The Big Ten Tournament moves into the second round Thursday, bringing four more games as higher-seeded teams officially join the bracket. After Wednesday’s opening matchups determine who advances, the next round will feature fresh teams taking on opponents already warmed up from the first round.
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Here’s a breakdown of Thursday’s schedule and what to watch for in each matchup.
Thursday Big Ten Tournament Schedule
All second-round games will be broadcast live on BTN (Big Ten Network).
Game 4 – 12:00 p.m. ET
No. 8 Washington vs No. 9 USC
Game 5 – 25 minutes after Game 4
No. 5 Ohio State vs Game 1 Winner
Game 6 – 6:30 p.m. ET
No. 7 Michigan State vs Game 2 Winner
Game 7 – 25 minutes after Game 6
No. 6 Maryland vs Game 3 Winner
With teams entering the bracket at different stages, Thursday’s games often produce surprises and closely contested finishes.
Washington vs USC Game Preview
The second round begins with Washington and USC, two teams separated by just one seed.
Washington’s offense will aim to set the tone early, while USC’s athletic roster could look to control the game through defensive pressure and fast breaks. In tournament play, evenly seeded matchups often come down to execution in the closing minutes.
Because of the potential for a tight contest, bettors may consider spread bets or live betting opportunities as the game unfolds.
Ohio State vs Game 1 Winner
In Game 5, Ohio State takes the court against the winner of Nebraska vs Indiana from Wednesday’s first round.
Ohio State enters the matchup with the advantage of extra rest, but their opponent will already have tournament momentum. Teams that win in the opening round sometimes carry that confidence into the next game.
Expect Ohio State to focus on controlling the pace and limiting mistakes as they try to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Michigan State vs Game 2 Winner
Later in the evening, Michigan State will face the winner of Illinois vs Wisconsin.
Michigan State’s defensive discipline and postseason experience make them a tough opponent in tournament settings. However, whichever team advances from Game 2 could arrive with a strong rhythm after already playing earlier in the week.
This matchup could turn into a physical contest, making totals betting or defensive player props interesting betting angles.
Maryland vs Game 3 Winner
The final game of the night features Maryland against the winner of Oregon vs Purdue.
Maryland enters the matchup as the higher seed, but late tournament games can often produce dramatic momentum swings. If the Game 3 winner carries confidence into the matchup, this contest could become one of the most exciting games of the day.
Because of the unpredictable nature of late games, bettors may want to watch for live betting opportunities once the pace of the game is established.
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Final Thoughts
Thursday’s Big Ten Tournament second round adds new teams to the bracket and raises the stakes as programs battle for a spot in the quarterfinals. With Washington vs USC, Ohio State facing the Game 1 winner, Michigan State playing the Game 2 winner, and Maryland taking on the Game 3 winner, fans can expect another full day of exciting college basketball.