CBB Review prepares you for every conference tournament leading up to Selection Sunday on Mar. 16. Up next: The Big Ten Tournament.
It’s official-March is here! It has been an incredibly exciting year for basketball across all conferences and to no surprise, it’s no different in the Big Ten.
The 2025 Big Ten tournament will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse from Mar. 12 to Mar. 16, with the championship game being played on Mar. 16 at 3:30 p.m. EST. Before we get into tournament prediction, here’s a look at some conference awards:
2025 Big Ten Conference Awards
Player of the Year: John Tonje, Wisconsin
Freshman of the Year: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Transfer of the Year: Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
Coach of the Year: Tom Izzo, Michigan State
First Team:
- G: Braden Smith, Purdue (16.3 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 39.7 3P%)
- G: John Tonje, Wisconsin (18.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 37.8 3P%)
- G: Ace Bailey, Rutgers (17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.3 BPG, 34.6 3P%)
- F: Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue (19.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 61.2 FG%)
- C: Vladislav Goldin, Michigan (16.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG, 64.2 FG%)
Second Team:
- G: Dylan Harper, Rutgers (19.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 34.5 3P%)
- G: Bruce Thornton, Ohio State (17.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 42.6 3P%)
- G: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maryland (14.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 41.5 3P%)
- F: Dawson Garcia, Minnesota (19.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 36.4 3P%)
- C: Derik Queen, Maryland (15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 52.6 FG%)
2025 Big Ten Tournament Simulation
If the Big Ten conference promises one thing, it’s some incredible matchups and exciting games throughout the regular seasons and into March, and this year will be no different. However, something interesting to watch about this conference this season is the fact that it is the first season with the expanded Big Ten, meaning that three teams did not make their conference tournament. Those three teams are Penn State, Washington, and Nebraska.
The bracket for this week is officially set, and there is not a single game you will want to miss. Read more for a preview:
First Round – Wed., Mar. 12
13. Northwestern (16-15, 7-13) vs. 12. Minnesota (15-16, 7-13) – 3:30 p.m. EST on Peacock
Their respective records show that both teams have had fairly similar seasons. They have only met once before this season, where Northwestern took the win with a final score of 75-63. While Northwestern needs this win to attempt to make a run this week, Minnesota needs the win to continue playing and try not to end their season as a losing one. Both teams have lost their last two games of the regular season and will look to avenge these losses in the first game of the Big Ten tournament as they open up play in Indianapolis
Prediction: 12. Minnesota
15. Iowa (16-15, 7-13) vs. 10. Ohio State (17-14, 9-11) – 25 minutes after Northwestern vs. Minnesota on Peacock
This game will be interesting as both teams are fairly even and share many of the same wins and losses. They have met once before this season, where Iowa came out on top with a final score of 82-65. In the Hawkeyes’ most recent game, they defeated Nebraska 68-8,3 and in Ohio State’s most recent game they fell to Indiana 66-60
Prediction: 10. Ohio State
14. USC (15-16, 7-13) vs. 11. Rutgers (15-16, 8-12) – 25 minutes after Iowa vs. Ohio State on Peacock
The month of March looks a little different for USC as this will be its first appearance in the Big Ten tournament, which is its first season as a part of the conference. The two teams have only met once this season, where Rutgers defeated USC with a final score of 95-85. In Rutger’s most recent game, they defeated Minnesota 75-67 in OT; in USC’s most recent game, they fell to in-state and conference rival UCLA 90-63. Even though they both fall towards the bottom of the rankings, it feels like Rutgers has a much better chance at winning this game, as many of USC’s recent losses have been by double digits.
Prediction: 11. Rutgers
Second Round – Tue., Mar. 13
9. Indiana vs. 8. Oregon (23-8, 12-8) – 12 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
While these two teams have drastically different records, their rankings more properly reflect where they are at in the season. For Indiana, it has felt like watching two different teams during the season as the lineup, chemistry, and overall feel of the team has changed drastically since October. When these two teams met for the first and only time so far this season, Oregon came out on top with a final score of 73-64. During that game, Indiana kept it close until it got away from them at the very end. Come tournament time, you can’t make any mistakes in close end-game situations, and there is a very good chance that the Hoosiers will not let these mistakes happen again as they attempt to avenge their loss to the Ducks in Indianapolis.
