![]() On the surface, Northwestern having to face one of two teams that took them down during its recent three-game skid is not a promising draw. The opponent will be determined on Thursday night when Penn State and Illinois face off. For those looking at tickets, we know with certainty that their first game will come in the quarterfinals on Friday at 5:30 p.m. 2 seed against Rutgers, they have given themselves the benefit of having a double-bye through the first two rounds of the bracket. ![]() Now, we turn our attention to this weekend’s Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago. Rutgers had beaten the ‘Cats earlier in the season, but, this time, the men in purple got the job done. The alternative? Falling all the way from the two-seed in the Big Ten tournament to the nine-seed. After three straight losses, and in a conference with head-spinning parity, it was a game Northwestern needed to win. Maryland, Nebraska, Penn State, and Rutgers all won titles in previous conferences.Northwestern’s improbable run through the regular season came to a close on Sunday, when the ‘Cats downed Rutgers on the road to go 12-8 in the Big Ten and finish with a 21-10 overall record. Remember the Big Ten Tournament only started in 1998, so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that long-term members Indiana, Minnesota, and Northwestern haven’t picked up a single conference tournament title (though it is a mild shock in the Hoosiers’ case). The conference should get another chance in 2023, with nine being the most likely haul, with chances for that number to drop to eight or rise to 10 depending on what happens between Wednesday and Sunday. The Big Ten has placed 9 teams in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments, but has just 17 total wins to show for it. Seven of the last 11 Big Ten Tournaments have been won by either the 1 or 2 seed, with the 4, 6, 7, and all seeds from 9 down being shut out. on Twitter in 2020 with my own additions for the seasons beyond. Games marked with an asterisk (*) are the second of a doubleheader, so the tip time is approximate. ![]() Downloadable Bracket ScheduleĪll times are p.m. The Big Ten Tournament is back in my home of Chicago, as the United Center continues to alternate with the Gainsbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis as the host site. 2023 Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Basics Dates Visit Conference Tournament Central and Conference Tournaments Quick Links for full Championship Fortnight coverage.
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