(9) Illinois vs. (8) Michigan
TV/radio: 11 a.m., BTN, WSCR-AM 670.
What Illinois needs: Strong play on both ends — committing on defense and creating good ball movement. The Illini shot 64 percent from the field in their Jan. 11 home win against the Wolverines. But they’re at their best when the multitask.
What Michigan needs: Derrick Walton Jr. to stay hot. The point guard scored 18 points with a school-record 16 assists against Nebraska. He has shot 50 percent from the field in two of his last three games and has four double-doubles.
Shannon Ryan’s pick: Michigan.
(13) Penn State vs. (5) Michigan State
TV: 1:30 p.m., BTN.
What Penn State needs: After needing 45 minutes to wipe out Nebraska, the Nittany Lions will have to summon more energy against a Michigan State team that has lost two straight. Freshman forward Mike Watkins had 18 points and eight blocks against the Cornhuskers.
What Michigan State needs: Tom Izzo’s crew, next-to-last in the Big Ten in turnover margin, can’t cough it up more than 15 times. The Spartans also need more production from guard Alvin Ellis III, who scored just four points in 36 minutes Saturday at Maryland.
Teddy Greenstein’s pick: Michigan State.
(10) Indiana vs. (7) Iowa
TV: 5:30 p.m., ESPN2.
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What Indiana needs: Keep on chuckin’. The Hoosiers rank second in the Big Ten, averaging 80.4 points and shooting 48 percent. They rank in the top 30 nationally in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. Their best hope is to outscore the Hawkeyes.
What Iowa needs: Think Big (Dance). Peter Jok (20.2 ppg) and the Hawkeyes have worked their way into the NCAA tournament conversation by winning four straight, including impressive victories against Wisconsin and Maryland.
Shannon Ryan’s pick: Iowa.
(14) Rutgers vs. (6) Northwestern
TV/radio: 8 p.m., ESPN2, wgnradio.com.
What Rutgers needs: Keep the momentum rolling. The Scarlet Knights have won two straight for the first time since mid-December, and they nearly upset the Wildcats last month in Evanston.
What Northwestern needs: Contributions from Vic Law or Scottie Lindsey. Bryant McIntosh and Dererk Pardon are every-game threats, but the Wildcats need a wing to chip in with double figures.
Teddy Greenstein’s pick: Northwestern.