The Big 10 is home to some of the most storied programs in college basketball history. With a tale that spans over a century, the Big 10 has long been a breeding ground for champions and basketball legends.
Wisconsin shocked the college basketball world, taking down the Purdue Boilermakers in overtime to reach the Big 10 Championship game. Max Klesmit hit a short jumper to give the Badgers the victory with five seconds left on the clock. Purdue will be left to rue yet another missed opportunity in March.
Later Saturday night, Terrance Shannon Jr. dropped 40 points to give Illinois a 98-87 win over Nebraska. Illinois has consistently been one of the best teams in college basketball all season, scoring over 123 points per 100 possessions. The Fighting Illini have gone 16-6 in conference play, and will look to put a bow on their season with a Big 10 Championship. Illinois is a team to watch out for as March Madness gets underway.
Both of these teams play inspired basketball on the offensive end, which will lead to a high-scoring affair. I love the OVER 149 points in this game. As does our computer picks. Check out today's expert picks article for more on the Big 10 Championship game.
Big 10 Conference Tournament Odds
| Team | Spread | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | -3.5 (-110) | -160 |
| Wisconsin | +3.5 (-110) | +275 |
Illinois -160 Favorites over Wisconsin
With a conference record of 17-3, the Boilermakers became the first team since Ohio State in 2006-07 to win back-to-back regular season crowns. They've won five straight games with a crucial win over Illinois just last week. Hiccups against Oho State last month, and Nebraska in January will give some bettors pause. But, the Boilermakers have won 14 of their last 15 games, with a 14-point average margin of victory this season.
College Basketball Player of the Year favorite Zach Edey has stepped up his game down the stretch averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per contest across the last four games. The emergence of sophomore point guard Braden Smith has been key to the Boilermakers success. Smith’s ball-handling, playmaking and clutch shooting have taken their offense to the next level. The Indiana native has averaged over seven assists per game, while shooting a scorching hot 45% from three on the year.
The dynamic duo doing their thing 💪 @zach_edey x @3bradensmith x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/DvZJJbJKaF
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 23, 2024
Purdue score the most points (125.89) per 100 possessions in the nation, and are one of the favorites to take home the National Championship. Though Illinois and Nebraska present interesting challenges, Purdue are on a different level. Matt Painter’s squad are heavy favourites at +100 in the Big 10 Tournament odds.
Last 10 Big 10 Championship Winners
| Year | Regular Season Championship Winner | Tournament Championship Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Purdue | Purdue |
| 2022 | Wisconsin, Illinois | Iowa |
| 2021 | Michigan | Illinois |
| 2019 | Maryland, Michigan State, Wisconsin | Michigan State |
| 2018 | Michigan State, Purdue | Michigan |
| 2017 | Michigan State | Michigan |
| 2016 | Purdue | Michigan State |
| 2015 | Indiana | Wisconsin |
| 2014 | Wisconsin | Michigan State |
| 2013 | Michigan | Ohio State |
Once again atop the conference, Purdue have won 24 Big 10 Regular Season Championships and one Big 10 Tournament. The Michigan State Spartans have won the most Big 10 Tournament championships with six, including the conference’s first back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000. The Spartans have added three more to their collection over the last decade.
As you might expect, due to the extraordinary three-decade career of legendary head coach Bobby Knight, the Indiana Hoosiers hold the record for most wins in Big 10 history with 1,912.
