Big Ten Tournament Sells Out For 2nd Straight Year

Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Check out the update and some thoughts below:

Big Ten Tournament Sells Out For 2nd Straight Year

Postgame Thoughts: Michigan vs. Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Another painful loss. Read below:

POSTGAME THOUGHTS: MICHIGAN VS WISCONSIN

Preview: Michigan vs. Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Michigan gets Wisconsin in round 2 of the B1G tourney:

PREVIEW: MICHIGAN VS WISCONSIN

Postgame Thoughts: Penn State vs. Michigan

Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Was a good win for Michigan.  Read below:

POSTGAME THOUGHTS: PENN STATE VS. MICHIGAN

B1G Tournament Preview: Penn State

The Big Ten tourney is upon us.  Read about it below:

B1G Tournament Preview: Penn State

Big Ten Tournament Predictions

Photo Credit: Laura Pratt

It's going to be a wild weekend and here are the predictions:

Big Ten Tournament Predictions

Big Ten Tournament Round 3: Ohio vs. Michigan

WOW.  That's about all I can say after last night's Michigan vs. Minnesota game.  It was close throughout, went to overtime, and had an epic comeback by Michigan to win it.  Regardless of what some people might say, it doesn't really matter if Michigan had blown out Minnesota or not, they still won.  As Coach Bacari tweeted earlier today, "In order to get to Sunday, we have to be very aggressive in everything we do.  We are not interested in moral victories."

Winning by 30 over the "bad" opponents would be nice and all, but it doesn't really change anything.  Sure it probably makes the team and fans feel great, but let's compare MSU and Michigan's games in Round 2 of the Big Ten Tournament quickly  MSU cruised to an easy win over Iowa.  Michigan won in OT against Minnesota.  They're both in the semi-finals.  Sure, MSU gets to play Wisconsin instead of OSU, which is probably a lot easier, but that is because of tournament seeding and nothing to do with that game's result.  So, as I pointed out, a win is a win and Michigan fans should be happy that the Wolverines are moving on after that scare.

With that, let's get to the real topic today.  Ohio.  They are one of the three teams that split the Big Ten Championship and are certainly going to be vying for some revenge after their last game with Michigan, where the Wolverines won in the closing seconds.  Also, as I discussed earlier this week, Thad Matta and Ohio have been great in the Big Ten Tournament the last few seasons, which makes them even more dangerous.  If Michigan starts slow like they did against Minnesota, the Wolverines will have no chance against the Buckeyes.  The important thing is to come out playing with fire and not give up any early deficits.

As I previewed here and here, you can see that the major key, as always, when a team plays the Buckeyes is addressing Jared Sullinger.  In the Big Ten Awards Show, he was selected as 1st Team All-Big Ten and is simply an amazing player.  But that's enough praise for him.  Michigan did a pretty nice job stopping him both times this year and I think they can continue today.  Stopping him is always priority #1, but the Buckeyes certainly have some great players elsewhere.

Buford and Thomas will be the main offensive threats the Wolverines have to address if they look to come out with the win today.  However, along with this, Craft is one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten and was actually awarded this by the Big Ten.  He'll be covering Burke all night and this could be just as important as Sullinger, Buford, and Thomas's contributions.  Regardless, Michigan's going to have to play tough defense if they want to be able to overcome the size advantage Ohio offers and be in position to win.

I think Michigan has a great chance, especially since they've beaten the Buckeyes already this year, but I think Ohio will win this one today.  Not necessarily because they're the better team, but primarily because they are dynamite in the Big Ten Tournament.  It should be a tight game that can go either way, but I'm going to have to lean towards the 'dark side' today.

My Magic Pick Is...

Ohio 68-63


Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Big Ten Tournament Round 2: Minnesota vs. Michigan

Well, in surprising fashion, Minnesota upset Northwestern yesterday to screw up many of the nation's Big Ten Tournament predictions.  For the vast majority of Michigan fans (myself included), this was great news.  Minnesota is not only less talented than Northwestern, but they underachieve on a consistent basis as well.  They blew numerous leads this season against not only good teams, but against weaker teams as well.  They shouldn't be overlooked, but Michigan should be heavily favored when the two teams tip-off.

