Big Ten women's basketball tournament scenarios: Friday update
With about 10 days left before the end of the regular season, where do things stand as teams jockey for positions in the conference tournament
Heading into the weekend with six games scheduled, where do things stand in the Big Ten race, and how will the conference tournament seeds shake out? We’ll return next week with more updates.
But this from the Big Ten on Friday:
The tournament will be staged in Minneapolis from March 6-10.
OHIO STATE
If the Buckeyes beat Maryland on Sunday, they will clinch at least a share of the regular-season title. It’s nearly a foregone conclusion that OSU will win the championship and hold the No. 1 seed in the tournament. The Buckeyes could easily lose their last game at Iowa but it’s probably too late to catch them. That game might have NCAA tournament implications.
INDIANA, IOWA
Both have three conference losses, and one will be the No. 2 and the other the No. 3 seed. As of Friday, the Hawkeyes - if they beat Ohio State - would own the tie-breaker over the Hoosiers. If not, the Hoosiers would earn the second seed. There is little difference between the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds other than the uniform color if the two meet in the semifinals and the quarterfinal opponent. Again, it could impact seeding in the NCAA tournament.
NEBRASKA, MICHIGAN STATE
The Huskers are the current clubhouse leader for the No. 4 seed and the last double-bye. Owns the tiebreaker over the Spartans, who are holding down the No. 5 spot. If both teams win out, Nebraska gets the No. 4 seed. MSU must finish one game ahead of the Huskers to gain the last double-bye slot.
MICHIGAN
On pace to finish 9-9 if the Wolverines win two of their last three games (Northwestern, Ohio State and Purdue). Has tie-breaker advantages over Penn State and Maryland for the No. 6 seed.
MARYLAND
Also on target to post a 9-9 record but if the Terrapins want to move up, they’ll need to knock off Ohio State or Indiana on the road. Likely looking at the No. 7 seed.
PENN STATE
Another team that could finish 9-9 but has put itself in a hole with a six-game losing streak. Two weeks ago, the Lady Lions were the favorite for the No. 4 spot and now could fall to No. 9. Even with wins against Purdue and Minnesota, PSU is headed for the 8/9 game.
ILLINOIS
The late-season surge looks good, but the end of the schedule is the hardest for any Big Ten team. Check this out - road games at Iowa and Michigan State and home against Nebraska. Winning three games probably moves the Illini out of the 8/9 game and losing three keeps them in that range.
WISCONSIN
Would probably avoid the first day of the tournament with a victory over Purdue on Sunday. Even with losses to Maryland and Michigan State, the Badgers should have enough to finish No. 10 if they beat the Boilermakers. But Sunday will determine their fate.
MINNESOTA
Will need to win its final three games to climb out of the bottom four, and that won’t be easy with road games against Nebraska and Penn State and a home matchup with Iowa. If the Golden Gophers win one of their last three, they could sneak out of the tournament's first day, but a lot depends on what Wisconsin does.
PURDUE
Sunday’s game between the Boilermakers and the Badgers will determine the course for both teams. Purdue’s margin for error is fading heading into the last three games, and it beat Wisconsin by 39 points in December but center Serah Williams didn’t play. Losing the last two home games has put the Boilermakers in a hole. They could finish as high as No. 8 but that’s with a few upsets. No. 10 seed is likely if the Boilermakers can win out.
NORTHWESTERN, RUTGERS
The regular-season finale between the two teams will determine which is No. 13 and No. 14, unless there’s a surprise coming. The Wildcats take on Michigan and Indiana before playing the Scarlet Knights, who travel to Michigan State.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Rutgers at Michigan State, 2 p.m. (B1G+)
Michigan at Northwestern, 3 p.m. (B1G+)
Minnesota at Nebraska, 5 p.m. (B1G+)
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Illinois at Iowa, 1 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Maryland at Ohio State, 2 p.m. (BTN)
Purdue at Wisconsin, 4 p.m. (BTN)