The NCAA tourney tips Tuesday night, meaning it’s time to release my final 2012 Big Ten men’s hoops power rankings. The rankings are not meant to mimic the Big Ten standings. What fun would that be? They aren’t scientific, either. They’re simply my thoughts on where each Big Ten team stands right now and who would win on a neutral court. Agree? Disagree? Tweet @BTNBrentYarina or leave your comments below.

At 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday on Big Ten Football Report, Gerry DiNardo sits down with new Penn State head football coach Bill O’Brien for Part II of their interview. Part I aired last week. Watch a clip of the interview now and don’t forget to join DiNardo, Mike Hall and Howard Griffith for the latest in Big Ten football Tuesday night. Also, if you haven’t seen it yet or want to watch it again, you can find Part I of the O’Brien interview in this post.

For the sixth consecutive season, Purdue is back in the NCAA tournament, this time as a No. 10 seed in the Midwest Region. The Boilermakers take on WCC tourney champ and No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s at 7:27 p.m. ET Friday night. Before the game tips off in Omaha, Neb., BTN.com web editor Brent Yarina introduces you to the Gaels. A little sampling: Did you know a former Northwestern big man is a reserve for the Gaels? Meet Saint Mary’s in this post.

Fresh off claiming a share of the Big Ten regular season title, along with Michigan State and Ohio State, Michigan earned the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region. The Wolverines face No. 13 Ohio at 7:20 p.m. ET Friday night. Before the game tips off in Nashville, Ten., BTN.com web editor Brent Yarina introduces you to the Bobcats. A little sampling: Did you know a former Ohio State assistant is the head guy at Ohio? Meet the Bobcats in this post.

Ohio State didn’t win the Big Ten Tournament, but the Buckeyes hope to make a run at an NCAA title. Here’s my closer look at how Ohio State sets up for their Thursday’s first-round game against Loyola (Md.). Who is Loyola (Md.)? Our Brent Yarina answers that question while I give you my Buckeyes preview further down in this post.