Hammer and Rails - 2022 Big Ten Men’s Basketball TournamentPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2022-03-13T14:00:00-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/227351172022-03-13T14:00:00-04:002022-03-13T14:00:00-04:002022 Big Ten Tournament Championship: Purdue vs. Iowa GameThread & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Indianapolis Star" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ow8FVssCuBlJlz_Dp6oQ9fRcT8A=/0x0:1620x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70616487/usa_today_17883082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Martin/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue goes for a hat trick vs. the OMHR.</p> <p id="luMrd3">Let’s have some fun today.</p>
<p id="Awm9Ji">Purdue and Iowa are both solidly in the NCAA Tournament. There is no drama in that department, and it is unlikely that today’s game will affect either team’s seeding much. Iowa is probably a five and Purdue’s fate on that two/three line is also likely decided even before tipoff. The only thing at stake is a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> championship trophy and if this crew guarantees at least a tournament title banner in the rafters of Mackey Arena. </p>
<p id="I5PFvA">Given that the NCAA Tournament crapshoot guarantees nothing, it would be very nice if this team can secure at least something in terms of hardware. It spent the entire season in the top 10 and even reached No. 1 for the first time in school history. It lost a regular season title by a half court heave, so a Big Ten Tournament Championship is a nice consolation prize and makes only the second 30 win season in school history very possible. </p>
<p id="CVcdNo">Also, both teams love offense and loathe defense, so let’s score some points. </p>
<div id="jhBH8z"><div data-anthem-component="table:10852691"></div></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/13/22974925/2022-big-ten-tournament-championship-purdue-iowa-gamethread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2022-03-12T17:45:57-05:002022-03-12T17:45:57-05:00Purdue 75, Michigan State 70: Boilers Advance to Big Ten Tournament Final
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament- Purdue vs Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8wDX1ZmfeE3uia_BzElntfeoyr8=/0x61:1824x1277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70614381/usa_today_17882041.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue avenges its loss in East Lansing. </p> <p id="UvSIii">After a couple of bad weeks it is starting to come together for Purdue. The Boilers got a complete team performance on Saturday and avenged a loss to <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> from two weeks ago, advancing to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> championship game where it will play Iowa. </p>
<p id="kBBZFS">I say team effort because there was no one major standout (though Jaden Ivey’s second half was excellent). Five players scored in double figures. Purdue led by as many as 13 in the second half, but the Spartans fought back, cutting it to one at one point. Even though Michigan State hit 9 of 11 shots at one point Purdue seemed to have an answer.</p>
<p id="KGhQgn">The biggest answer came on consecutive possessions from Eric Hunter Jr. With Purdue leading by only one at 57-56 with 5:30 left Hunter buried a corner three to push he lead to four. The Spartans then just missed on a putback at the rim, but Trevion Williams corralled the rebound on the offensive end Tre found Hunter for another three, and the lead was suddenly back to seven at the 4:25 mark. </p>
<p id="CCUnRu">Ivey was incredible with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, numerous circus shots, and his ability to finish while getting assaulted by chairs. Tre dominated the final minutes and had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Mason Gillis had 10 points and 7 rebounds, six coming on a pair of big three-pointers. Hunter and Zach Edey each had 11. </p>
<p id="CDglpC">For the most part, Purdue’s defense was significantly better, too. It held Michigan State to 20 first half points. The Spartans shot just 28% from threes ell below their season average. They did, however, hit critical shots late and hit some threes late with Purdue well in front. </p>
<p id="1ti68V">As I said, things are coming together for Purdue now. The offense was incredibly balanced and flowed well for longer stretches today than yesterday against Penn State. The Boilers survived a rough and tumble game, and can now add some hardware to the trophy case if they get a third win over Iowa this year. A No. 2 seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament is also on the table. </p>
