The Big 10 is home to some of the most storied programs in college basketball history. The reputation precedes them as the Big Ten continues looking competitive with five programs featured in the AP Poll, though only one sits inside the top 10—Michigan State. The Spartans are +240 favorites to win the Big Ten Tournament at FanDuel after going 17-3 SU in conference play, a mark that only Maryland and Michigan's 14-6 record can come close to competing with.
Big 10 Conference Tournament Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Michigan State Spartans | +250 |
| Maryland Terrapins | +400 |
| Illinois Fighting Illini | +600 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | +600 |
| Wisconsin Badgers | +650 |
| UCLA Bruins | +750 |
Odds as of March 13 at Sportsbook
big ten tournament winner Favorite: Michigan state spartans (+240)
Eyes have been on Michigan State all year, pegging it as potential national championship contenders, especially after rounding out its regular season schedule with seven-straight wins. Known properly for their defense, the Spartans have the fifth-best defensive rating at KenPom to pair with their noble offensive rating that sits in the top 30.
However, the offensive has boosted with Jase Richardson averaging 16.8 points since early February, tying together nine-straight meetings recording double-digits. The freshman's efforts compliment Jaden Atkins, who has has led Michigan State with 12.9 PPG this season.
Some may consider the missing star on the bench or ordinary offense an issue. But Tom Izzo is letting his team speak for itself when it steps on the court and none of truly proven to be of match to them.
Big ten Tournament contender: illinois fighting illini (+600)
Back around the holidays, I was high on Illinois as a Big Ten dark horse and even a March Madness one, too. Then, eight losses across January and February completely wiped that intuition away.
But, misfortune did take its toll. The Fighting Illini have been fighting injuries, finally getting good news that Morez Johnson Jr. is healed from his broken wrist and returning to play in the tournament. And maybe Illinois can feel its own luck beginning to switch, with a notable 93-73 road win at Michigan followed by a gritty 88-80 victory over Purdue to wrap up its regular season. The 15th-best offensive rating at KenPom and the second-best team in the nation on the glass, Illinois still has plenty working in its favor.
Brad Underwood's weakness is taking advantage along the perimeter, with a 31 3PT% that ranks as worst in the Big Ten and one of the worst in college basketball. Yet, they've atleast strengthened their defense from beyond the arc, allowing a 27.8 3PT% in their last three performances. Which is perfect time considering Illinois first opponent, whether Iowa or Ohio State, sit in the top 30 for three-point percentage.
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.
