Cinderella Picks to Win the Big Ten Tournament

The Big Ten had an amazing season in basketball during its first year of expansion. The blue-bloods came out in full force, notably Michigan State dominating in-conference play and winning the regular season title for the eleventh time under head coach Tom Izzo. We also saw, however, the newest members of the conference show out. UCLA returned to national spotlight with an impressive 13-7 in-conference record, including a seven game win streak at one point that essentially saved their season. Finally, Michigan had one of the best one-year comebacks in all of college basketball. Through it all, we have now reached college basketball fans’ favorite time of the year, March. Beginning this Wednesday, March 12th, the Big Ten Tournament will begin with its 15 qualified teams. This article breaks down who I think are the unlikely contenders to make a deep run.  

Indiana 

Indiana is coming off one of the worst years in recent memory for Hoosier’s fans. A conference record of 10-10 and ninth place in the Big Ten is not where Indiana usually finishes. Earlier this season, head coach Mike Woodson announced that he would be retiring following this year, leading many Hoosier’s fans to question what’s next for the program. There were thoughts Dusty May would return to his alma mater, but a recent contract extension with the Wolverines ended any rumors. Despite all of this, Indiana did start to find its rhythm near the end of the season. Starting with a shocking upset over Michigan State in East Lansing, Indiana went on to win five of their last seven games of the season. As his team continued finding ways to win, Woodson reiterated to reporters, “We want to make the tournament”. At 10-10, it will likely take a Big Ten Tournament win, or at least a very deep run, to have that chance. With the way this team has been playing, and the urgency of the players to fight for coach in his last year, I like this team to make noise. 

Rutgers 

If you have been following my Big Ten rankings at all throughout the season, you know I’ve thought this Rutgers team has been better than their record indicates almost all year long. They’ve lost five games to ranked teams, all by five points or less. This includes a 95-90 nail-biter loss in Las Vegas to Alabama, a team many consider to be one of the clear favorites for March Madness. I think freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper can turn it on at any time, give me the Scarlet Knights to make a run despite how most people think of this team. 

Oregon

There is no team in the Big Ten that is hotter than the Oregon Ducks right now. After a five-game skid mid-season, the Ducks finished the year on a seven-game tear, including three road wins against Iowa, Wisconsin and Washington. Senior center Nate Bittle has come alive for Oregon during this stretch. He is averaging 19.5 points per game in this win streak, including an amazing 36 point effort in Sunday’s overtime win against Washington. I like him to continue leading Oregon as we enter postseason play.