<p id="QJEc3Y">See you tomorrow afternoon!</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/12/22974602/purdue-75-michigan-state-70-final-score-recapBoilerTMill2022-03-12T13:00:00-05:002022-03-12T13:00:00-05:002022 Big Ten Tournament Michigan State vs. Purdue: GameThread & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Indianapolis Star" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1A0JAxU4c_9YV7wTpT2r1rYmjDY=/0x0:4131x2754/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70613635/usa_today_17878314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue seeks revenge for two weeks ago.</p> <p id="5blRnm">After the Brandon Newman Game last night Purdue is already back in action, less than 24 hours later. That’s the nature of the Big Ten Tournament though. There is no rest (at least once you start playing). The Boilers were the only higher seed to survive the carnage yesterday and, on paper, it is in the driver’s seat to win it second Big Ten Tournament. </p>
<p id="VICNg7">First up though, is Michigan State. </p>
<p id="OMfX6L">The Spartans have won a couple of close games to get there, beating Maryland and Wisconsin by hanging on in the final seconds. They are one of two teams in league play Purdue did not beat this season, but it was a very narrow three-point, last second loss in East Lansing just two weeks ago. At stake for Purdue is a possible two seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament. Last night’s win likely secured that the first two games will be right back here in Indianapolis, but now Purdue can get a slightly higher seed. </p>
<div id="mJjCBE"><div data-anthem-component="table:10852691"></div></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/12/22974161/2022-big-ten-tournament-michigan-state-purdue-gamethread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2022-03-11T23:28:03-05:002022-03-11T23:28:03-05:00Purdue 69, Penn State 61: Boilers Look Like A New-Man
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament- Purdue vs Penn State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p9cSTfsb4sOBAvBz4fLKFEMbhsY=/0x0:2737x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70612060/usa_today_17877075.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An unexpected hero saves the day. </p> <p id="a5jyxg">Welcome back, Brandon Newman. </p>
<p id="Z5BpfK">The redshirt sophomore pulled a John Hart as Purdue became the only higher seed to win on Friday in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a>. Newman had played only five minutes across two games, both on mop up duty, since January 23rd at home against Northwestern. He had taken just one shot and hadn’t scored. With the Boilers struggling offensively and with Sasha Stefanovic picking up his second foul early Matt Painter went to Newman with 5:52 left in the first half. </p>
<p id="tGPDNp">Brandon delivered. </p>
<p id="TzOxHc">Newman hit all four of his field goal attempts, including two threes, and finished 12 points. It was his first double figure scoring game since finishing with 13 against <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>. Even better, he added a couple of rebounds and an assist. More importantly, he was a huge spark for Purdue on both ends of the floor. </p>
<p id="CdQ9Sq">This was the best Purdue has looked in a while. The offense wasn’t consistent, a 12 point lead shrank to one with two minutes and change left, but Purdue’s defense, a sore spot all season, delivered. It got key stops, it got five big steals, and it recovered from a slow start to hassle Penn State all night. </p>
<p id="EkBov1">Your key play came with less than a minute to go and Purdue clinging to a three point lead. Purdue had already survived a wide open three missed by Dallion Johnson, but Trevion Williams airmailed a hook shot to give the Nittany Lions another chance. He would get a block, then a missed second chance shot went to midcourt and was chased down by Jaden Ivey, who streaked to the other end for a huge basket to give Purdue a five point lead with 44 seconds left. </p>
<p id="HfbURA">While consistency was an issue, Purdue looked like PURDUE again for the first time in weeks during long stretches of play. Williams had a big game and Purdue was +18 with him on the floor. We got bench contributions. Zach Edey was big for stretches. It was great to see. </p>
<p id="Pi5ZIK">Purdue will now face <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> in tomorrow’s semifinal. The Boilers are now the highest seed remaining in the tournament. </p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/11/22973799/big-ten-tournament-purdue-69-penn-state-61-final-score-recapBoilerTMill2022-03-11T18:00:00-05:002022-03-11T18:00:00-05:002022 Big Ten Tournament: Penn State vs. Purdue GameThread & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Purdue at Penn State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DKQyFGEXl-e7tHqDyqVBVdSXgGc=/0x0:4027x2685/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70611192/usa_today_17472631.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue finally takes the floor in Indy</p> <p id="hjDOmC">Purdue finally takes the court tonight! It is only the 10th game of the event this year, but Purdue is the last of the 14 teams to play its first game. Nine teams have already gone home, and Purdue could end up playin in three of the last four games. </p>
