After dominating the regular season, Wisconsin looks like a quality bet to continue their winning ways and come home with a Big Ten Tournament championship as well. With play kicking off on Wednesday afternoon, time is running out for finding alternate favorites.
However, if the following players perform at a high level for their respective teams, Madness just might reign in the B1G.
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Jake Layman, Maryland: When the Terps took down Wisconsin in College Park on Feb. 24, Layman shot just 3-for-11 from the field. If Maryland wants to make the tournament final and, should they meet again, beat Wisconsin for a second time, they’ll need more from him. Layman gives Mark Turgeon’s club another aspect to their perimeter offense, and in March, all hands must be on deck.
Travis Trice, Michigan State: Trice is one of the most dynamic guards in this conference, and when he’s hitting from deep and getting teammates the ball in transition, the Spartans are a well oiled machine. The question will be whether or not Trice can play under control and stay out of foul trouble during the most important time of the year.
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Troy Williams, Indiana: Some around Indiana are talking as if Williams wants to declare for the NBA Draft after this season, and if that’s true, there’s no better time to increase his stock than right now. Williams is an x-factor for the Hoosiers with his elite athleticism and ability to create mismatched on the wing. If he plays with consistent effort, he could make make Indiana’s Selection Sunday a bit less stressful.
D’Angelo Russell: The Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year took the conference by storm, and must continue to do so if the Buckeyes want to make a run here. While OSU is safe on Selection Sunday, it appears, they could be looking at a shockingly low seed, something in the nine or ten range. Russell going off this week would help them move up into a more comfortable position.
