Big Ten Tournament Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/12)

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The Big Ten Tournament begins today with three first-round games. Only one team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, is on the bubble entering today's games, while the other five teams will need a magical run to make the NCAA Tournament. Here is a preview of all three games, as well as the best pick for each.

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    Wednesday's Best Big Ten Tournament College Basketball Bets

    (Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

    Northwestern vs. Minnesota

    The total for the first game of the Big Tournament seems shockingly low. When these two teams met on February 25th, the Wildcats defeated the Golden Gophers 75-63, topping today's posted total by more than 10 points. So what are oddsmakers seeing that would make this game so much lower scoring? I'm not sure.

    Both teams allow over 69 points per game. While the Golden Gophers average just 68.2 per contest, the Wildcats average 72.7. A staggering 22 of the Wildcats' last 23 games have featured more than 127.5 points. The same statistic is true for the Golden Gophers.

    Perhaps nerves are factoring into keeping this number so low, but even if both teams come out sluggish, it's only a matter of time before at least one of them starts to put points on the board. If this was set in the mid-130s, I'd stay away. However, at 127.5, the over is one of the best plays of the day.

    Pick: Over 127.5 Points (-110)

    Iowa vs. Ohio State

    This is a must-win for the Buckeyes, as most bracket experts have them sitting as one of the last teams in or first teams out just days before Selection Sunday. The Buckeyes have been one of the most inconsistent teams this season, beating the Kentucky Wildcats and Maryland Terrapins, but losing to teams like Northwestern and Pittsburgh. They enter today's game as losers of four of their last six.

    Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes are an offensive powerhouse, but they can't stop anyone from scoring, which is why they're just 16-15 despite averaging over 82 points per game. They enter the Big Ten Tournament losers of three of their last four. It's hard to imagine them picking up a win, considering their first-round opponent beat them by 17 earlier this season.

    I expect the Buckeyes to play a little tight early, but it won't be long before the offense starts finding success against the struggling Hawkeyes' defense. While 5.5 points may seem like a lot against a team that scores as much as Iowa, four of the Hawkeyes' last six losses have been by at least 11 points. 

    Pick: Ohio State -5.5 (-108)

    USC vs. Rutgers

    Last season, the North Carolina State Wolfpack needed to win the ACC Tournament just to make it to the Big Dance. Not only did they win every game they needed to punch their ticket, but they also advanced to the Final Four. If there is one team in the country that can make that type of run this year, it's Rutgers. 

    The Scarlet Knights have had a disappointing season and enter the Big Ten Tournament with a record of 15-16. However, they also have two projected top-five NBA Draft picks. If Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey play to the best of their abilities, this is a team that can play with anyone.

    The Trojans have had an equally disappointing season, but they don't have the upside of the Scarlet Knights. They enter the tournament losers of six of their last seven. They ended the regular season with a 27-point loss to UCLA. When the Trojans and Scarlet Knights met on February 23rd, Rutgers won by 10. I expect a similar result tonight.

    Pick: Rutgers Moneyline (-105)

    Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

    Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.