<p id="hKy7xF">Such is the life of the double bye. This is the fourth time Purdue will open its tournament with a double bye against a team playing its third game in three days. It is a tremendous advantage, and no team that has had to play on Wednesday in the Big Ten Tournament has made it to the Saturday session. </p>
<p id="bxnuTQ">Purdue is also playing to secure at least a 3 seed in the NCAAs, with the door open to a 2 seed if it gets some help. A win also likely secures that Purdue will play in Indianapolis for the first and second rounds, so it is a big game. </p>
<div id="2GFGbN"><div data-anthem-component="table:10852691"></div></div>
<p id="tjuuaQ"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/11/22972557/2022-big-ten-tournament-penn-state-purdue-gamethread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2022-03-11T09:29:42-05:002022-03-11T09:29:42-05:00#9 Purdue vs Penn St. - Big Ten Tournament Preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Purdue at Penn State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7hHy9f5QpEHgOcorIFEo2zBz7mo=/0x0:4880x3253/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70608561/usa_today_17472633.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Penn St. fresh off a win and games in back to back days will have to play a fresh Purdue team in Indianapolis.</p> <p id="y1vGY9">Coach Shrewsberry might not have had the win/loss success in his first year as Penn State’s head coach that he’d want, but there’s no denying he’s building something in Pennsylvania after his team went to Indianapolis and pulled off the upset over Chris Holttman’s <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> Buckeyes late on Thursday night.<br><br>It sets up a fascinating match-up for a head coach that was one of Coach Painter’s assistants just last season.<br><br>#9 Purdue will be the fresher team thanks to the double-bye and Penn State will be playing their third game in three state days. The odds will be stacked Penn State in a rematch of a game Penn State lost at home by 7 points in early January. Penn State showed then what it showed last night, Coach Shrewsberry has one of the best offensive systems in the country that leverages his team’s strengths and attacks space and opponent’s defensive liabilities.<br><br>In their only regular season match up, Purdue went into Penn State and won 74-67. The game was closer than even the 7 point lead suggests. The Nittany Lions played Purdue tough, their guards gave Purdue fits on offense, and it was only after a dominant performance by Trevion Williams, scoring 21 points, that Purdue was finally able to pull away late. <br><br>Fast forward two months and Penn State has still struggled to win games, but they found a formula against Ohio State. Their offense, Coach Shrewsberry’s offense, is a beautiful orchestration of hard off ball action, high pick and rolls, constant ball movement, and attacking mismatches. They’re much better than they should be at creating advantages and space for a team that lacks great offensive players of their own. Instead, any night, a handful of Penn State players can go off, using pick and rolls and isolating against smaller guards. <br><br>Two things Purdue has been particularly susceptible to most the season.<br><br>For Purdue, size and star power will be their biggest advantages. Penn State certainly doesn’t have a Jaden Ivey on their roster. Nor do they have anyone close to Zach Edey’s 7’4 frame, but it was Trevion Williams that bullied and decimated the Nittany Lions in the first match up.<br><br>Trevion Williams scored 21 points in that game on just 12 shot attempts. He hasn’t scored more than 12 points in a game since February. It was one of the few times this year the All-American looked like the dominant inside force of last season. The big man has struggled to find an offensive rhythm as Edey has shown himself as Painter’s best option inside. <br><br>Purdue should win this game. They are the heavy favorites, potential 2 seeds in the NCAA Tournaments and the favorites to win the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a>. This game is about finding that monster again. The team that beat #23 North Carolina and #8 <a href="https://www.vuhoops.com">Villanova</a> in back to back games early in their non-conference has struggled against the likes of Maryland and Indiana. The Purdue team that dominated Illinois and had the best offense in the country, has lost 2 of their last 3 games. <br><br>Purdue’s offense has looked unstoppable at times this season. It still ranks as the best unit in the country, but it’s scored more than 70 points in just one of its last six games. Its bench has went from one of its biggest strengths to a non factor. Purdue is no longer overwhelming teams with a ten man rotation. It’s now struggling to get contributions from anyone outside Ethan Morton and Trevion Williams. <br><br>This Big Ten Tournament will mean a lot to a lot of teams. Maybe none more than Purdue. Who has to show to the committee and themselves that their resume isn’t one of a paper tiger, but a sleeping giant. That the monsters in their closet aren’t coming for them, but going to be unleashed