Tournament Preview for Big Ten: Will Any contender manage to outsmart Sparty?
Rewritten Article:
Get ready for some exciting Big Ten basketball action, folks! The conference tournament kicks off a week early this year, and Tom Izzo, that crafty Michigan State coach, thinks it could be a game-changer for his Spartans. They've got quite the streak going, having won twelve games straight and claiming the regular-season title. They're the favorites to win the tournament, with odds of +250, and if they do, it'll be their fourth Big Ten tournament win this decade (last in 2016).
Izzo believes this early start could work in their favor, giving them a bit more time to prepare for the big dance. But let's not forget, success in the NCAA tournament comes down to more than just having a little extra time to rest. Coaches, just like the rest of us, are no different — a successful run in the NCAA tournament makes the week great, but a disappointing one can really spoil the party.
The Big Ten championship game used to be held on Selection Sunday, but this year, it'll take place at the legendary Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, starting on the 28th of February. The tournament had no choice but to move early because the Big East had a contract for their conference tournament at the Garden, and all the other power conferences start theirs next week.
It looks like there's a lot at stake for Michigan State. With a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament on the line, they've got their work cut out for them in the Big Ten tourney. Even if they lose their first game in the quarterfinals, they'll still likely secure a No. 2 seed. Four Big Ten teams are already locked for NCAA bids: MSU, Purdue, Ohio State, and Michigan. Nebraska is on the bubble, listed among the "First Four Out" by ESPN's Joe Lunardi. They've got a double-bye to Friday's quarterfinals, meaning they'll face No. 5 Michigan if form holds. Nebraska will need to win at least one game to keep their hopes alive. The Big Ten is only expecting five teams in the Big Dance.
Ohio State was a surprise this season under first-year coach Chris Holtmann, earning the No. 2 seed and odds of +600 to win the tournament for the first time since 2013. If form holds, they'd face No. 3 Purdue in the semifinals. The Boilermakers are second-favorites with odds of +275. Despite a hiccup a few weeks ago, where they lost three straight games (by a combined eight points), they've come back strong, winning their last three. Purdue lost their lone matchup vs. Ohio State on February 7th, 64-63, but let's not forget they had a 14-point lead about midway through the second half.
The Spartans have their sights set on a rematch with rival Michigan in the semifinals, hoping to avenge their last loss, 82-72 at home on January 13th.
As for who'll take home the Big Ten title, I've got a feeling Purdue's side of the bracket looks a bit easier. And while Izzo might be disappointed if his team were to lose before the NCAA tournament, I bet the Michigan State players would rather carry a 15-game winning streak and the favored role into the Big Dance. You can find odds for Purdue to win it all at about +200 (shop around!).
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- With their impressive 12-game streak and the favorable odds of +250, Michigan State's favorite to win the Big Ten tournament could extend their winning streak to 15 games in the Big Dance.
- As the Big Ten basketball action gets underway, sports betting enthusiasts might find it intriguing to know that Purdue, the second-favorites with odds of +275, could offer a more manageable path to the Big Ten title.
