Michigan State basketball: Predicting the 2023 Big Ten Tournament
![EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 04: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during players introductions before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on March 4, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 04: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during players introductions before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on March 4, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e57b6894fcb9c3c2a25f4d55a18738c102beb762b46924b42c23c304255d53b4.jpg)
Semifinals
- Michigan State Spartans vs. Purdue Boilermakers
The first game was came down to one possession. The second game was over after the first possession. So let’s split the difference. The winner of this game wins by a margin of five. Only this time, the Spartans emerge victorious with the experience of AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker being the difference. Zach Edey gets his usual 30 points but the Spartans set the Big Ten Tournament record with 16 made 3-pointers.
Prediction: Michigan State 78, Purdue 73
- Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern won both regular season meetings by a combined three points. They also had cushy leads that were squandered in the late stages of the game. They were able to fend of the Hoosiers with both a late game jumper and making free throws in a late-game situations. Instead of Northwestern winning this one, it’s more of a “Indiana losing this one” kinda game due to missed free throw after missed free throw.
Prediction: Northwestern 71, Indiana 69