and controlled by a team with as much talent and experience as any in the country. That last year’s loss to North Texas wasn’t just an aberration, but the necessary narrative. <br><br>They lost and they learned. They battled and they hardened. <br><br>That proof of quench starts now, against their former assistant coach, against the first of many David’s they’ll need to squash to prove they’re worthy of being the Goliath’s they look like on paper. </p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/11/22972539/9-purdue-vs-penn-st-big-ten-tournament-previewCasey Bartley2022-03-10T12:59:42-05:002022-03-10T12:59:42-05:002022 Big Ten Tournament: Day 2 Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament- Indiana vs Michigan" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2OIKCRtOnKb1CDxb15812xKbO2I=/0x0:2738x1825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70604690/usa_today_17865754.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s a rest day for Purdue.</p> <p id="arPLKm">Today the Big Ten Tournament gets under way in earnest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indy. In fact, we’ve already started as Michigan leads Indiana by a comfortable margin in game 1 of the day. Here is your full schedule:</p>
<p id="WWF7pm"><strong>Game 3:</strong> No. 8 Michigan (17-13, 11-9) vs. No. 9 Indiana (18-12, 9-11), 11:30 a.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="NzNdap"><strong>Game 4:</strong> No. 5 Iowa (22-9, 12-8) vs. No. 12 Northwestern (15-15, 7-13) , 2 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="ARpk9C"><strong>Game 5:</strong> No. 7 <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a> (20-11, 11-9) vs. No. 10 Maryland (15-16, 7-13), 6:30 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="zoZWrP"><strong>Game 6:</strong> No. 6 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a> (19-10, 12-8) vs. No. 11 Penn State (13-16, 7-13) , 9 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="Lr89Au">Purdue fans will be most interested in the second game of the night session, as we get thee winner tomorrow night. Officially, Purdue is the last team of the 14 to take the floor for the first time, and by then nine teams will already be on their way home. </p>
<p id="LUzavF">Enjoy some great basketball!</p>
<p id="0St0Qm"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/10/22971068/2022-big-ten-tournament-day-2-open-thread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2022-03-08T15:53:48-05:002022-03-08T15:53:48-05:002022 Big Ten Tournament Preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament- Minnesota vs Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PmFacpFzIYASuXQK8FzUigRWnzU=/0x0:4893x3262/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70595836/usa_today_15703388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Welcome to Indy, everyone!</p> <p id="zjGC6d">It is hard to believe that it has been six years since we had a “normal” <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> in Indianapolis. Based on the media information I received there are some lingering COVID protocols, as all media members must be vaxxed and waxed, but aside from that it looks like we’re finally crawling out from this cloud that descended almost two years ago to this day. It is only March 737<sup>th</sup>, 2020 after all. </p>
<p id="q9ZDKv">But yes, the last normal Big Ten Tournament in Indy was in 2016. The 2017 event was in Washington, DC and 2018 was in the World’s Most Overrated Sports Arena in New York. 2019 was back in Chicago, while 2020 lasted all of two games before its cancellation, leaving me with a relic of a credential on my wall. Last year was at Lucas Oil Stadium before managed crowds, but it is back at the Fieldhouse with full crowds this year. </p>
<p id="cuTqEI">I will be in attendance at most of the games this week, though not as many as usual since I was saving vacation time for the NCAAs next week if Purdue returns to the Fieldhouse. What we have is the usual fun event. Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, and <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> are all solidly in the NCAA Tournament field. <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> and Michigan are likely on the happy side of the Bubble, while Indiana is right at the line depending on who you speak to. The remaining five teams are playing only for pride, while Maryland or Northwestern winning a couple games could get them an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a> berth since they are both sitting a game under .500. </p>
<p id="CVkCrm">If you’re looking to pick a team your safest bets are Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, and Rutgers. I say that because since the tournament started in 1998 only three teams have successfully won four games in four days to take the title: Iowa in 2001 as the 6 seed, Michigan in 2017 as the 8, and Michigan again a year later as the 5. Those three, combined with Michigan winning the inaugural event as a 4 seed, are the ONLY times a team seeded third or worse has won it. Only 2001 Iowa probably got in via the automatic bid as well, as Michigan was solidly in the field both times. </p>
