The Big Ten Tournament is always one of the last things to be settled before the NCAA Tournament selections are made. This year, Michigan had number one seed potential pending one last game against Michigan State. After losing the first two matchups, Michigan State came in ready to play. They took a 9 point lead in the first half and never looked back. Michigan State won 69 to 55.
The Spartans had three players in double digits. Brandon Dawson and Gary Harris scored 15 while Adreian Payne led the team with 18 points. Michigan was also out rebounded 37 to 23. Michigan State was finally at full strength and looks to be hitting their stride at the right time.
Michigan had a rough day shooting with only two players scoring in the double digits. They also shot a horrible 31.5 percent from the field. Nik Stauskas led the team with 17 points. This was a game where Michigan really missed Preseason All American Mitch McGary.
Both Jon Horford and Jordan Morgan picked up fouls early forcing the Wolverines to rely on Max Bielfeldt for way more minutes than usually. Bielfeldt played 13 minutes without scoring a point. His only two shot attempts were three pointers.
Michigan drew the second seed in the Midwest Region. They will take on Wofford on Thursday at 7:10 on CBS. Michigan has a much easier road to the Final Four than Michigan State with Wichita State as their region’s number one seed. There is also potential for a rematch of last year’s National Championship game as Louisville is a four seed in the Midwest Region.
For Michigan to be successful, they will have to shoot well and keep their big men out of foul trouble. They cannot come out flat like they did against Michigan State. Their road to the Final Four will likely have to run though the ACC runner up Duke Blue Devils.
Michigan State secured a number four seed in the East Region. They will play Delaware on Thursday at 4:40 on TNT. The Spartans will be tested early by number one seed Virginia if they can win their first two games.
Michigan State has a great chance to make the Final Four. The team is finally healthy and Coach Tom Izzo always seems to have magic powers in the tournament. Michigan and Michigan State can meet up for their fourth matchup of the season in the National Championship game. But for now, the teams need to take it one game at a time.
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