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Michigan State Basketball: Predicting each round of 2018 Big Ten Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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With the 2018 Big Ten Tournament beginning on Wednesday, it’s time to break down the matchups. How far will Michigan State basketball go?

The 2018 NCAA Tournament is almost upon us and Michigan State is just two years removed from their last title in the event. Big Ten fans love the five-day event which usually ends on Selection Sunday, but unfortunately, the conference moved the tourney up this year in order to accommodate a Madison Square Gardens appearance.

Michigan State will be the No. 1 seed after winning the outright regular season title while Ohio State will be the 2-seed and 3-seed, respectively. The Spartans could earn a rematch with Michigan in the quarterfinal, but both teams must take care of business.

Can the Spartans take the Big Ten tourney title?

Let’s kick things off with first-round predictions.

First round (Feb. 28)

No. 13 Illinois vs. No. 12 Iowa (5:30 p.m. ET)

The last time these two teams met, Iowa took care of the Illini in Champaign. The Fighting Illini, however, have been getting better as the year has progressed and that young talent is beginning to shine through. Iowa, too, has a bright future, but revenge will be on the mind of the Illinois players, as will momentum heading into next season. This one will be close, but Leron Black and Trent Frazier will be difference-makers down the stretch, hitting clutch shots late.

Final Score: Illinois 78, Iowa 76

No. 14 Rutgers vs. No. 11 Minnesota (8 p.m. ET)

Although it’s not surprising to see Rutgers in the basement of the Big Ten yet again, this is a team that has improved tremendously since last year. Believe it or not, but not many teams want to face Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament but a reeling Minnesota squad has the honor of doing so. The Golden Gophers began the season in the Top 25 but injuries and a suspension rocked the team and they have since looked like nothing more than an NIT team. Nate Mason won’t let his career end with a first-round exit against Rutgers, though.

Final Score: Rutgers 64, Minnesota 69

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