<p id="lohjkR">History says the winner will be Illinois, Wisconsin, or Purdue as the top 3 seeds, but we all know our history in this event. Only Indiana and Northwestern as teams that have been in every iteration of the Big Ten Tournament have a worse record than Purdue’s 14-22 mark with 9 of Purdue’s 14 wins coming in its four trips to the title game in 1998, 2009 (which it won), 2016 and 2018. </p>
<p id="mL4jds">That’s not to say big runs can’t happen. Illinois made the final in 1999 as the 11 seed and again in 2008 as the 10 seed. Minnesota and Penn State in 2010 and 2011, respectively, made runs to the championship game that likely pushed them to the happy side of the Bubble. Since most of the teams that would need the automatic bid would have to win five games in five days a magical run seems very unlikely. So far no one who has had to play on Wednesday has even made it to Saturday’s semifinals, but Nebraska came close in 2019, losing to Wisconsin by 4 in the quarters. </p>
<p id="JuJZlY">With all that said, let’s preview this thing, and make some picks, starting with tomorrow. </p>
<p id="Yev6d1"><strong>First Round</strong></p>
<p id="JPLxNc"><strong>Game 1:</strong> No. 12 Northwestern (14-15, 7-13) vs. No. 13 Nebraska (10-21, 4-16), 6 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="Au14sF">Two teams come into the Big Ten Tournament with a three-game winning streak. One is Illinois, who stumbled into a league title thanks to the red hot <a href="https://www.cornnation.com">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a>, who won their final three games, all away from home and two against ranked teams. Northwestern has the look of a Bill Carmody era team, as they have hovered around .500 and sport a resume littered with close calls that would have put them in the NCAAs. If you’re Purdue, you’d like to see them win a couple and get into the top 75 to boost our road win over them to tier 1. Northwestern did win both regular season games with the Cornhuskers, but Nebraska went crazy in the past week. <strong>Pick: Nebraska</strong></p>
<p id="b0yP4R"><strong>Game 2:</strong> No. 11 Penn State (12-16, 7-13) vs. No. 14 Minnesota (13-16, 4-16), 8:30 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="Z1o0kX">This game does not need to happen. Minnesota peaked with an undefeated non-conference, but really struggled in league play. These two played twice in a five day span in mid-Febraury, splitting their games and each winning at home. Penn State won by 19 in State College while Minnesota won by 6 in Minneapolis. <strong>Pick: Penn State</strong></p>
<p id="PDegdB"><strong>Second round (Thursday)</strong></p>
<p id="WWF7pm"><strong>Game 3:</strong> No. 8 Michigan (17-13, 11-9) vs. No. 9 Indiana (18-12, 9-11), 11:30 a.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="ck9hyK">This one is the game of the tournament in my eyes. Michigan has strong computer numbers, and if they move up just one spot in the NET our home win over them moves to tier 1, helping our case for a 2 seed. They are probably in the tournament as of right now, but a win over the Hoosiers makes them much more secure. For Indiana, they almost certainly have to beat Michigan to get in. Indiana is a dismal 13-23 in this event, and one of those wins was in the 11/14 game that was played two years ago before the tournament was cancelled the next day. They have only made the semifinals once since 2006. Michigan won the only regular season meeting by 18 in Bloomington, but have alternated wins and losses in their last nine games, with the last being a win. <strong>Pick: Michigan</strong></p>
<p id="NzNdap"><strong>Game 4:</strong> No. 5 Iowa (22-9, 12-8) vs. No. 13 Nebraska (11-21, 4-16), 2 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="PKxQLk">Iowa just missed getting the double bye, as their late three-point attempt Sunday in Champaign would have put them there and denied the Illini the Big Ten title. Their reward is a relatively easy opener. They won both games with Nebraska by double digits and beat Northwestern by 21. <strong>Pick: Iowa</strong></p>
<p id="ARpk9C"><strong>Game 5:</strong> No. 7 <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a> (20-11, 11-9) vs. No. 10 Maryland (15-16, 7-13), 6:30 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="cJhxNd">Michigan State won both games with the Terps this year, by 2 in College Park and by 10 in East Lansing on Sunday, so Maryland gets an immediate rematch. The Spartans have still lost five of their last seven, ruining our parade with a late three and getting that win over Maryland. That was still likely enough to get them safely into the field though. <strong>Pick: Michigan State</strong></p>
