For a conference like the Big Ten, a conference tournament serves as the ultimate second bite at the apple. In like manner, fans and gamblers, the Big Ten tournament offers some of the best basketball to be seen. The Michigan State Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo were one of the biggest surprises with the College Basketball lines. Izzo was written off for retirement, but instead, he produced a phenomenal season. Also impressive this year were the Michigan Wolverines, Maryland Terrapins, Wisconsin Badgers, and Purdue Boilermakers. Additionally, there are some potential sleepers to consider.
2025 Big Ten Conference Tournament
| Dates: | March 12-16, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| TV Coverage: | Peacock, CBS, CBS Paramount+ |
| 2025 Big Ten Conference Tournament Odds | Click Here |
Michigan State Spartans
At the onset of the season, the Spartans were touted as capable. But they were not considered to be a serious contender for the regular season title. Instead, Michigan State was 25-5 straight up and 20-9-1 against the spread. Most important of all, the Spartans showed good balance as a full-court team. Michigan State closed strong with only two sportsbook losses in their most recent ten games. Of note is that Michigan State went under the total in 20 of 30 games.
Michigan Wolverines
Namely, first-year head coach Dusty May is proving to be the perfect fit for the Maize and Blue. Michigan was ignored with the future market college basketball odds. But May led the Wolverines to a record of 22-8 straight up and 13-17 against the spread. Of great concern is that Michigan ran out of steam on the board with only two covers in their most recent ten games.
Maryland Terrapins
Certainly, one of the most improved teams in college basketball is the Maryland Terrapins. Kevin Willard was hired as head coach two seasons ago, and his program is starting to click. Maryland was 23-7 straight up and 16-14 agaisnt the spread. The Terps finished strong with five payouts in their final seven games. Maryland has an impressive balance, ranking 25th for scoring offense and 45th for points allowed.
Wisconsin Badgers
One of the best values on the board in college basketball, with a record of 23-7 straight up and 19-10-1 agaisnt the spread. Wisconsin maintained consistent betting values that proved sustainable. To illustrate, the Badgers covered seven of their most recent nine games. What was most impressive about Wisconsin was its offense, which ranked 34th in the nation for scoring. Head coach Greg Gard is known for being a defensive coach, and that improvement was profound.
Purdue Boilermakers
Naturally, the Boilermakers were going to take a step back after the departure of iconic legend Zach Edey. Still, head coach Matt Painter’s Purdue program impressed while recalibrating. Purdue was 21-10 straight up and 17-14 against the spread. The Boilers went under the total only 12 times. Late on, Purdue got the cash in only two of its most recent six games,
UCLA Bruins
Head coach Mick Cronin had some volatile moments along the way, but his Bruins took heed and improved. UCLA was 21-9 straight up and 17-12-1 against the spread. The Bruins went under the total 18 times. UCLA increased in value down the stretch with only two losses to the spread in their most recent ten games.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Head coach Brad Underwood’s Illinois team was one of extremes. To show, Illinois finished 11th for scoring offense but 228th for points allowed. Illinois had a record of 20-11 straight up and 15-5-1 against the spread.