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Ohio State Basketball: Big Ten teams that will make the Sweet 16

By Charlie Lockhart

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers prepares to shoot a free throw in the second half against the Old Dominion Monarchs during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers prepares to shoot a free throw in the second half against the Old Dominion Monarchs during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

#3 Purdue vs. #6 Villanova

Blake:  This game has also entailed a lot of debate because both teams are well coached and have great players. Two things I look for when picking big games. The coaching edge is to Villanova, but I have to give the players and experience edge to Purdue.

The Boilermakers’ size and experience will allow them to survive a hard-fought game from the defending champion Wildcats.

CL:  This is a tough one to pick because both teams are talented and well coached. In tournament play, when it’s a close call, I look at guard play and Purdue has Carsen Edwards who will have the ball in his hands often.

For that reason I’ll take the Boilermakers to win a dogfight.

#3 LSU vs. #6 Maryland

Blake:  I did not trust either team in the Round of 64. The matchup for the Terps worried me against Belmont, and does again here versus the Tigers.

I’ve been going back and forth in this game as it is a true toss-up in my mind. It will be close, but the Big Ten has surprised me so far. I guess they just wanted to get out of grueling conference play. I like Maryland by two in an upset late.

CL:  I didn’t think the Maryland Terrapins would get past the Belmont Bruins but they hung in there and pulled out the win. I am a believer now so I’ll take Maryland in this one.

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