Michigan State basketball: Predicting the 2023 Big Ten Tournament

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Feb 23, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Clifford Omoruyi (11) dribbles against Michigan Wolverines forward Tarris Reed Jr. (32) during the first half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Thursday’s early games

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines

The Scarlet Knights had perhaps the dream season going for most of the season, beating a then-top 10 Indiana team and even cracking the AP top 25. But beating MSU at MSG was just too much for them, going on to lose their six of their last eight.

Despite what The Free Press tells you, this has been a strange and disappointing year for the Wolverines, which you just hate to see. I’ve never seen a team be down so much, only to come back, only to lose close. They truly are about four baskets away from being a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ll go down 10 early, be up two at half, but get good practice at finishing a game against a fading Rutgers team.

Prediction: Michigan 74, Rutgers 70

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Look for this one to be a barn burner. In their two matchups this season, one team has hit 90-plus points. Iowa is the hotter of these two teams (or the less cold of the two) going 3-3 in its last six, and come away with the victory.

Prediction: Iowa 91, Ohio State 82

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