Michigan State basketball: Big Ten tourney path if season ended today

MSU’s Big Ten Tournament draw

If the Big Ten Tournament began today, Michigan State would earn the 6-seed in the tournament. This in my eyes would be a failure as I think everyone hoped at least for a top four seed.

Even though the Spartans didn’t get a good seed, I think their side of the bracket sets up very nicely. MSU would play the winner of Michigan and Rutgers in their opening round matchup. MSU would be the favorite against both teams as they are both awful this season.

If MSU wins its opening game, it would then take on Wisconsin. As you all know, Michigan State has already lost to the Badgers twice this season. I, however, would be confident going into a third matchup. For starters, it’s difficult to beat any team three times, so MSU would have that in its favor. Wisconsin also has been struggling mightily recently, so they no longer are the same team Michigan State lost to this year. Give me the Spartans in this matchup.

Semifinals and championship game

A win against Wisconsin would likely set up a rematch with Illinois. These teams split in the regular season, so in my mind this game is a toss-up. I’d probably favor Illinois right now mainly due to MSU’s recent struggles, but I also could see Michigan State pulling out another win and moving on to the championship game.

Purdue likely would be waiting for MSU in the championship game. Unfortunately I don’t see MSU beating Purdue, so the Spartans’ tournament run would end in the championship game. Considering the rough patch they’ve hit in their season, I don’t think anyone would be upset with a runner-up finish.

This bracket will change daily throughout the next two weeks. All MSU fans want to see the Spartans move up to at least a four seed in hopes of earning a double bye, but that likely won’t happen after their last two losses. So all we can hope for is a favorable draw in the tournament, and I think this bracket would be pretty lucky for MSU.