Micah’s predictions for Big Ten NCAA Tournament games

After a competitive Big Ten Tournament in which Purdue shocked Michigan, Big Ten basketball is heavily represented in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan is still viewed as a top favorite to win the whole thing, but many sleepers in this tournament also reside in the Big Ten.

Here are my predictions for the NCAA Tournament in the first round for Big Ten teams:

Advertisement

No. 8 Ohio State over No. 9 TCU

Ohio State can score with the best of them, and on any given day in a winner-go-home matchup, give me Bruce Thornton and John Mobley to lead the Buckeyes to victory. Both teams are evenly matched, but the Buckeyes have the more explosive offense, and I think that will be the key.

No. 13 Troy over No. 4 Nebraska

Out of all the teams that could suffer an upset in the Big Ten, one of the favorites would be Nebraska. This team is not battle-tested, and in games where the lights are bright, they do not show up. Troy can shoot at a high level from 3, and they are healthy. I think they have what it takes to get the upset.

Advertisement

No. 5 Wisconsin over No. 12 High Point

High Point plays fast, and they fit the mold of a fun March Madness team. Wisconsin’s offense will be good enough to quiet the Cinderella noise around High Point. I expect a big game from John Blackwell and Nick Boyd.

No. 3 Michigan State over No. 14 North Dakota State

Michigan State will get back to its dominant play, and it will move past North Dakota State with a big lopsided victory. Jeremy Fears Jr. will have a double-double in this one, being a great facilitator and shot maker. I think the Spartans’ defense will be the big key in this one.

No. 1 Michigan over No. 16 Howard

Michigan is a team that should be headed for the final 4 and maybe even the title game. They have to rebound from their title loss to Purdue, I think they do just that with a commanding win vs Howard.

Advertisement

No. 3 Illinois over No. 14 Pennsylvania

This is a good matchup for Illinois, and they should be set to get to the sweet 16 with Caleb Wilson…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/micahs-predictions-big-ten-ncaa-110833478.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-03-19 11:08:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.