Illinois and Northwestern will have a tough road to travel if they want to compete for a Big Ten championship this week in Chicago, and that journey will start with a head-to-head matchup between the in-state rivals.
The Fighting Illini and Wildcats will play on the opening night of the tournament, which will take place at the United Center beginning on Wednesday. The teams will tip off approximately 25 minutes after the opening game of the tournament ends, as Rutgers and Nebraska will square off beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The winner of the game will take on Iowa on Thursday night, while the loser will see their season come to an end.
Here is the full schedule of games for the weekend:
Wednesday:
Game 1: Rutgers (12) vs. Nebraska (13) 5:30 p.m.
Game 2: Illinois (11) vs. Northwestern (14) 25 minutes after Game 1
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Thursday:
Game 3: Ohio State (8) vs. Indiana (9) 11:30 a.m.
Game 4: Maryland (5) vs. Game 1 Winner 25 minutes after Game 3
Game 5: Minnesota (7) vs. Penn State (10) 6 p.m.
Game 6: Iowa (6) vs. Game 2 Winner 25 minutes after Game 5
Friday:
Game 7: Michigan State (1) vs. Game 3 Winner 11:30 a.m.
Game 8: Wisconsin (4) vs. Game 4 Winner 25 minutes after Game 7
Game 9: Purdue (2) vs. Game 5 Winner 6 p.m.
Game 10: Michigan (3) vs. Game 6 Winner 25 minutes after Game 9
Saturday:
Game 11: Semifinal 1 12 p.m.
Game 12: Semifinal 2 25 minutes after game 11
Sunday:
Game 13: Championship Game 2:30 p.m.
The winner of the tournament gets an automatic berth into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship tournament.
