Round 2 of Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Set to Kick Off
Today marks the beginning of Round 2 in the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament, featuring captivating matchups that could significantly impact March Madness.
While the top four seeds, including Northwestern, Nebraska, Illinois, and Purdue, await their turn, today’s games promise excitement and high stakes.
Among the key matchups, the No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers aim to bounce back after a late-season slump, losing eight of their last eleven games. Despite the rough stretch, the Badgers remain formidable, having suffered only one defeat by more than ten points during that period. A strong start today could reignite their momentum, reminiscent of their early-season success. However, their road struggles, losing six consecutive away games, pose a challenge.
Another anticipated clash is the rematch between the No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes and No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes, following their thrilling Groundhog Day encounter. Although the Hawkeyes secured a narrow 79-77 victory in their previous meeting, Ohio State showed resilience, leading at halftime. Expectations are high for another intense showdown, especially considering the Hawkeyes’ reliance on clutch free throw shooting to seal the win.
The schedule for Thursday, March 14, includes:
- Game 3: No. 9 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. No. 8 Michigan State Spartans; 12 p.m. ET
- Game 4: No. 12 Maryland Terrapins vs. No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers; 2:30 p.m. ET
- Game 5: No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes; 6:30 p.m. ET
- Game 6: No. 11 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers; 9 p.m. ET
Basketball enthusiasts can catch the action on Big Ten Network and/or ESPN+. Stay tuned for thrilling matchups as teams vie for glory in the Big Ten tournament.