As the 2016 Big Ten men’s basketball tournament approaches, it’s time to get excited and prepare for some intense games. To make sure you’re ready to keep up with all the action, we’ve got you covered with a printable bracket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone looking to get in on the fun, this bracket includes everything you need to stay informed and keep up with all the games.
The Bracket:
The bracket shows all the teams participating in this year’s tournament, as well as the dates, times, and locations of each game. You can use it to keep track of your favorite teams and make your own predictions for who will come out on top. With so many talented teams competing, it’s sure to be a thrilling tournament from start to finish.
The Teams:
There are 14 teams in the Big Ten conference, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a brief overview of each team and what they bring to the table.
Illinois:
Illinois is coming off a strong regular season and is looking to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. Led by junior guard Ayo Dosunmu, the Fighting Illini have an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry. Look for them to make some noise in the tournament.
Indiana:
Despite some early-season struggles, Indiana is a team that should not be overlooked. With an experienced squad led by junior forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Hoosiers have the talent to make some noise in the Big Ten tournament.
Iowa:
As the host school for this year’s tournament, Iowa will be looking to defend their home court and take home the title. Led by national player of the year candidate Luka Garza, the Hawkeyes have one of the best offenses in the country and are a force to be reckoned with.
Maryland:
After a rocky start to the season, Maryland has found its groove and is playing some of their best basketball of the year. Led by senior guard Darryl Morsell, the Terrapins have a tough defense and can grind out wins against even the best teams in the conference.
Michigan:
Michigan is a team that has exceeded expectations this year, thanks in large part to the play of freshman center Hunter Dickinson. With a strong defense and a balanced scoring attack, the Wolverines are a team that can make a deep run in the tournament.
Michigan State:
Michigan State is a team with a lot of talent, but they’ve struggled to put it all together this year. Led by seniors Joshua Langford and Aaron Henry, the Spartans will need to get hot at the right time if they want to make a deep run in the tournament.
Minnesota:
Minnesota is a team that has flown under the radar this year, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Led by senior guard Marcus Carr, the Golden Gophers have an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry. Look for them to surprise some people in the tournament.
Nebraska:
Nebraska has struggled mightily this year, but they still have some talented players on their roster. Led by freshman guard Teddy Allen, the Cornhuskers will be looking to pull off some upsets and make some noise in the tournament.
Northwestern:
Northwestern is a team that has struggled this year, but they still have some talent on their roster. Led by senior guard Boo Buie, the Wildcats will be looking to make some noise in the tournament and provide a spark for their fans.
Ohio State:
Ohio State is a team that has been up and down this year, but they have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament. Led by junior forward E.J. Liddell, the Buckeyes have a balanced scoring attack and can beat anyone on any given night.
Penn State:
Penn State is a team that has struggled this year, but they still have some talented players on their roster. Led by senior guard Myreon Jones, the Nittany Lions will be looking to end their season on a high note and make some noise in the tournament.
Purdue:
Purdue is a team that has flown under the radar this year, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Led by senior forward Trevion Williams, the Boilermakers have a tough defense and can beat anyone on any given night.
Rutgers:
Rutgers is a team that has exceeded expectations this year, thanks in large part to the play of junior guard Ron Harper Jr. With a strong defense and a balanced scoring attack, the Scarlet Knights are a team that can make a deep run in the tournament.
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin is a team that has been consistent all year long and is looking to make a deep run in the tournament. Led by senior forward Nate Reuvers, the Badgers have a balanced scoring attack and can beat anyone in the conference.
The Games:
With so many talented teams in the Big Ten conference, there are sure to be some exciting games in this year’s tournament. Here’s a look at some of the key matchups to watch out for.
Illinois vs. Northwestern:
This first-round matchup pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. Illinois has an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry, while Northwestern has a tough defense that can shut down opposing teams. It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this one.
Iowa vs. Minnesota:
This first-round matchup features two teams that are looking to make a deep run in the tournament. Iowa has one of the best offenses in the country led by national player of the year candidate Luka Garza, while Minnesota has an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry. Look for this game to be a high-scoring affair.
Michigan vs. Rutgers:
This second-round matchup pits two of the best teams in the conference against each other. Michigan has exceeded expectations this year thanks to the play of freshman center Hunter Dickinson, while Rutgers has a tough defense that can shut down opposing teams. It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this one.
Ohio State vs. Illinois:
This quarterfinal matchup features two of the best teams in the conference and should be a highly competitive game. Ohio State has a balanced scoring attack that can beat anyone on any given night, while Illinois has an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry. This one could go either way.
Iowa vs. Michigan:
This semifinal matchup features two of the most talented teams in the conference and should be a highly entertaining game. Iowa has one of the best offenses in the country led by Luka Garza, while Michigan has a tough defense that can shut down opposing teams. Look for this one to come down to the wire.
Wisconsin vs. Purdue:
This semifinal matchup features two teams that have flown under the radar this year but are capable of making a deep run in the tournament. Wisconsin has a balanced scoring attack led by Nate Reuvers, while Purdue has a tough defense that can shut down opposing teams. This one could be a low-scoring affair.
Iowa vs. Purdue:
This championship game features two highly talented teams that are capable of winning it all. Iowa has one of the best offenses in the country led by Luka Garza, while Purdue has a tough defense that can shut down opposing teams. It should be a highly competitive game that comes down to the wire.
In conclusion, the 2016 Big Ten men’s basketball tournament is shaping up to be an exciting and highly competitive event. With so many talented teams and players in the conference, there’s sure to be some high-scoring games and thrilling moments. We hope this printable bracket and overview of the teams and matchups has helped you get excited for the tournament and feel prepared to keep up with all the action. So sit back, grab some snacks, and enjoy the show!
