Ohio State Basketball: Big Ten teams that will make the Sweet 16
Big Ten teams have performed well in the NCAA Tournament so far and seven have moved on to the second round.
The story of the NCAA Tournament is the play by teams from the Big Ten. Seven have moved on but unfortunately two are matched up in the second round.
Blake Biscardi and I will make our predictions as to which teams will survive and advance to round three.
#2 Michigan State vs. #10 Minnesota
Blake: Tom Izzo’s squad almost gave us another edition of “Sparty No” in the opening round, but finally got it together. The Big Ten draw is a rare conference matchup in the second round of the tournament that will go to the Spartans. I think the Gophers will be able to cover the 10.5 point spread, though.
CL: Coach Pitino’s squad is playing well and I would probably pick them if they were facing a #2 seed not from the Big Ten, but unfortunately they are. I just can’t go against Tom Izzo and Cassius Winston at this point in the tournament.
I’ll take the Spartans in a hard-fought game.
#2 Michigan vs. #10 Florida
Blake: In football, this matchup did not go as planned for the Wolverines. However, this game is being played on the hardwood and I do not see any troubles for them. Michigan wins comfortably and advances to the Sweet 16.
CL: Some think the Michigan Wolverines’ problems on the offensive end will hold them back from making a deep run in the tournament. I am not part of that crowd because the scoring droughts they had during the season usually came against Big Ten teams.
Also, Jon Beilein is one of the best coaches in the country and he certainly knows what it takes to win tournament games. The Wolverines take care of business and move on to the next round.