have not gone well lately for Indiana, which at one point seemed like it was destined for a top seed in the NCAA tournament and is now just hoping for a bid.
A lack of size has hurt the interior defense, and opponents have taken advantage.
Still, the Hoosiers have the ability to beat anyone in the conference due to the ability to light up the scoreboard on the offensive end of the floor.
Indiana has one of the most efficient offenses in the nation thanks to the terrific outside shooting of Yogi Ferrell, James Blackmon, Robert Johnson and others. They move the ball around and spread the floor to then open things up in the middle.
Considering the Hoosiers haven't won consecutive games since Jan. 22, it's hard to imagine them winning the three or four games in a row it would take to win a title.
However, if the shooters get hot, they could beat anyone.
Predicted Winner: Wisconsin (26-3, 14-2)
Not the most exciting prediction, but Wisconsin deserves it after an impressive run through the conference.
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports broke down the top of the conference at the moment:
Although Maryland beat the Badgers the only time they played, it might be different on a neutral floor—especially if they make their shots from the outside like usual.
Frank Kaminsky has been arguably the best player in college basketball this season, doing everything Wisconsin needs from the center position. He can score when he needs to but also has the vision to create for others.
Add this to his elite rebounding and shot-blocking ability, and he is basically a coach's dream.
With Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes also having big seasons and senior point guard Traevon Jackson potentially coming back from injury in the Big Ten tournament—according to Rivals.com's Jeff Rabjohns, head coach Bo Ryan suggested Jackson could play in the tournament—Wisconsin has a chance to win it all and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.
.png?w=480 "NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Championship")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
