Michigan State vs. Ohio State prediction for Saturday

No. 6 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Ohio State

Time: 4 p.m.

Venue: United Center

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 25-7, 13-5 Big Ten; Ohio State 24-7, 13-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – DeShaun Thomas (19.75 ppg); Rebounds – Thomas (6.1 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.5 apg); Steals – Craft (2.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W3, Ohio State W6

Point Spread: even

Prediction: On paper, this is a heck of a ball game. It may end up being one on the court as well, but I think Michigan State is going to be much more fatigued than Ohio State coming into this game. The Spartans had a dog fight with Iowa. It was a physical game for the Spartans that really pushed them for the full 40 minutes. Ohio State had a much easier time with Nebraska, and was able to cruise home to a win. I think that plays a big role in this game. Ohio State is going to make Michigan State work from the opening tip, and I think that will lead to some serious fatigue in the second half. MSU is capable of winning this game, but I think Ohio State will be fresher and has been playing some very good basketball as of late. Ohio State 67, Michigan State 58

Iowa vs. Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Iowa vs. No. 6 Michigan State

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: United Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Iowa 21-11, 9-9 Big Ten; Michigan State 24-7, 13-5

Iowa stat leaders: Points – Roy Devyn Marble (14.3 ppg); Rebounds – Aaron White (6.1 rpg); Assists – Mike Gesell (2.9 apg); Steals – Gesell (1.2 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Iowa W2, Michigan State W2

Point Spread: Michigan State -5.5

Prediction: Michigan State begins its Big Ten Tournament today against Iowa, which is coming off a 73-59 win over Northwestern last night. These two met just once this year, with MSU getting a 62-59 win at the Breslin. The Spartans have won five straight and nine of their last 10 against the Hawkeyes. I see MSU getting the win again today, but I think Iowa will make it a challenge. The Hawkeyes have been a tough out all season, as seven of their nine Big Ten losses have come by single digits. MSU may have to play from behind for a good portion of the game, but I see the Spartans staying composed and grinding out the victory. Michigan State 67, Iowa 61

Michigan vs. Wisconsin Breakdown & Prediction

No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 22 Wisconsin

Time: 2:25PM ET

Venue: United Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan 26-6, 12-6 Big Ten; Wisconsin 21-10, 12-6

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (19.2 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.5 rpg); Assists – Burke (6.8 apg); Steals – Burke (1.6 spg).

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (11.5 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.5 rpg); Assists – Traevon Jackson (2.8 apg); Steals – Jackson (1.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W1, Wisconsin W1

Point Spread: Michigan -3

Prediction: Similar to the win over Penn State, I would expect Michigan to play a highly-motivated game against Wisconsin on Friday. The Badgers gave the Wolverines one of their toughest losses of the season in Madison. Michigan clearly has more talent than the Badgers. The only way for Wisconsin to win is to out-work the Wolverines and dominate the glass, which is possible. However, I think Michigan will build off its strong second half against Penn State and match Wisconsin’s defensive intensity. It won’t take a ton of points to beat the Badgers, so Michigan just needs to be aggressive and create open looks on the perimeter through dribble penetration. In the end, I see Michigan winning by double digits. Michigan 66, Wisconsin 55

Penn State vs. Michigan Breakdown & Prediction

Penn State vs. No. 6 Michigan

Time: 2:25PM ET

Venue: United Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Penn State 10-20, 2-16 Big Ten; Michigan 25-6, 12-6

Penn State stat leaders: Points – Tim Frazier (16.3 ppg); Rebounds – Ross Travis (7.3 rpg); Assists – D.J. Newbill (4.1 apg); Steals – Frazier (2.3 spg).

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (19.2 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.5 rpg); Assists – Burke (6.8 apg); Steals – Burke (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Penn State L1, Michigan L1

Point Spread: Michigan -14.5

Prediction: Penn State has certainly played Michigan tough this season, but I see the Wolverines coming into this game with a lot of motivation for revenge. The Nittany Lions handed Michigan its most embarrassing loss of the season. Michigan will look to correct that and make a statement against Penn State. Michigan also knows the importance of picking up a few wins this week to improve its NCAA Tournament seeding. Penn State might start fast, but I ultimately look for the Wolverines to take control and win comfortably. Michigan 71, Penn State 56

My Big Ten Tournament predictions

The Big Ten Tournament is set to begin tomorrow.

I won’t ramble on here, just get right to my picks.

For this, I will just predict winners and losers. As Michigan and MSU play each game it has, I will give a score prediction on that day.

So, here are my picks, which are certain to not go well

Thursday

Illinois def. Minnesota

Michigan def. Penn State

Purdue def. Nebraska

Iowa def. Northwestern

Friday

Indiana def. Illinois

Michigan def. Wisconsin

Ohio State def. Purdue

Michigan State def. Iowa

Saturday

Michigan def. Indiana

Ohio State def. Michigan State

Sunday

Ohio State def. Michigan

I just feel the Buckeyes are playing the best right now and will be heavily motivated this week. A run to the title will greatly improve their NCAA Tournament resume. I actually think the MSU-Ohio State winner will win the tournament, but I see Ohio State getting the nod over the Spartans.

Who is going to win the Big Ten Tournament?

It’s finally time for postseason play.

The Big Ten Tournament kicks off on Thursday and runs through Sunday at the United Center.

This year’s tournament field is as good as the Big Ten has ever had.

Though it feels like Indiana is the favorite, it feels as if any of the top 5 teams (Indiana, MSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin) could potentially win this thing. Wisconsin may be a stretch, but the Badgers have some big wins throughout the year and are capable of putting a run together.

I don’t feel that the Hoosiers are going to win this week. It seems that Indiana has the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region locked up, so it doesn’t need to really push itself to win this tournament.

The other four teams all could really use this championship. The difference between a title this week and an early exit could mean a lot for NCAA Tournament seeding and location. Michigan, MSU and Ohio State are all contending for a No. 2 seed and each have a slim chance at the fourth No. 1 seed if a lot of early upsets take placing during the week.

Wisconsin could probably make a run to a No. 3 seed if it wins the tournament.

Of the top contenders, Ohio State is the hottest team. The Buckeyes are coming in on a five-game winning streak with wins over MSU and Indiana.

Michigan State has the program pedigree to win this week, but we haven’t seen much consistent play out of the Spartans lately.

Michigan has the talent, but winning big games away from Crisler has been an issue. The Wolverines can either learn from the loss to Indiana and become a stronger team, or they can lick their wounds and continue to struggle in big games.

My pick to win the tournament will be later this week, but what is your pick to win this week?

Who will win the Big Ten Tournament