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Big Ten Tournament 2017: Predicting the entire bracket by game

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 1, 2017; Champaign, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Matt McQuaid (20), guard Alvin Ellis III (3), guard Cassius Winston (5), forward Kenny Goins (25), and guard Miles Bridges (22) prepare to defend after a timeout during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Illinois beat Michigan State 73 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Champaign, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Matt McQuaid (20), guard Alvin Ellis III (3), guard Cassius Winston (5), forward Kenny Goins (25), and guard Miles Bridges (22) prepare to defend after a timeout during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Illinois beat Michigan State 73 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) celebrates a blocked shot with guard Joshua Langford (1) during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Palestra. Penn State won 72-63. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) celebrates a blocked shot with guard Joshua Langford (1) during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Palestra. Penn State won 72-63. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Round

No. 9 Illinois vs No. 8 Michigan (Game 1)

Let’s face it, Michigan is playing out of this world lately. During their recent stretch of solid games, the Wolverines have beaten the likes of Purdue, Michigan Sate and Wisconsin and made it look rather easy. Illinois will just be a minor speed bump, but after the first few minutes of play, Michigan will put the Fighting Illini away for good. What else can you expect from a bubble team that just lost to Rutgers to end the season? The Illini are already mentally defeated.

Final: Illinois 60, Michigan 76

No. 13 Penn State vs No. 5 Michigan State (Game 2)

Michigan State traveled to the Palestra earlier in the season and the inexperienced Spartans were shell-shocked by the hostile atmosphere in the crowded arena. They wound up losing a tough one and Tom Izzo took the blame for scheduling that game. However, the Spartans will get a chance at revenge in the second round of the conference tourney. Beating Penn State won’t necessarily be a breeze this time around, but Michigan State will take care of business.

Final: Penn State 63, Michigan State 74

No. 10 Indiana vs No. 7 Iowa (Game 3)

This is one of those games which will bring out the best in both teams. Indiana needs to win the whole darn Big Ten Tournament likely to get into the NCAA tourney and Iowa needs a nice run as the Hawkeyes are currently on the bubble. Don’t let Indiana’s record fool you, though, the Hoosiers have some talent on the roster and it hasn’t really played as one just yet. Iowa’s young guys are starting to come together and it even had two named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. This one’s going to come down to the wire, but Indiana finds a way to win.

Final: Indiana 73, Iowa 72

No. 11 Ohio State vs No. 6 Northwestern (Game 4)

Northwestern punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a last-second miracle win over Michigan last week, but a victory over Ohio State in the second round would just icing on the cake. The Wildcats will be headed to their first Big Dance ever but they are still motivated to do some extra work in order to ensure they get a favorable matchup on Selection Sunday. The Buckeyes aren’t going down easy, though, but Northwestern’s trio of Bryant McIntosh, Scottie Lindsey and Vic Law will be too much.

Final: Ohio State 62, Northwestern 69

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