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One month ago today, the 2019 Big Ten Tournament finished up in Chicago. Today, the Big Ten announced the in-conference match-ups for both men’s and women’s basketball teams.
*Protected home-and-home teams
Men’s Basketball Conference Opponents
Home-and-Home:
- Illinois
- Indiana*
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Rutgers
- Wisconsin
Home Only:
- Michigan State
- Minnesota
- Penn State
Away Only:
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- Ohio State
Women’s Basketball Conference Opponents
Home-and-Home:
- Illinois
- Indiana*
- Michigan State
- Ohio State
- Wisconsin
Home Only:
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Penn State
- Rutgers
Away Only:
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Northwestern
On the men’s side of things, this is a favorable selection. Obviously, it’s still a little too early to tell how strong these teams will be next year as the rules regarding players declaring for the NBA has changed. If we were to assume with some persistent forecasting, then the only tough team Purdue will not face at home is Maryland (granted, Purdue did struggle at Nebraska this year). Given this, Purdue will face most of the top B1G teams in Mackey next season, but of course we can only speculate right now.
Of course, we won’t know when Purdue will play these teams, as some of them could occur over winter break when the students aren’t on campus. Additionally, we won’t know which two teams we’ll play in December. Personally, I hope it’s one of the home-and-home teams, as teams can change from December to February (see Purdue and Michigan last season; still want that rematch after they stumbled to end the season).
On the women’s side of things, they have 2 less home-and-home series since their schedule only includes 18-conference games. Given the struggles that they have had lately, and that Versyp will remain as head coach, it’s tough to say if any conference line-up would be “favorable”. Either way, based on last year’s results, it’s a decently balanced schedule as the Top 4 teams from last season (Maryland, Iowa, Rutgers, and Michigan) are evenly split among the home and away only teams.
Ultimately, a schedule could look strong or weak now, but that perception can easily change over the next month, let alone by the time December and March roll around.