Michigan State is the team to beat this season in the Big Ten, at least according to the media that covers the conference.
The Spartans were the overwhelming choice to repeat as regular-season champions, garnering 27 of 28 first-place votes. The other first-place vote went to Maryland, which was picked to finish second. The top five was rounded out by Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan.
Michigan State won the regular-season and tournament championships last season and reached the Final Four for the ninth time in coach Tom Izzo’s career. The Spartans return the bulk of their lineup, including senior guard Cassius Winston.