As we gear up for the Big Ten Tournament 2021, there’s no better time to get excited about one of the most highly-anticipated events in college basketball. With the bracket and seeds already set, there’s still plenty to be excited about as we prepare for an amazing week of action.
Bracket Breakdown
The Big Ten Tournament 2021 bracket was recently announced and there’s no shortage of excitement as some of the best teams in the country prepare to compete for the title. The tournament will take place March 10-14 in Indianapolis, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Seeds and Schedule
The top four seeds in the tournament are Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Purdue. These teams will receive a double bye and won’t have to play until the quarterfinals. Other teams receiving a bye include Ohio State, Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Maryland.
The schedule for the tournament is as follows:
- First Round: March 10
- Second Round: March 11
- Quarterfinals: March 12
- Semifinals: March 13
- Championship Game: March 14
Live Stream Information
For those unable to attend the games in person, there are still plenty of ways to catch the action. Games will be broadcasted on either BTN or ESPN, with the championship game being broadcasted on CBS.
For those looking to watch games online, a number of streaming options are available, including ESPN+ and CBS All Access. These services require a subscription, so be sure to sign up ahead of time to ensure uninterrupted access to all the games.
Key Matchups to Watch
With so many talented teams in the tournament, there’s no shortage of exciting matchups to watch. Here are a few key games to keep an eye on:
- Michigan vs. Purdue: These two teams have already faced off twice this season, with each team winning one game. With a potential rematch in the championship game looming, this is an important game for both teams.
- Illinois vs. Ohio State: These two teams split their season series, with each team winning on its home court. The rubber match should be a hard-fought battle.
- Michigan State vs. Maryland: These two teams are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives and will leave everything on the court in this first-round matchup.
Predictions
It’s always tough to predict a tournament with so much talent, but here are a few predictions for the Big Ten Tournament 2021.
- Champion: Illinois. Led by Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn, the Fighting Illini have everything it takes to win the tournament, including a balanced attack and strong defense.
- MVP: Luka Garza, Iowa. Garza has been one of the best players in the country all season long and should put up big numbers in the tournament.
- Surprise Team: Purdue. The Boilermakers have been inconsistent this season, but have the talent to pull off a few upsets and make a deep run in the tournament.
No matter what happens, the Big Ten Tournament is always an exciting event that brings out the best in college basketball. Whether you’re watching in person or from the comfort of your own home, be sure to tune in and enjoy all the action.
