It's considerably warmer today here in Indianapolis and maybe that's due to the second round of the tournament getting underway.

Yesterday we saw basically what everyone thought was going to happen. Northwestern took control of matchup problems with Minnesota and Juice Thompson dominated the game from the perimeter. Very impressive performance by him here at Conseco. In the middle game we saw Michigan State hold off Iowa but not cover the spread, missing by two points. In the finale, Penn State covered the number by a single point thanks to three starters in double figures in a really ugly game. (Neither team made more than 64% from the foul line). 

ALAS! We're on to Friday and the action is heating up. 

Northwestern vs. Ohio State

This game is set to tip at noon and Thad Matta and his team look to be ready to go. The Buckeyes are sitting at laying nearly two touchdowns at -13 and there's been a lot of movement over at in this game. I see the over anywhere from 137.5 to 140. I think the total is in direct correlation with how Ohio State is going to play today. They might come in a bit rusty because they haven't played in nearly a week and Northwestern really gave the Buckeyes a scare earlier this season. I like Northwestern getting more than 12 in this contest as they can lengthen the floor with their bigs like John Shurna. The battle inside with Mirkovic and Sullinger will be fun to watch. Both big, wide bodies and if Sullinger dominates in the paint, Ohio State will be tough to beat against the number. We could see a lot of 3's in this game as Thompson and Diebler are both looking to light it up. Thompson set a new tournament record by hitting for 35 last night.

"That doesn't mean anything," he said last night. "I'm just happy my team came out and we were able to get a win."

Thompson will be the reason the Wildcats cover the number here today. 

Illinois vs. Michigan

The sandwich game of the day as the Wolverines come in at -3 point dogs. The Illini knocked off Michigan in their only matchup this season, 54-52. Interesting note on the number: 125.5 as 10 of their games have been at this number of lower this season. If this game is played in the 50s or 60s, it favors Michigan I believe. However, if Illinois gets out above 70 points or so, it's going to be very tough for Michigan to cover the number. Illini have a bunch of seniors on this team and Michigan doesn't have any — how much of an advantage is that for Bruce Pearl's team? On one hand, the Illini seniors will be looking to guarantee a tournament appearance with a victory in this game. The other shows Michigan not really knowing how to win in a tournament game like this. If the Wolverines can knock down shots, it's going to be a close game and potentially a win for Michigan. However, if Illinois dictates the style of play and gets easy looks at the hoop inside, Illinois will easily cover the number. 

Michigan State vs. Illinois

The line on this game came out at 7, which is exactly what Michigan State was favored by against Iowa last night. The Hawkeyes played the Spartans tough and covered the number by a bucket. Tonight, I really like Purdue. The Boilers enter this game tonight looking to march on in the Big Ten Tournament looking to gain as much as a No. 2 seed in next week's tournament. This is more of a fade against Michigan State than it is backing Purdue completely. The number is sitting at 130.5 at most joints and that tells me oddmakers are thinking State is going to keep the game close. If this game is played in the 60s, Sparty will keep it close and cover. IF it goes over the total, Michigan State is going to be in trouble. Interested to see how Kalin Lucas responds from having a less than stellar game last night against Iowa. Banging on the boards is going to be important for MIchigan State today as they're going to have to get second chance opportunities and try and keep JuJuan Johnson from dominating them. 

Penn State vs. Wisconsin

Another line that comes out at 7. Interesting, is this a football tournament or a basketball one? I like the Badgers at this number. Penn State played poorly last night in a 6-point win over Indiana and if that continues tonight they'll get blown out by Wisconsin. Some people around here believe Penn State can still get into the big dance but I just don't see it. If they beat the Badgers today they will still keep playing but I don't think they get it done tonight. Wisconsin wins ugly games so I'm really looking at the under in this contest at 122.

Penn State coach Ed DeChellis knows his team has to win to get into the big one.

"This is March, you've got to win now," he said this morning. "You've got to continue to build your resume."

I just don't see it. Wisconsin holds the edge with Jordan Taylor over Talor Battle in the point guard category and John Leuer gives the Badgers another extension of Bo Ryan on the court. I like the Badgers to knock down some 3s and punish Penn State inside and pick up a big win today.

Friday Big 10 Tournament Preview [ESPN]

 Comments. . .

What do you guys think about the Big Ten games today?