<p id="XsUMyY"><strong>Game 6:</strong> No. 6 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a> (19-10, 12-8) vs. No. 11 Penn State (13-16, 7-13), 9 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="4ejujC">The Buckeye have not finished strong. They lost four of their last seven, including one to Nebraska, and they were very lucky to beat Indiana in overtime because the Hoosiers choked in regulation. They are coming off of a six point home loss to Michigan, but they did beat Penn State twice during the season. If it is Minnesota, they also beat the Gophers twice by a total of 36 points. <strong>Pick: Ohio State</strong></p>
<p id="exZDyO"><strong>Quarterfinals (Friday)</strong></p>
<p id="zWdxTN"><strong>Game 7:</strong> No. 1 Illinois (22-8, 15-5) vs. No. 8 Michigan (18-13, 11-9), 11:30 a.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="RhqnVX">The winner of Indiana-Michigan will just be happy to be alive for this game. Illinois beat Michigan both times they faced them and won by 17 in Bloomington. They are also the hottest team in the league with their three game win streak, one of which was an 8 point win in Ann Arbor on February 27<sup>th</sup>. <strong>Pick: Illinois</strong></p>
<p id="cRchom"><strong>Game 8:</strong> No. 4 <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/"><strong>Rutgers</strong></a> (18-12, 12-8) vs. No. 5 Iowa (23-9, 12-8), 2 p.m., Big Ten Network </p>
<p id="rArarv">Does Rutgers need this one to make the NCAAs? The computer numbers are not great, as they have a couple anchors of bad losses tied to their ankles, but they have been giant killers in league play. They also beat Iowa in the only meeting, but it was an ugly 48-46 win in Piscataway. This should be a fascinating game as Iowa’s No. 1 scoring offense faces Rutgers’ No. 1 scoring defense. I think Rutgers needs it to feel secure, but Iowa has a great offense. <strong>Pick: Iowa</strong></p>
<p id="UqrKEf"><strong>Game 9:</strong> No. 2 Wisconsin (24-6, 15-5) vs. No. 7 <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a> (21-11, 11-9), 6:30 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="3njYfP">What is the status of Johnny Davis? How is his knee? Does Wisconsin rest him for the NCAAs? How did they beat Purdue, then lose to Nebraska just days later? Wisconsin and Michigan State split the season series, each winning on the road. If this is Maryland the Badgers won by a point in College Park. Michigan State has not been good of late, and the win over Purdue was more a result of Purdue playing poorly than anything. <strong>Pick: Wisconsin</strong></p>
<p id="5bl7ep"><strong>Game 10:</strong> No. 3 Purdue (25-6, 14-6) vs. No. 6 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a> (20-10, 12-8), 9 p.m., Big Ten Network</p>
<p id="6Mq4j4">I am going to be blunt: I do not trust Purdue at all right now. The bench has dried up. The offense that was dropping 80 with regularity has only even gotten to 70 twice in the last seven games (84 vs. Rutgers, 70 vs. Northwestern). The defensive issues are still large and that same defense collapsed against Ohio State in the regular season only to be saved by Jaden Ivey. Purdue is 1-4 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament and lost last year in overtime. You can’t even say, “Purdue needs to play pissed off” right now because it hasn’t done that for a month now, and it cost them the title. The Boilers are trending the wrong way. The Big Ten has figured us out and we had better hope the lack of familiarity helps us in the NCAAs against non-conference opponents. <strong>Pick: Ohio State</strong></p>
<p id="UIud0V"><strong>Semifinals (Saturday)</strong></p>
<p id="cerbUP"><strong>Game 11:</strong> No. 1 Illinois (23-8, 15-5) vs. No. 5 Iowa (24-9, 12-8), 1 p.m., CBS</p>
<p id="TmiTPE">This was a great game on Sunday, so why not have a rematch? Illinois won both games in the regular season, but by six points total. That means Iowa is due, and they just missed spoiling the part in Champaign on Sunday. <strong>Pick: Iowa</strong></p>
<p id="KFpkjG"><strong>Game 12:</strong> No. 2 Wisconsin (25-6, 15-5) vs. No. 6 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a> (21-10, 12-8), 3:30 p.m., CBS</p>
<p id="af9bU5">Way back in December Wisconsin went to Columbus and lost by 18. They didn’t look at all like a conference title contender, especially after they needed a furious comeback to beat Indiana at home in the previous game. They later beat the Buckeyes by 10 in Madison. The Davis question still looms large here, making this a very tough pick. <strong>Pick: Ohio State</strong></p>
<p id="Xy0WX2"><strong>Final (Sunday)</strong></p>
<p id="RV7Go5"><strong>Game 13:</strong> No. 5 Iowa (25-9, 12-8) vs. No. 6 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a> (21-10, 12-8), 3:30 p.m., CBS</p>
<p id="inPTgx">So I am bucking history and putting the 5 and the 6 seed together in the final. Ohio State got the path it wanted with a floundering Purdue team and a possibly depleted Wisconsin. Iowa was the hottest team in the conference before the Illinois loss, having won five straight, including a 75-62 win in Columbus. I have really like what I have seen of the Hawkeyes of late, and Keegan Murray leads them to the title. <strong>Pick: Iowa</strong></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2022/3/8/22967793/2022-big-ten-tournament-preview-how-to-watchBoilerTMill