Michigan 76
Minnesota 49
If the game of basketball proves anything, it proves that it’s not about the five who starts game but the five who finish. Isaiah Livers came off the bench to score 21 points and help carry the Michigan Wolverines to a dominating 27 point win over the Gophers from Minnesota. The Wolverines dominated the Gophers from the perimeter as they hit 10-26 from three point land while the Gophers could only manage 2 made FGs.
The Wolverines also outrebounded the Gophers on the glass 37-27 as Jon Teske led with 8 rebounds.
Having strong play off the bench will look to serve the Wolverines well going into today’s Big 10 Championship against Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans.
Michigan State 67
Wisconsin 55
Despite 20 points from Ethan Happ, who was the only Badger player in double figures, the Michigan State Spartans defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 67-55 while also placing three players in double figures
The Spartans were led by Cassius Winston who scored 21 for the Spartans while Kenny Goins and Aaron Henry collected 23 rebounds off the glass nearly out rebounding the Badgers themselves.
The Wolverines and the Spartans should be locks for the NCAA Tourney while the Badgers will probably be waiting and hoping for an invite. The Gophers could possibly be looking at an invite from the NIT.
Even though both teams should be locks for the tourney, it shouldn’t dampen the fervor for which this Big 10 Championship game should be played with between these rival teams from the Land of the Lakes.