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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 11, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) drives the baseline against Minnesota Golden Gophers center Bakary Konate (21) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) drives the baseline against Minnesota Golden Gophers center Bakary Konate (21) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterfinals

No. 8 Michigan vs No. 1 Purdue (Game 1)

Michigan was one of the lucky teams to only have faced Purdue once this season. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they won’t be able to avoid the Boilermakers in the conference tourney. Michigan got the last laugh against Purdue, winning a shocker at home to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament, but the Boilermakers are out for blood. Revenge is on the menu and not even the red-hot Wolverines will be able to avoid it.

Final: Michigan 63, Purdue 71

No. 5 Michigan State vs No. 4 Minnesota (Game 2)

It’s hard to beat any team in the conference three times in a single season. Michigan State defeated Minnesota in the Big Ten opener by one in overtime and then again a few weeks later in East Lansing in blowout fashion. The Spartans have owned one of the hottest teams in the conference and the Golden Gophers are single-handedly helping Michigan State’s tourney resume (along with Wichita State). However, Minnesota will rise up and finally exact revenge on Michigan State to head to the conference semis.

Final: Michigan State 68, Minnesota 70

No. 10 Indiana vs No. 2 Wisconsin (Game 3)

Tom Crean is just wondering when this season is going to be over. After starting the season as one of the nation’s top teams and climbing into the top 10 right before conference play, the Hoosiers are looking at an NIT appearance following a lackluster conference regular season. The Hoosiers haven’t won three straight games since mid-January and you shouldn’t expect them to match that mark in the conference tournament against Wisconsin. The Badgers are going to have their way with the Hoosiers for the third time this season.

Final: Indiana 71, Wisconsin 76

No. 6 Northwestern vs No. 3 Maryland (Game 4)

Like I said earlier, Northwestern is playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain, and that’s a scary thought, but Maryland will be even more motivated for a victory. Why? Because they began the season with one of the best records in college basketball before falling apart at the seams in the middle of conference play. The Terrapins went from potential three-seeds to No. 6 or No. 7, at best, seeds. They need to get this victory and Melo Trimble will make sure they do.

Final: Northwestern 64, Maryland 72

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