Thursday’s Big Ten Tournament Picks
The 2018 Big Ten Tournament continues today with four games on the slate. Here’s our predictions for all four games today.
No. 9 Wisconsin vs. No. 8 Maryland, Noon ET (Big Ten Network)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Maryland is favored in this game at Madison Square Garden, as the Terrapins are getting odds of -2 points against Wisconsin. The Terps won the first meeting on Feb. 4 at home, 68-63, but Wisconsin has covered in its last three encounters with Maryland. Wisconsin has actually been playing quite well in recent weeks, going 4-2 in their last six and 6-1 ATS in their last seven. The Terps are just 1-3 ATS in their last four and I think the Badgers are the better team right now. I will take Wisconsin with the points to continue their strong play. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: WISCONSIN +2
No. 12 Iowa vs. No. 5 Michigan, 2:25PM ET (Big Ten Network)
Iowa is coming off a win over Illinois on Wednesday and now finds itself as a 10-point underdog against Michigan. Iowa has an offense that can be an issue if it gets hot, but Michigan has already won and covered in two meetings with the Hawkeyes this season. Michigan is a dark horse in this tournament and I think it starts with a strong performance against the Hawkeyes later today. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: MICHIGAN -10
No. 10 Northwestern vs. No. 7 Penn State, 6:30PM ET (Big Ten Network)
Oddsmakers are listing Penn State as the favorite in this game, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -5.5 points against Northwestern. Penn State has been an odd team, as it has some wins against top teams in the Big Ten, but some bad losses to below average squads. They are on a three-game losing streak right now, but still have covered the spread in seven of their last 10. Northwestern is really struggling going into this tournament, losing six straight while failing to cover in five of their last six. The home team won and covered in each of the two meetings this year, but I like Penn State to cover tonight. The Nittany Lions should be able to hold this struggling Northwestern offense in check. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: PENN STATE -5.5
Northwestern vs. Penn State Matchup History
No. 14 Rutgers vs. No. 6 Indiana, 8:55PM ET (Big Ten Network)
Rutgers had a nice upset win over Minnesota last night and is now listed as an 8-point underdog against Indiana. The Hoosiers picked up a 65-43 win at Rutgers earlier this season. Rutgers was able to upset a short-handed Minnesota team, but I think their luck runs out tonight. The Hoosiers have been able to hold their own against the lesser teams in the Big Ten over the last month. They are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven and I think they cover tonight as well. BIG TEN PREDICTIONS: INDIANA -8