Michigan State basketball might win the Big Ten championship on Wednesday night.
The Spartans’ chance to win the Big Ten is down to one. This simplifies what Michigan State has to do to secure at least a share of the conference title. It must win one more game or have Michigan lose one more game. The first opportunity for either of those two things to happen comes on Wednesday night, when the Wolverines visit Maryland in the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michigan State leads Michigan by one game in the Big Ten standings, with a conference record of 15-3. Michigan State travels to Iowa on Thursday before hosting rival Michigan on Sunday, which could still result in a winner-take-all championship game depending on how circumstances unfold leading up to that contest.
Here’s an overview of the scenarios:
If Michigan loses against Maryland
If this occurs, MSU will earn at least a share of the Big Ten Championship on Wednesday night, with a chance to take the championship outright with a win over Iowa on Thursday, or if they lose to the Hawkeyes, with a win over Michigan on Sunday.
If Michigan defeats Maryland, MSU can capture a share of the Big Ten title with a win over Iowa on Thursday. A win against Michigan on Sunday would give them complete ownership of the title.
The game between Michigan and Maryland is set to start at 6:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. The game will air on the Big Ten Network.
Do I think the Spartans will seal the title on Wednesday?
Unfortunately, I anticipate Michigan to improve after a crushing defeat to Illinois on Sunday and a comeback victory against Maryland.
Michigan has recently skated by with either close victories or blowout defeats in its previous 12 games, and I expect that trend to continue in this matchup (although not in the way Spartan supporters would prefer).
Michigan State will have to take care of business and win on their own on Thursday against Iowa. That will not be an easy feat, as I expect the Hawkeyes to go all out.
