NCAA Tournament: Double digit seeds proved Big Ten strength
Only three Big Ten teams moved on to the Sweet Sixteen but most proved the strength of the conference, especially the double-digit seeds.
Although only three Big Ten teams, Michigan State, Michigan and Purdue are moving on to the Sweet Sixteen, the strength of the conference was obvious during the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Seven teams won at least one game including the three double-digit seeds.
No. 10 seed Minnesota was the first team to pull off an upset. The Gophers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 86-76. Unfortunately they were paired against the Big Ten Champion Michigan State Spartans in the second round so that ended their season.
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The No. 10 seed Iowa Hawkeyes proved to be the gutsiest team in the tournament the first two rounds as they proved to be comeback artists.
First they came back from 13 points down to defeat the Cincinnati Bearcats 79-72. Their comeback in the second round was even more impressive.
Iowa fell behind No. 3 seed Tennessee by 25 in the first half and trailed by 21 at halftime. The Hawkeyes battled back to send the game into overtime before losing.
No. 11 seed Ohio State defeated Iowa State in the first round before falling to Houston on Sunday. And the Buckeyes were the lowest seed among Big Ten teams invited to the tournament.
In addition to the above mentioned teams the No. 5 seed Maryland Terrapins won their first round game against Belmont before falling to LSU on a last second shot in the second. Wisconsin was the only conference team that was one and done.
It’s difficult to predict whether any of the remaining Big Teams will make it to the Final Four or not, but I wouldn’t bet against any of them. After all, they are battle tested.
Next. Why Buckeyes must finish strong next year. dark
Just look at the teams that made waves in the NCAA tournament Michigan State, Michigan and Purdue faced during the regular season. Often the matchups were similar to postseason games so the players should be prepared for a battle every time they step on the court.