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Big 10 Tournament Game Picks: Indiana vs Oregon, Moneyline, Odds

Dan Holmes

Sports Writer

Publish Date: Mar 13, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

Ducks vs Hoosiers Matchup is Best Game on day two of Big 10 Tournament
Big 10 Player of the Year Braden Smith Leads Purdue into Game Against USC

The Big 10 tournament rolls on today with four games, including four top 25 ranked teams. First, let's quickly review the action from day one of the tournament.

Ohio State lost to Iowa, sinking any chance the Buckeyes had to get into the NCAA Basketball Tournament that starts with the First Four next week. Southern Cal beat Rutgers, and Northwestern kept its chances for a March Madness bid by beating Minnesota.

(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

If you read our Big 10 tourney preview yesterday, you know we went 3-0 in our picks. In each case we chose the winner and won on the point spread. Today, we continue our picks using odds found on the FanDuel Sportsbook.

The four games played today can all be seen on the Big Ten Network. Tip-off for Game One (Indians/Oregon) is Noon EDT.

Indiana vs Oregon (-125 moneyline wager)

The best game of the day will likely be the first matchup between the Hoosiers (19-12, 10-10 in Big 10 competition) and Ducks (23-8, 12-8).

Oregon is finding out how tough their new conference is: the school is 11-0 outside Big 10 play, but suffered eight defeats against their new rivals in the Big 10.

Just nine days ago, the Ducks defeated the Hoosiers, 73-64

But this time the bright lights of the tournament will be on them.

After starting the season 5-8 in the conference, Oregon has won seven straight in the Big 10. That streak will continue in what we think will be today's surprise blowout.

Pick: Oregon to win on moneyline

Northwestern (+7.5, -110) vs Wisconsin

The Badgers are one of eight Big 10 schools to have won at least 20 games, and will make their 24th appearance in the Men's NCAA tournament in the last 27 years.

But, their journey through the Big 10 season has not been stellar in the 2024-25 campaign. Wisconsin has dropped three of its last five in the conference.

These schools met in February when the Badgers eked out a six-point win

This time, Northwestern has momentum after scoring a big victory yesterday against Minnesota, 72-64. That win was surprisingly easy for the 17-15 Wildcats. Nick Martinelli was a monster, scoring 28 points.

But we like the Badgers (23-8, 13-7 in Big 10 play) to advance to Friday's game to face UCLA

This contest might be close, but the edge lies with the Badgers and their slow-paced offense and tight defense. That's why we like the Wildcats to cover the spread, even though we expect Wisconsin to survive.

Pick: Northwestern +7.5, wager $110 to win $100

Iowa vs Illinois (-10.5, -115)

The Iowa Hawkeyes (16-15) and Illinois Fighting Illini (20-11) are set for a Big Ten Tournament clash, with Illinois looking to replicate its dominant 20-point win over Iowa on Feb. 25.

The Illini enter as the clear favorite, boasting a more consistent season and a talented young core, while Iowa aims to extend its late-season momentum.

Illinois is led by standout freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, both of whom have stepped up in key moments

Their blend of skill and athleticism makes them dangerous playmakers, and their ability to dictate pace could give Iowa trouble. The Illini’s depth and defense have also been key factors in their success.

On the other side of the ledger, Iowa has found new life, winning back-to-back games for the first time since January. The Hawkeyes rely on balanced scoring, with six players averaging at least eight points per game.

Payton Sandfort remains a critical piece, while Josh Dix and Sandfort combined for 33 points in Tuesday’s win over Ohio State.

Iowa’s depth, with eight key contributors, gives them flexibility, but inconsistency has plagued them all season

While Iowa has shown fight, Illinois’ superior talent and recent dominance in this matchup make them the likely winner.

Expect the Illini to advance, and give up 10.5 points to wager the point spread. Your winning $115 bet will win you $100.

Pick: Illinois to cover spread

USC (+9.5, -110) vs Purdue

The Trojans must keep winning to have any chance to get into March Madness. USC (16-16 and 8-13 in the Big 10) won a thrilling double-overtime game against Rutgers on Wednesday, 97-89 in Indianapolis.

The Trojans were 10-of-23 in three-point attempts in the first round

They will need that type of success from long range to get past Purdue (21-10, 13-7).

Though the Boilermakers have struggled at the end of the regular season, they posted an impressive win over USC in early February, defeating the overmatched Trojans by 18.

Purdue has one of the best two-way players in the Big 10 in junior forward Big 10, averaging 19.7 points and 6 rebounds. Look for TKR to have a big game against USC, helping Purdue march on in this tournament. But allocate your money to the spread, and take USC to beat that spread.