Prediction: 9. Indiana
12. Minnesota vs. 5. Wisconsin (23-8, 13-7) – 25 minutes after Indiana vs. Oregon on Big Ten Network
With help from John Blackwell and his double-double on the road, the Badgers secured a 74-67 win over Minnesota on the road on March 5th. Wisconsin’s “Two Johns” duo combined for a total of 43 points, pushing the Badgers to victory. While the team found success here, they could not pull through past Penn State as they lost this final game of the regular season 86-75. As the Nittany Lions were not even able to secure a spot in the Big Ten Tournament, this is a bit alarming for Wisconsin. The Golden Gophers defeated Rutgers in their final regular season game in overtime 75-67. Dawson Garcia led the team in points with 19, and Frank Mitchell recorded a double-double. Their three-point shooting struggle,s as well as their turnover rate, is ultimately what gave them problems against the Scarlet Knights.
Prediction: 5. Wisconsin
10. Ohio State vs. 7. Illinois (20-11, 12-8) – 6:30 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
Illinois is coming into the Big Ten tournament with some serious momentum, especially after their recent win over Purdue that ended with a final score of 88-80. When Ohio State and Illinois faced each other in the regular season, Illinois came out on top with a final score of 87-79. However, after that game and before their three-game win streak in the past two weeks, Illinois experienced a couple of bad losses, notably their 95-74 loss to Wisconsin. Having said that, Illinois has the obvious advantage in this game, with it being their first game of the tournament and Ohio State having to have beaten Iowa the day before.
Prediction: 7. Illinois
11. Rutgers vs. 6. Purdue (21-10, 13-7) – 25 minutes after Ohio State vs. Illinois on Big Ten Network
As it has been the past couple of years, Purdue has been an absolute powerhouse in college basketball, with junior forward Trey Kaufmann-Renn and junior guard Braden Smith leading an incredible offense for the Boilermakers. However, they have experienced some incredibly surprising losses this season, the most recent being when they fell to Illinois 88-80. However, in the past few years, Purdue has made some remarkable tournament runs and returned many of the same players, other than the obvious, and possibly vital, Zach Edey. With the loss of their star center and some extremely disappointing losses this season, the Boilermakers still have a lot to prove in March. Purdue and Rutgers have faced each other twice this season and Purdue has won both times with respective scores of 68-50 and 100-71. There’s a good chance that Purdue will continue their winning streak against Rutgers, although don’t be surprised if Rutgers pulls off the upset.
Prediction: 6. Purdue
Quarterfinals – Fri., Mar. 14
9. Indiana vs. 1. Michigan State (26-5, 17-3) – 12 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
When the Hoosiers and the Spartans last faced off on Feb.11, Indiana pulled off the upset and came out on top with a final score of 71-67. This win also broke their five-game losing streak and eventually began their trend of wins. Despite the slow start, the Hoosiers closed out the first half with a 12-2 run. What ultimately willed them to victory? First, Indiana’s adaptability as they changed their defense to a zone midway through the first half, Malik Reneau delivering (and doing so from the bench), and the very poor three-point performance provided by Michigan State. Michigan State’s dominance against its in-state rival, Michigan, has likely given the team some momentum to head into this tournament. It was clear that Jase Richardson was the fan favorite of the game (for MSU at least), as the crowd cheered, “One more year!” He is who the Spartans will be leaning on to will them to victory throughout March. As Indiana’s starters have been pulling through recently, it should be a very close game, definitely one worth a potential upset.
Prediction: 9. Indiana
5. Wisconsin vs. 4. UCLA (22-9, 13-7) – 25 minutes after Indiana vs. Michigan State on Big Ten Network
These two teams have only faced off once before, during the 2024-25 season, and UCLA came out on top with a final score of 85-83. In the Bruins’ most recent game, they defeated USC 90-63. The Badgers are currently sitting on an 86-75 loss to Penn State. It may be that UCLA is the clear winner in this match, but Wisconsin is undoubtedly a team with the potential to clinch the upset and make a run in the Big Ten tournament. Especially with their previous matchup being such a close score, this game has the potential to go both ways and may be the hardest to predict when looking at the bracket.
