The Big Ten Conference kicks off on Wednesday, March 11. The real playing starts on Thursday, March 12. Michigan State, Maryland, Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Penn State are locks to get NCAA Tournament bids. But, Rutgers, Purdue, and Indiana have work to do. Will one of those dogs upset the favorites at the Big Ten Conference Tournament? Or, will Sparty, the Terps, the Buckeyes, or the Illini take the trophy? Keep reading for Big Ten Tourney analysis and Big Ten Conference Odds!
2020 Big Ten Conference Championship Odds
- When: March 11 – March 15
- Where: Banker’s Life Field House, Indianapolis, IN
- TV: BTN
- Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
2020 Big Ten Conference Tournament Odds
- Michigan State +250
- Maryland +400
- Wisconsin +525
- Illinois +800
- Ohio State +800
- Michigan +900
- Iowa +1200
- Penn State +1500
- Rutgers +1700
- Purdue +2000
- Minnesota +2000
- Indiana +3500
Which team among Michigan State, Maryland, and Wisconsin, has the best shot of taking the Big Ten Conference Tournament?
This is more wide-open than many believe. Even though Michigan State ended the regular season on an uptrend, the Spartans weren’t consistent overall. The preseason overall #1 lost 9 games.
But Sparty beat Iowa, Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State in a row. That’s why they’re such a massive +250 favorite. The odds are fair. So, if you believe, go for it.
Know that Maryland is a better play, though. The Terrapins had lost 2 in a row. But on March 8, they stopped the bleeding with a dynamite 80-73 victory over Michigan. That’s a sign that Maryland has returned to its best. At the odds, the Maryland Terrapins deserve our betting dollars.
Wisconsin played good enough ball at the end of the regular season to finish tied for third. They’ll be tough in the Big Ten Tournament. But the Badgers don’t have the scorers that Maryland and Michigan State possess. Expect higher odds before backing Wisconsin.
Which team among Illinois, Ohio State, and Michigan should college hoops handicappers back to win the Big Ten Tourney?
The Illini finished a game behind the Spartans, Badgers, and Terrapins. Illinois finished the season on a 1-4 ATS bender. That shouldn’t provide confidence. Maryland trounced Michigan in their final regular-season game. The Wolverines went 1-3 ATS in their last 4.
That leaves us with Ohio State. Yep, like their rivals, the Buckeyes head into the Big Ten Tournament on a sour note. But before that, Ohio State had beaten Maryland, Nebraska, Michigan, and Illinois all in a row. Give the Buckeyes the nod over Illinois and Michigan.
Can Iowa, Penn State, or Rutgers win the Big Ten Tournament?
Rutgers probably not. But Iowa and Penn State can. Iowa went 1-5 ATS in their final 6 games. The Hawkeyes won 3-of-5 SU. If they get hot, they can take the trophy.
Penn State finished its season on a 1-5 SU slide. They went 0-6 ATS in their final 6 games. But earlier in the season, the Nittany Lions played tough. They beat Michigan State, Purdue, Indiana, and Ohio State this season. Penn State could surprise.
Which team offering odds of +2000 or higher can take the Big Ten Tournament?
Indiana at +3500 can get it done. The Hoosiers have wins against Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, and Michigan State. They also beat Florida State, the ACC Regular Season champ. If Indiana can get more out of their frontline, they can pull off the Big Ten Tournament upset.
