Big Ten Tournament

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 10, 2005 6:35PM

Once again, the Bulls have been banished from home so that the United Center can host another event. Today, the Big Ten's men's basketball conference tournament tips off at the UC. The opening round slate includes Northwestern vs. Michigan, Iowa vs. Purdue and Ohio St. vs. Penn St. The top 5 seeds have byes, with their first action coming tomorrow.

The Trib's Mike Downey shares a few tidbits about this year's tournament. For example, in the seven years the Big Ten has played a post-season tourney, six different teams have won -- with only Michigan st. repeating. The Illini won in 2003. Can they become just the second repeat winner? They remain the favorites to take the title, but many are anxious to see how well Illinois can shake off their first loss of the season.

Chicagoist thinks that Ohio St. is the team to watch. They've got to have a bit of a swagger after knocking off the Illini last weekend. And their self-imposed ban from post-season play means that this is the end of their season. They'd probably be looking at an NCAA bid otherwise, so they're out to prove something. Should they get by Penn St. today, they'll face Wisconsin tomorrow. Are we looking to a rematch with the Illini on Sunday?