Prediction: 4. UCLA
7. Illinois vs. 2. Maryland (24-7, 14-6) – 6:30 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
The Terrapins have had nothing short of an exciting season with multiple big wins, namely over Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. They have only seen Illinois once this season, where Maryland came out on top with a final score of 91-70. In Marylan’s most recent game they defeated Northwestern with a final score of 74-61. In Illinois’ most recent game they defeated Purdue 88-80. Both teams will be coming into this game with much momentum, especially Illinois, as they would have had to win the day before to take on the Terrapins.
Predictions: 2. Maryland
6. Purdue vs. 3. Michigan (22-9, 14-6) – 25 minutes after Illinois vs. Maryland on Big Ten Network
The Wolverines conclude their regular season with a dreadful 79-62 loss to Michigan State. While it wasn’t bad enough to lose to their in-state rival, they did so miserably. A 25-point deficit is not what the Wolverines needed to prove that they can support their record of close losses. However, Michigan cut their deficit down to 11 after their 14-0 run. The Boilermakers and the Wolverines have faced off twice this season, with each team winning. On Jan. 24, Purdue dominated Michigan in West Lafayette by a final score of 91-64. During their second time around the block, the Boilermakers fell in Ann Arbor by a narrow 75-73. It is evident that Purdue needs to get back on track, as recent back-to-back losses have been very disappointing for the Boilermakers.
Prediction: 3. Michigan
Semifinals – Sat., Mar. 15
9. Indiana (19-12, 10-10) vs. 4. UCLA (22-9, 13-7) – 1 p.m EST on CBS
Both teams are coming off of the regular season on huge wins. UCLA most recently beat USC with a final score of 90-63 and Indiana defeated Ohio State 66-60. Huge for UCLA because of the big point differential at the end of the season. Huge for Indiana because that may have been the bump they needed to punch a ticket to the NCAA tournament. However, a run in the Big Ten Tournament could be vital for both of these teams when it comes to how they fall on selection Sunday. The teams have only seen each other once this season where the Bruins took down the Hoosiers with a final score of 72-68. This was on February 14 and both teams have been hot since then. If Indiana makes it to this game, they have a great chance of winning and making it onto the finals. All this to say that double buy could have been exactly what UCLA needs to have a slight edge over Indiana.
Prediction: 4. UCLA
2. Maryland vs. 3. Michigan – 25 minutes after Indiana vs. UCLA on CBS
If this game comes to be, it could be the match of the tournament. It’s interesting because the last few weeks have looked extremely different for these two teams. Maryland is currently on a three game win streak and undefeated in the month of March. Michigan on the other hand has lost their last three games, most recently to rival Michigan State. One of the other of these three losses actually comes from Maryland where the Terrapins came out on top with a final score of 71-65. If it gets to this point, it will be both of the teams only second game of the Big Ten Tournament, so they will be coming in fairly equal. There is no doubt that it will be a very intense game as whoever walks away with the win will get to play in the championship on Sunday.
Prediction: 2. Maryland
Finals – Sun., Mar. 16
4. UCLA vs. 2. Maryland – 3:30 p.m. EST on CBS
For the Bruins to make this game would be extremely exciting for fans as it is their first year competing in the Big Ten conference. This has already been a remarkable season for the Terrapins and making it to the championship would be the cherry on top and some unmatched momentum for going into the NCAA tournament. In their first and only meeting so far this season, Maryland defeated UCLA 79-61. Since then, UCLA has had some huge wins, namely at Indiana, at Michigan State, and two against USC. The Terrapins have been just as hot since then, with huge wins at Indiana, against Wisconsin, and against Rutgers. When it comes down to the championship, you can expect it to be an intense, exciting, and close game. Everything is different come tournament time and as always, it will be exciting to see who comes out on top and who gets one final chance to prove themselves before receiving their seeding on Selection Sunday.
Prediction: 2. Maryland