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No time to mince words. Let's roll!

Tuesday:
Penn State at Ohio State

Gamm says: Ohio State snaps a three game losing streak.

Buckeye Nation says: Just when most Buckeye fans thought their team was in the driver's seat for an invite to the Big Dance, two losses to teams from the Land of Lincoln who couldn't miss whatever they put up, put them squarely back on the NCAA tournament bubble. The game against the Nittany Lions now becomes a veritable "must win" situation for the young Buckeyes at a time when a little self-doubt is creeping into the Buckeye psyche. Moreover, the Nits feature Jamelle Cornley, a local Columbus City League product, who has been mouthing off that his team will beat the Bucks, ever since he arrived at State College. The Buckeyes have their backs against the wall, and it will take a focused, aggressive approach on offense and defense for OSU to prevail. Given these circumstances, the Schott should be rocking, and the home court will be the decisive edge in what should be a rock 'em - sock 'em Big 10 game. Ohio State 65 - Penn State 61

Mayo170 says: Ohio State

Wednesday:
Northwestern at Indiana

Gamm says: Northwestern has NIT on their minds. IU gives it a run and could easily win, but I like NU here.

Buckeye Nation says: Indiana

Mayo170 says: Northwestern seems to be a couple of games out of the dance at this point, and after getting blown out by Minnesota, it’s all about getting more wins. Indiana on the other hand is playing hard, but not very talented. My guess is that Northwestern is going to win this game, but IU will keep it close. NU 54 – IU 51

Iowa at Michigan State

Gamm says: Can't take anyone in this conference as a gimme win. Spartans were stretched to the limit on Sunday but have what it takes to finally close out another conference title. It starts with this one, where Raymar has his best game in six weeks and MSU runs away. MSU 71 - Iowa 52.

Buckeye Nation says: Michigan State

Mayo170 says: Michigan State

Thursday:
Minnesota at Illinois

Gamm says: Huge game for both teams. Illinois proved that they are not invincible at home. Minnesota got right with a huge win over NU. Illini barely stay in the race to set up a Sunday showdown.

Buckeye Nation says: Illinois

Mayo170 says: Minnesota has been so hard to figure out this year. The Barn will absolutely be up for this game, and Illinois is putting together a pretty nice season. I had my doubts about Weber keeping things going after Self left a while back, but this team is tough to beat. Illinois seems pretty determined to get things rolling before tourney time. Illinois 68 – Minnesota 59

Purdue at Michigan

Gamm says: Michigan's dreams of getting back to the dance likely dissipated in Iowa City. Purdue has a title in mind. Purdue rolls.

Buckeye Nation says: Purdue

Mayo170 says: Well, if Michigan really needed a win, it was this past weekend at Iowa. Of course, they blew that one and now they have a very tough go of it to try and get back on the bubble. This is been Michigan recently though, the end of the season when they can put it together, it starts falling apart. Purdue on the other hand has been playing much better since the train wreck at the start of conference play. I thought Michigan might be able to get into the Tournament this year, but it’s back to the Not Invited Tournament and Purdue cements that with a big win. Purdue 71 – Michigan 54.

Saturday:
Iowa at Northwestern

Gamm says: Northwestern gets a big win and steps closer to the NIT.

Buckeye Nation says: Northwestern

Mayo170 says: Iowa

Ohio State at Purdue

Gamm says: Purdue has payback in mind. Big time payback.

Buckeye Nation says: Paybacks are hell, especially in the Big 10. I fully expect the Buckeyes to give a game effort in West Lafayette, especially given the liability they will face there as a road team. However, the Boilermakers are nearly healthy with the return of Robbie Hummel. Plus, they no doubt remember the OT loss they suffered in Columbus earlier in the month. As much as I hope I'm wrong, my mind and my gut tells me that the Boilers win this game, although it shouldn't be a cakewalk. Purdue 71 Ohio State 64

Mayo170 says: Purdue

Indiana at Penn State

Gamm says: Penn State puts any bubble talk to rest.

Buckeye Nation says: Penn State

Mayo170 says: Penn State

Sunday:
Michigan at Wisconsin

Gamm says: Wisconsin makes up for the fall in East Lansing.

Buckeye Nation says: For the Wolverines, a trip to Madison against a resurgent Badger team is NOT what the doctor ordered. Michigan has the marquee wins on its resume, but not really when it comes to wins in the conference. Except for a recent stumble in East Lansing, Bo Ryan has Wisconsin on a roll. While Michigan may have a chance if they go lights-out from 3 point-land, they will likely be intimidated by the Kohl fieldhouse crowd and go down. Wisconsin 71 Michigan 60

Mayo170 says: Wisconsin

Michigan State at Illinois (Tiebreaker)

Gamm says: This one pulls me in two very different directions. State struggles at Illinois. But Illinois isn't unbeatable at Assembly as proven by Penn State. The teams battled in January in a very defensive game. Win this and State likely clinches at least a tie (if not completely, theoretically). An Illinois win keeps them right in the mix. Coin toss. MSU 58 - ILL 57.

Buckeye Nation says: After embarrassing themselves at home last week against Penn State, the Illini seemingly couldn't miss a basket when they came away with a huge win over the Buckeyes in Columbus, and thus put themselves back in the race for a chance at the Big 10 championship, IF MSU can stumble one more time. But for that to be a possibility, the Illini have to beat the Spartans at home, which will be extremely difficult. When Illinois plays well, they look like world-beaters, when they don't, all you can see is Bruce Weber whining about everything. Tom Izzo has his team well-positioned to win yet another regular season Big 10 title, and he will have MSU ready to pull off a big road win. However, my gut tells me that the Spartans will come up just a little short before a raucous crowd in Assembly Hall. After the final buzzer sounds, they will be toasting in Champaign-Urbana, with hopes that Purdue can pull off the miracle at the end of the season in East Lansing. Illinois 78 Michigan State 76

Mayo170 says: What a great game this is turning out to be. Lot’s of marbles on the floor for this one. I really like the way MSU has played this year, all things (illness mostly) considered. Illinois has made some waves this year too, and could put a big end-of-the-year boost in the win column with this game. MSU should have everyone totally healthy and practicing/playing full-speed by the time this one rolls around. The road has been very good to the Spartans this season and I think their defense will be enough to win this one. MSU 63 – Illinois 58