Michigan will primarily have to work to slow down Rodney Williams.  He is averaging 10.9 points per game this season, which leads the Golden Gophers (excludes Mbakwe who only played 7 games).  Stopping Williams is even more important because one of Minnesota's better players, Ralph Sampson III, was injured earlier this week.  He offered a challenge to Michigan's limited size, even though he was not a major factor when Minnesota and Michigan faced off earlier this season, and will need to be addressed by the Wolverines.


Michigan has been pretty good in Big Ten Tournaments over the last few years and they should continue that legacy now.  Minnesota will be over-matched and likely tired after their overtime win against Northwestern.  If this game is close for long segments, I expect Michigan to gain an advantage near the end simply because the Golden Gophers should "wear out".  Michigan rested earlier this week and had the opportunity to sit back and watch the Minnesota vs. Northwestern game because of their solid seeding.  There's no doubt this is an advantage for Michigan in this type of tournament.

The challenge for Michigan in this situation is to stay focused on Minnesota and to make sure they play up to their potential.  A likely rematch with the Buckeyes looms on Saturday, but beating Minnesota needs to remain the Wolverines' top priority.  I think we all can remember times this season when Michigan seemed over-matched against opponents they should have beaten.  Prime examples can be seen in Michigan's games against Iowa and Purdue.  Michigan is better than both those teams, but lost because they came out as an unfocused group.


The bottom-line is for the Wolverines to come out playing with fire and passion.  If they are able to get a solid lead, I really don't see anyway the Golden Gophers will be able to come back.  Not only because they will be tired after beating Northwestern in overtime yesterday, but also because they have a lot of significant injuries.  I really like Michigan in this game and I believe they will have a rematch with Ohio State.  If both teams win that game should be very interesting, but I think both of those teams win today.


My Magic Pick Is...


Michigan 67-60




Photo Credit: AnnArbor.com

Big Ten Tournament Predictions

There is always a lot of controversy, commentary, and excitement that surrounds the Big Ten Tournament, and this year will be no different.  Not only does the Big Ten currently have 5 ranked teams that will be in this weekend's tournament, but 3 of the teams also split the Big Ten Championship.  Not only will the battle to "reclaim" the Big Ten Championship be an interesting storyline, but there are some teams fighting for a berth in the NCAA Tournament as well.

Teams like MSU, OSU, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana have been secured in the NCAA Tournament, but teams like Northwestern will be on "the bubble" this weekend.  This is what makes the Big Ten Tournament so exciting.  One weekend of basketball that will determine which teams go to the NCAA Tournament, have respectable seasons, and which teams decide to call themselves champions.  Of course, Michigan, MSU, and OSU will all get their rings and banners, but MSU has already made it an objective to "reclaim" their title this weekend.

I think it's kind of funny that MSU somehow has to "reclaim" a championship that they've already been award, but whatever makes them happy is ok I guess.  There are a lot of intriguing match-ups  this weekend, but Michigan has been dealt a pretty tough route to a Big Ten Tournament Championship.  Not only will they face the winner of the Minnesota vs. Northwestern game (NW is crucially fighting for a big win to secure its first ever tournament trip), but the following game would likely be against Ohio State or Purdue.  Michigan has a combined 2-2 record against OSU and Purdue, so winning against those teams is no guarantee.

Of course, anything can happen in the Big Ten Tournament, but we all know OSU and Thad Matta's recent success in this tournament.  Not only has Matta compiled a 14-4 record in the tournament, but OSU has also won the last two Big Ten Tournament Championships.  As a result of this, I'm predicting OSU will beat Purdue to advance to the semi-finals.  Along with this, I'm predicting MSU will defeat Iowa to go to the semi-finals and Indiana will upset Wisconsin to make the semi-finals.

