The Big 10 boasts marquee college basketball teams like the Michigan State Spartans and Indiana Hoosiers, but other teams have stepped forward this season like the Iowa Hawkeyes and Purdue Boilermakers. Will the established powerhouse teams win the Big 10 tournament, or will another team claim the prize? Here are five bold predictions for the upcoming 2016 Big 10 tournament.
5. No. 10 Seed Or Lower Does Not Make It To Friday
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY SportsThe Big 10 boasts some of the best teams in the country at the top of the standings. The problem is that the bottom of the conference is really, really bad.
4. Northwestern Upsets Michigan
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Once again, injuries have plagued the Wolverines. Northwestern might not be a great team, but they are a good team. The Wildcats will narrowly snatch a victory over this struggling and disappointing Michigan squad.
3. Indiana Struggles Against Iowa
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsThe Hoosiers have had an up-and-down season, surging at the perfect time. Unfortunately, Iowa, who have lost to Indiana twice, will get the better of them in the quarterfinals. Don't worry, Hoosiers fans: Indiana will fare far better in the NCAA tournament.
2. Michigan State Dominates
Mike Carter-USA TODAY SportsMichigan State is a class above most of the teams in the Big 10. No team that faces them until the final will be able to even dream of pulling off the upset.
1. Iowa Defeats Michigan State In Championship Game
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsMichigan State matches up well with every team in the Big 10. Well, every team except for Iowa. The Spartans lost to the Hawkeyes twice by double-digits this season, and although beating a great team three times in a season is tough, double-digit victories are hard to ignore.
