The 2005 Big Ten tournament is set to take place in Indianapolis for the 10th year, beginning today and running through Monday.
The Big Ten features four teams in the Top 25, all of which had at least 12 wins in the conference. The top-heavy nature of the league will make early upsets unlikely.
First Round
No. 8 Wisconsin (11-15, 5-11) vs. No. 9 Indiana (10-17, 3-13)
Wisconsin’s win in Iowa separated the Badgers from the bottom of the Big Ten, but Indiana beat Wisconsin in Bloomington, Ind. Even though the rematch is in Indiana, Wisconsin will win this game on the neutral floor.
No. 7 Illinois (16-11, 7-9) vs. No. 10 Northwestern (5-24, 2-14)
The Fighting Illini swept the season series against NU, including a 35-point win at home. The Wildcats come into the tournament losers of eight straight, while Illinois has won three of four. The Cats losing streak will end, but only because their season will be over.
No. 6 Iowa (19-8, 8-8) vs. No. 11 Michigan (5-22, 1-15)
Michigan has been the more consistent team this season, but only because they have lost 18 of the last 19 games. Iowa struggled against NU and Wisconsin at home, but Michigan won’t be much of a challenge.
Quarterfinals
No. 1 Ohio State (27-3, 14-2) vs. Wisconsin
Ohio State has won 16 of 17 games and is ranked in the top five in the country. The only team the Buckeyes lost to in that stretch was Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.
Wisconsin will not be able to compete.
No. 4 Minnesota (22-6, 12-4) vs. No. 5 Purdue (16-11, 9-7)
Minnesota won both games the teams played this season by more than 20 points. Minnesota has beaten the teams it was supposed to and will continue to do so in the tournament.
No. 2 Michigan State (25-3, 14-2) vs. Illinois
Michigan State struggled in a win against Illinois at home Feb. 6. The Illini should be able to stay around for awhile, but the Spartans will be too much for them to handle for the third time this season.
No. 3 Penn State (18-9) vs. Iowa
Penn State beat Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, early in the season. The Hawkeyes have been inconsistent the entire year and have not beaten a top-tier Big Ten team this season –they won’t start now.
Semifinals
No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Minnesota
Ohio State has only lost twice in the Big Ten this season, both coming on the road to ranked opponents. Minnesota just hasn’t gotten it done against the conference’s top three, going 0-4. Look for the Buckeyes in the finals.
No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 3 Penn State
Penn State won by 17 the only time the two teams faced each other in the Big Ten season. With Tanisha Wright and Jess Strom on their games, the Lady Lions can play with anyone. They will upset the Spartans again.
Finals
No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Penn State
This is a rematch of the teams’ final Big Ten game when Ohio State won by 11 at home. Ohio State has been nearly perfect lately, but not as dominant as the beginning of the season. Even so, the Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in scoring offense and defense and will secure a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.
The Daily’s pick to win it all: Ohio State
Reach Abe Rakov at [email protected].
