The 2013 Big Ten Tournament kicks off tomorrow afternoon with four games on the round one schedule. Most of the teams hitting the hardwood on Thursday aren't expected to reach the finals according to Las Vegas odds makers - except Michigan.
The No. 5 seeded Wolverines came into the tournament at 2/1 odds, only behind the Indiana Hoosiers as the top favorite to win the 2013 Big Ten Tournament.
However, after losing to Indiana on the final game of the season, the Wolverines fell to the No. 5 seed, giving them an extra game to have to win if they want to capture the Big Ten Tournament crown.
Usually day one of most tournaments are full of teams that have no chance in advancing to the final rounds, but besides Michigan watch out for Illinois. They are a scrappy team that could shock a few teams when everything is said and done.
Here is a look at the round one schedule, odds and my picks to win vs. the Vegas line.
Round 1:
- No. 8 Illinois vs. No. 9 Minnesota (-2, O/U 127) - Noon
- No. 5 Michigan (-15, O/U 133) vs. No. 12 Penn State - 2:30 p.m. EST
- No. 7 Purdue (-5, O/U 121) vs. No. 10 Nebraska - 6:30 EST
- No. 6 Iowa (-10.5, O/U 125) vs. No. 11 Northwestern - 9:00 p.m. EST
Picks: Illinois +2, Penn. State +15, Purdue -5, Northwestern +10.5
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