It’s Big Ten tournament time as the postseason begins. No. 7 seed Illinois (20-11, 12-8) will face No. 12 seed Iowa (17-15, 7-13) in its first game on Thursday. To repeat last year’s result of walking the stage with a trophy, the Illini must win four games in four days. The Daily Illini sports staff discussed Illinois’ chances and who will win the tournament. 

When will Illinois lose?

Semifinal (7) — 41.2%

Quarterfinal (6) — 35.3%

Championship (2) — 11.8%

First game (1) — 5.9%

Winning the whole thing! (1) – 5.9%

The most noteworthy stat here might be that only one person has Illinois losing game one. Against one of the best offenses in the country, that’s a lot of faith in an Illinois squad that has struggled.

The next surprise is that the most popular response has Illinois not only making it past Iowa but also No. 2 seed Maryland (24-7, 14-6). After the Terrapins embarrassed the Illini in Champaign, this may be an unpopular pick among the fanbase. However, the sports staff believes in a healthy Illinois out for revenge. 

Only three reporters have Illinois making it to the final game. One optimistic viewer believes Illinois’ current win streak will more than double. 

Confidence levels

1 star (0) — 0%

2 stars (0) — 0%

3 stars (11) — 64.7%

4 stars (6) — 35.3%

5 stars (0) — 0%

With one star indicating low confidence and five showing high confidence in the Illini’s postseason outlook, the staff only chose two options. A three-game win streak will land a 3.35 on the scale and slightly above-average confidence. 

Those who stayed in the middle essentially view Illinois as a 50/50 team. The 11 voters all cited inconsistencies throughout the season, as well as Illinois’ poor shooting. A three-game sample fails to put Illinois on the positive side after consistent losses in January and February. 

The more optimistic reporters enjoyed what they had seen recently. Two ranked wins are encouraging, especially with the team fully healthy again. There is little evidence of poor play this year when Illinois is healthy on the court and in practice, and continued improvement in the conference tournament will raise confidence even higher. 

Illini MVP

Kasparas Jakučionis (6) — 35.3%

Tre White (4) — 23.5%

Kylan Boswell (2) — 11.8%

Will Riley (2) — 11.8%

Tomislav Ivišić (2) — 11.8%

Morez Johnson Jr. (1) — 5.9%

Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis hasn’t performed to his early season standard lately but has shown why he’s still one of Illinois’ top players. His clutch three-pointer in the final minute of a game against No. 4 seed Purdue (21-10, 13-7) secured a win, but the sports section wanted that kind of play through the entire game. 

Veteran junior guards Tre White and Kylan Boswell have impacted both sides of the ball. Everyone loved their energy and intensity on the court lately, agreeing that recent success leans on their shoulders. Veteran leadership cannot be overstated in the postseason. 

The remaining players have stepped up when needed throughout the season but have been more unpredictable in recent outputs. However, Morez Johnson Jr. returning from injury and becoming the MVP would certainly benefit the team. 

Scariest matchup for Illinois

Maryland (13) — 76.5%

Michigan State (2) — 11.8%

Wisconsin (2) — 11.8%

Illinois is a combined 1-4 this season against the only three teams who got votes, so it’s not hard to see why each was chosen. At least three writers who picked the Illini to advance to the semifinals are most scared of the Terrapins but also believe the Illini will win the matchup. 

Maryland and No. 1 seed Michigan State (26-5, 17-3) dominated Illinois, especially in the final 10 minutes of the games. Late game plays will be key for Illinois in the tournament, and few are convinced that one win over Purdue will change the last few months. 

After beating No. 6 seed Wisconsin (23-8, 13-7) early in the season, Illinois got crushed in Madison in February. Wisconsin graduate student guard John Tonje looked hard to beat playing alongside two 7-footers. Illinois will have its hands full once again if it manages to match up with Wisconsin. 

Conference champion

Wisconsin (7) — 41.2%

Michigan State (5) — 29.4% 

Maryland (3) — 17.6%

Purdue (1) — 5.9%

Illinois (1) — 5.9%

Wisconsin may have dropped six spots in the AP poll this week after a less-than-desired end to the season, but the section has faith. Tonje’s experience at the collegiate level seems to give Wisconsin an edge. However, Michigan State also has great experience mixed with talented youth. 

The Spartans have the best odds to win the tournament, but that is not very convincing. The Terrapins are right behind with the best starting lineup in the league. Overall, the section was torn on which of these top three teams would be victorious, but they are confident it will be one of those top seeds with a double bye.

Big Ten tournament MVP

John Tonje (5) — 33.3%

Ace Bailey (2) —  13.3%

Braden Smith (1) — 6.7% 

Derik Queen (1) — 6.7%

Jaden Akins (1) — 6.7%

Jeremy Fears (1) — 6.7%

Julian Reese (1) — 6.7%

Morez Johnson Jr. (1) — 6.7%

Vladislav Goldin (1) — 6.7%

Kasparas Jakučionis (1) — 6.7%