While the 2023-24 college basketball regular season is now officially over, arguably the best games haven’t happened. It’s conference tournament week in many leagues across the country, including the Big Ten (which changes next season, but that’s not important now).
All 14 teams are going to be competing in Minneapolis. Seeding is a major part of this event, as the top four teams earned double-byes, while the bottom-feeding quartet gets to it Wednesday.
This will lead to some betting opportunities as well, with the Purdue Boilermakers the team to knock off as March Madness betting is right around the corner. Purdue is the 7-1 (+700) third choice (behind Connecticut and Houston) to win it all, according to NCAA tournament odds.
Sizing the Seeds
Before a look at the odds accompanying the Big Ten tournament, peek at the seedings. They don’t necessarily impact how the action will unfold, but they present a path teams have to take.
- 1. Purdue Boilermakers (17-3 conference, 28-3 overall)
- 2. Illinois Fighting Illini (14-6, 23-8)
- 3. Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-8, 22-9)
- 4. Northwestern Wildcats (12-8, 21-10)
- 5. Wisconsin Badgers (11-9, 19-12)
- 6. Indiana Hoosiers (10-10, 18-13)
- 7. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-10, 18-13)
- 8. Michigan St. Spartans (10-10, 18-13)
- 9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-11, 18-13)
- 10. Ohio St. Buckeyes (9-11, 19-12)
- 11. Penn St. Nittany Lions (9-11, 15-16)
- 12. Maryland Terrapins (7-13, 15-16)
- 13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-13, 15-16)
- 14. Michigan Wolverines (3-17, 8-23)
Seeding shifted quite noticeably on the final day of the season. That’s just how competitive this league has been this season.
Purdue the Fave
It’s no surprise the Purdue Boilermakers come into Minneapolis as the favorite, set at even-money, as per Big Ten tournament odds.
Purdue ranked third in the latest poll, may well be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, or perhaps it’s the defending-champion Connecticut Huskies, themselves a puny-priced choice to win the Big East tournament. Maybe it’s the Houston Cougars.
Purdue will be a tough team to beat with reigning Player of the Year Zach Edey (24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds per game) leading the way, but it’s best to look at some of the other teams.
The Other Contenders
If not the Purdue Boilermakers to win this championship, how about the Illinois Fighting Illini?
The second choice at +285, Illinois is ranked 12th nationally in the latest poll. It’s been a roller-coaster season with the suspension and subsequent court-ordered reinstatement of leading scorer Terrence Shannon (21.6 points/game).
Illinois had a couple of very close losses (five and six points) to Purdue but hasn’t proven it can get past that rival.
Nebraska and Michigan St. are co-third choices at 9-1 (+900), with the Cornhuskers appearing more secure in an NCAA tournament bid than the Spartans, Michigan St. might need to run this table to get into the Big Dance.
Illinois and Nebraska appear on a path to meet in the Big Ten semifinals, which may be one of the better games in the tournament. Eventually, one of them is going to have to see (and try to slay) Purdue. That’s no gimme.
Rest of Field
March is always filled with stunning results. Perhaps a dark horse surfaces in Minneapolis. If you think that’s the case, find it and earn a fat reward.
Here are the odds with the supporting cast in the conference.
NCAAB Big Ten Odds by BetUs
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin Badgers | 14-1 (+1400) |
| Northwestern Wildcats | 16-1 (+1600) |
| Iowa Hawkeyes | 33-1 (+3300) |
| Ohio St. Buckeyes | 33-1 (+3300) |
| Maryland Terrapins | 50-1 (+5000) |
| Indiana Hoosiers | 80-1 (+8000) |
| Minnesota Golden Gophers | 100-1 (+10000) |
| Penn St. Nittany Lions | 150-1 (+15000) |
| Michigan Wolverines | 150-1 (+15000) |
| (Rutgers doesn’t have any current posted odds). |
