Big Ten Tournament Bracket, TV Schedule, Spreads for Friday

A number of storyline unfolded during the first day of the Big Ten Tournament: Bruce Weber likely coached his last game for Illinois; Northwestern likely played its way out of an NCAA Tournament bid in a loss to Minnesota; and, most unfortunately, Indiana senior Verdell Jones likely lost his chance to play in an NCAA Tournament game when his knee buckled in the first half.

What will Friday have in store? Here is a quick preview of today’s Big Ten Tournament action.

Here is a quick look at today’s Big Ten Tournament action.

Big Ten Tournament Info and Tickets

Site: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Big Ten Tournament Website
Printable Big Ten Tournament Bracket
Big Ten Tournament Tickets via Vivid Seats, the Official Ticket Provider of MSF

Big Ten Tournament Friday 2nd Round Preview

Note: all spreads via VegasInsider.com. Some were not posted when this article was published.

#1 Michigan State v #8 Iowa

Time: 12:00 ET
TV: ESPN
Point Spread: Michigan State -11
Over/Under: Not posted

Michigan State will be without uber-athletic freshman Branden Dawson and has never performed quite as well as expected in the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa has been a plucky bunch this year that has played some good teams very well. If Matt Gaetens in shooting well, watch out. I think Michigan State wins, but it won’t be easy.

#4 Wisconsin v #5 Indiana

Time: 2:25 ET
TV: ESPN
Point Spread: Indiana -1.5
Over/Under: Not posted

The Indiana Hoosiers have been on a mission this year to pay back all the teams who had owned them during the first three years of the Tom Crean era.

The only such team they haven’t vanquished at least once this year is Wisconsin, who won the teams’ only meeting in Madison earlier this year. Buoyed by the momentum, motivation, and the emotional drive of winning for their fallen leader, I expect a great performance from Indiana today. So as long as the Hoosiers play with poise down the stretch, they should win this game.

#2 Michigan v #10 Minnesota

Time: 6:30 ET
TV: BTN
Point Spread: Not posted
Over/Under: Not posted

Minnesota is playing with nothing to lose, and they won a thriller over Northwestern yesterday. Still, it’s tough to think they have the talent to pull off a second straight victory, especially with solid and balanced Michigan up next. If Tim Hardaway Jr. struggles though, and Minnesota can knock down shots, this game could be a close one. I expect Michigan to win though.

#3 Ohio State v #6 Purdue

Time: 8:55 ET
TV: BTN
Point Spread: Not posted
Over/Under: Not posted

If you predicted the Big Ten Tournament based on who the two hottest teams were coming into it, you likely would have predicted an Indiana-Purdue final. Both obviously has a long road ahead to get to that point, but don’t discount Purdue’s chances of winning today even though the Buckeyes are clearly more talented. Purdue nearly beat Ohio State in Columbus earlier this year, and on a neutral floor (with neutral calls) very well could beat them today. I think Ohio State’s talent wins out in the end, especially if the William Buford from the Michigan State game shows up, but I would not be surprised in the least to see Purdue pull off the W.