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Best Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal option for the Illinois basketball team

The Big Ten Tournament starts on Wednesday, but on Thursday, we will find out who the Illinois basketball team will take on in the quarterfinals.

ByRees Woodcock|
Mar 10, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; A view of the Big Ten Conference Tournament logo at center
Mar 10, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; A view of the Big Ten Conference Tournament logo at center | Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois basketball doesn’t have to sweat the first couple of rounds of the Big Ten Tournament, as we have the coveted double-bye.

This is a nice luxury to have. The Illini have been able to secure the double-bye in four out of the past five Big Ten Tournaments as well, so it is familiar territory.

But Illinois will eventually have to play a game in the Big Ten Tournament. Thursday’s matchup of No. 7 Iowa against No. 10 Ohio State will determine who advances on to play the Illini. This game tips at 5:30 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.

Which team is best suited to lose to Illinois, though? Who should Illinois root for and against on Thursday?

Illinois basketball fans should want to take on No. 7 Iowa over No. 10 Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament

Determining which team I want to cheer for so Illinois has an easier path is hard, but I feel like No. 7 Iowa would be a better option for the Illini right now.

Let me explain.

Did Iowa finish with a better Big Ten record and therefore get the better seeding in the conference tournament? Sure, that is factual. But that doesn’t make them the better team at this point in the season.

Ohio State had a better overall record, and the Buckeyes are playing some great basketball right now.

The Buckeyes dropped a game on the road to Wisconsin back on February 13. This moved their record to 14-11 overall and 4-10 in Big Ten play. Ohio State looked finished, and the following day, they fired their head coach Chris Holtmann.

Since that firing, Ohio State has been on a tear. They finished the season winning five out of their final six games, which included wins over No. 2 Purdue, at Michigan State, and against the Big Ten No. 3 seed Nebraska.

In the last four games alone, Ohio State is only allowing opponents to score 59.5 points per game. They have cranked up their defensive intensity and are playing with passion. I want to avoid that.

On the other hand, Iowa is 2-2 in their last four games, both losses to Illinois. The Illini are a better matchup against the Hawkeyes as well, as we can stretch the floor and our size is hard to handle.

Regardless of who wins on Thursday, Illinois is a combined 3-0 against both teams this season. I believe we will win against either program, but Iowa gives us the easier road to the Big Ten Championship game.

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