Topped by No. 2- and 3-seeds Purdue and Ohio State, the bottom bracket of the Big Ten women's basketball tournament will not be lacking in excitement as Purdue will be on a mission for redemption, while Ohio State will look to continue rolling. As Penn State is in the top half of the bracket, only one of these teams could potentially face the Lions again, if they make the title game.

No. 7-seed Michigan vs.
No. 10-seed Illinois

Michigan (13-16, 6-10 Big Ten)

After a disappointing 3-13 Big Ten campaign last season, the Wolverines hired a new coach, Cheryl Burnett, and looked to regroup their program around senior center Jennifer Smith. She has certainly done her part this season, ranking second in the conference in scoring at 21.2 points per game, though it only translated to three more conference wins.

Illinois (4-12, 10-17 Big Ten)

For a team returning all but one player from last season's 9-7 team, 2003-04 has been nothing but a disappointment. The loss of senior forward Aminata Yanni to a torn ACL on Jan. 8 was more of a blow to the Fighting Illini than they could bear.

Our take

Though Illinois beat Michigan in its only meeting this season, in this battle, which will take place primarily in the paint, Smith and her Wolverines will prevail. This one won't be a blowout, however.

No. 2-seed Purdue vs. winner of Michigan-Illinois

No. 6 Purdue (24-3, 14-2)

Purdue is an extremely talented team with a whole lot to prove after letting the Big Ten regular season crown slip through its fingers in Sunday's conference finale with Penn State. The Big Ten tournament has traditionally been a stomping ground for Purdue, as it has made it to the final game six times in the last nine tries, and this year it has the ultimate motivation to run the table. To do that, the Boilermakers will have to get past Ohio State and prove that the third time's the charm against Penn State.

Our take

We just love forward Shereka Wright's game and her 21.4 points per game. We believe her angry visage after the loss at Penn State tells the story -- with March Madness seeding on the line, she'll command her Boilermakers all the way to a second consecutive tournament title.

No. 6-seed Minnesota vs. No. 11-seed Northwestern

No. 18 Minnesota (20-7, 9-7 Big Ten)

The Golden Gophers are a team on the decline. The main reason for Minnesota's slide is the loss of All-American Lindsay Whalen, who broke her right hand three weeks ago, and won't be back until the NCAA tournament. Despite the loss of Whalen, the Golden Gophers are still extremely capable of beating any team in the Big Ten. All-Big Ten first team performer Janel McCarville is averaging a double-double on the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Northwestern (8-19, 1-15 Big Ten)

To say that Northwestern isn't very good is an understatement. The Wildcats have lost 15 of their last 16 and don't look to be turning that trend around soon.

Our Take

This game will be over before halftime. The two teams have played each other twice already this season, with Minnesota beating Northwestern both times by an average of 30 points. The most recent beating came without Whalen, so that won't make a difference tomorrow.

No. 3-seed Ohio State vs. winner of Minnesota-Northwestern

No. 22 Ohio State (19-8, 11-5 Big Ten)

Other than Penn State, the Buckeyes may just be the hottest team heading into the tournament. Ohio State has won six straight games, including wins over Minnesota and Michigan State. Caity Matter leads the No. 3 seed in scoring with 15 points per game, but gets a lot of help from senior LaToya Turner and freshman Jessica Davenport, who are each averaging more than 12 points per game.

Our take

Considering that Ohio State's last loss came at Purdue by only three points, watch for the Buckeyes to surprise a few teams in the tournament and up their stock heading into the Big Dance.