Big Ten Daily (March 12): Latest Bracketology Has 6 Big Ten Teams in NCAA Tournament

Heading into the Big Ten Tournament, ESPN's Joe Lunardi has six teams from the conference making the NCAA Tournament this season. In his latest bracketology projections, he also has Purdue listed as the top overall seed in March Madness.

With Selection Sunday creeping closer by the minute, everyone is keeping a close eye on bracketology projections for this year's NCAA Tournament. As we head into this week's Big Ten Tournament, ESPN's Joe Lunardi has six teams from the conference competing in March Madness.

This season hasn't been the best for the Big Ten on the hardwood, but fitting six teams into the bracket would feel like an accomplishment for the league.

Before looking at matchups, there are a few notes from Lunardi's latest predictions. 

First, ESPN's college basketball guru has Purdue tabbed as the No. 1 overall seed in this year's field. The Boilermakers own a 28-3 record and finished Big Ten play with a 17-3 mark, winning the league by three games. The have 11 Quad 1 wins and have defeated seven ranked opponents this season.

As for the "Bubble Watch," Lunardi has Michigan State (18-13) as one of the "Last Four In" before the start of the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa (18-13) is listed in the "Next Four Out" category.

Finally, Lunardi is giving Ohio State a shot to reach the Field of 68. Per his latest projections, he thinks if the Buckeyes defeat Iowa in their first Big Ten Tournament game, then beat Illinois in the quarterfinals, they'll put themselves in position to steal a bid.

It makes for a really intriguing tournament in Minneapolis, doesn't it? Now, without further ado, here's a look at Lunardi's latest bracketology as it relates to the Big Ten (Big Ten teams in bold).

Midwest Region

• No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 16 Norfolk State/No. 16 Grambling State
• No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 Michigan State

East Region

• No. 8 Boise State vs. No. 9 Nebraska

West Region

• No. 4 Illinois vs. No. 13 McNeese 

South Region

• No. 8 Northwestern vs. No. 9 Colorado State
• No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 11 Colorado/No. 11 Virginia

Zach Edey makes more Big Ten history

The run of Big Ten dominance continued for Zach Edey this week. For the 12th time in his career, the 7-foot-4 center was named the conference's Player of the Week. He's received the honor more than any other player in league history, recently passing Ohio State's Evan Turner (10).

Last week, Edey led Purdue to wins over Illinois and Wisconsin to finish the season 28-3 overall and 17-3 in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers finished as outright conference champions, winning the league by three games.

In those two games, Edey averaged 26.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and three assists per game. 

On Sunday, Edey played his final regular season game with the Boilermakers. He scored 25 points, collected 14 rebounds, dished out three assists and blocked three shots. 

During Senior Day, Purdue honored Edey by hanging his No. 15 in the rafters at Mackey Arena.

Purdue retired Zach Edey’s No. 15 jersey on Senior Day after he played his last game at Mackey Arena 🙌

🎥 @samueltking | @BoilerBallpic.twitter.com/9TtUBqGvap

— The Athletic CBB (@TheAthleticCBB) March 10, 2024

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