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NCAA basketball: Predicting who wins every major conference tournament

By Mike Phillips

MORGANTOWN, WV - MARCH 02: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on March 2, 2021 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - MARCH 02: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on March 2, 2021 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

Big Ten Conference Tournament

  • Dates: March 10-14
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN
  • Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
  • Top Seed: Michigan
  • Bracket

If you’re looking to see a slugfest between potential national title contenders, the Big Ten is your conference tournament to watch. The Big Ten could have four teams land top-two seeds in the NCAA Tournament, headlined by Michigan and Illinois, who are projected to be on the top line entering championship week.

There has been a bit of controversy surrounding the regular-season title, which the Wolverines claimed ahead of the Fighting Illini on the strength of winning percentage since Michigan played three fewer games as the result of a COVID pause. Illinois did beat Michigan head-to-head this week, which could lead to a fun grudge match if they match up in the tournament final.

The only real bubble intrigue here is surrounding Michigan State and Rutgers, each of whom should be safe regardless but can feel even better with a win in the second round. The Spartans take on Maryland in the 8-9 game while the Scarlet Knights can bury a slumping Indiana squad with a victory.

The strength of the league should prevent a bid thief from emerging, meaning a team from the Big Ten’s top tier should cut down the nets. When in doubt, the smart move is to bet on the team that is peaking with the tournament approaching.

Prediction: Illinois