Five Big Ten tournament story lines

Last update: March 12, 2008 - 7:55 PM

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1Ohio State's fate: Last season's NCAA runner-up will need a strong outing in the tournament to convince the NCAA selection committee to invite it to the Big Dance. Upsets in mid-major conferences might have knocked the Buckeyes off the proverbial bubble.

2Ryan's revenge: Bo Ryan's Badgers are certain to get an NCAA bid, but they have an opportunity to avenge their two losses against Purdue, if both teams reach the title game.

3Upsets in Indy? With a mediocre field, this could be the year that Iowa's record as the lowest seed to win the Big Ten tournament in 2001 (No. 6) could be broken or tied. That's good news for teams such as the Gophers, who need to win to get an NCAA bid.

4Dan Dakich era: Indiana's interim head coach coasted to the end of the season, but this is where the insanity of the aftermath of Kelvin Sampson's resignation could affect the Hoosiers. Dakich will have to prove his worth now, when it counts most.

5Tubby's streak: Smith hasn't missed an NCAA tournament in the past 14 seasons. Without a season-ending run worthy of a movie script, he'll be dancing in the NIT for the first time since the early '90s. And the Gophers might need a victory or two to even make the NIT.

MYRON P. MEDCALF