I'm strongly inclined to believe that Northwestern will beat Minnesota and face-off against Michigan on Friday.  Not only because they must beat the Golden Gophers to make the NCAA Tournament, but also because they're a lot better team.  I really don't want to play the Wildcats again, especially after having to go to OT in both regular season match-ups, but Michigan should have a great shot at beating them.  The big concern I have is that the Wildcats will come out red-hot against the Wolverines and be able to steal a win simply because they need it to make the NCAA Tournament.

However, I'm still leaning towards Michigan beating Northwestern to have another match-up with Ohio State.  If this happens, it will mark the 3rd straight season that Michigan and OSU will face-off in the Big Ten Tournament (would make 9 total meetings in just 3 seasons).  I'm not going to make a game prediction because I'd like to see how each teams play on Friday first, but I'd have to lean towards the Buckeyes because they seem to be playing a little better than when they had their rough stretch and have been dynamite in the Big Ten Tournament.  Along with this, I'm going to predict MSU runs through Indiana in an effort to "reclaim" the title they already hold.

This would make the final match-up an MSU vs. OSU rematch of the Big Ten regular season finale. I'd like to pick Michigan to go further, but they really don't have a lot to play for in this tournament and have a tough draw, even though they are the #2 seed.  However, I think they'll play well and lose a nail-bitter to the Buckeyes, although I'm not making my specific prediction for that game yet, just a general feeling for the tournament right now.

My Magic Pick Is...

OSU to win the Big Ten Tournament for a 3rd consecutive season with a solid win over the Spartans, Wolverines, and Boilermakers.  However, I think they're going to fall early in the NCAA Tournament (saying that makes me feel better about this prediction).



Photo Credit: Big Ten

Michigan's Long Trip To Columbus

Although all Michigan fans were probably living pretty high after defeating Michigan State for the third consecutive game, they've probably been shocked by some of Michigan's recent struggles.  Entering what could very well be the toughest game Michigan plays all season in Columbus against #4 Ohio State, Michigan is 2-2 in their last four games and have only won one game on the road this year.  Michigan may not be the hottest team in the country, but a big win over Purdue will go a long way toward helping them beat Ohio State.

Michigan may have lost all but one of its true road games, but that does not mean Michigan will not win the next one.  The team has struggled on the road, but a lot of that has changed with the win over Purdue.  So, let's throw the road record out the window for this game.  In fact, in most of the team's road games, Michigan has been forced to make up early game deficits that ultimately cost them the game.  For instance, in Michigan's game against Arkansas, the Wolverines started down by 20 points early in the game.

Now, in any situation this is bad, but when a team is on the road down by 20 points this almost always means a loss.  If Michigan can prevent these types of early game deficits I see no reason for Michigan to have just one win on the road this year.  Ohio State may be a great opponent, but it's not as if they're invincible.  They will likely enter the game against Michigan with a perfect home record, but they've lost three games already this year, including games against Indiana and Illinois, which are no better than Michigan, in my opinion.

So let's break this down.

Offense
Now, Michigan has fared pretty well this season in this category  by putting up 68.6 points per game, but Ohio State is one of the best in the nation, putting up 78.0 ppg.  Obviously, this is a pretty significant difference.  Michigan is currently making 46.1% of this shots, which isn't bad, but Ohio State is at 49.4%.   This likely has a lot to do with Jared Sullinger, their All-American forward.  Sullinger plays primarily interior basketball and is able to get a lot of easy looks, which are pretty high percentage shots.  In fact, in every game this season that he has played more than a few minutes (due to injury) he has had at least 14 points.

This is important because it virtually guarantees Sullinger is going to get some points against Michigan, barring some crazy situation.  Along with Sullinger, Ohio State's other primary offensive players are Buford and Thomas.  Craft is a great guy at spreading the ball around, but Sullinger, Buford, and Thomas are the guys putting up the majority of Ohio State's points.  They all have great shooting percentages and if they're left open Michigan could be in big trouble.

So, does Michigan have anything better on offense than Ohio State?  Yes, of course.  Michigan is a better 3 point shooting team.  They make 34.2% of their shots, while Ohio State only makes 33.9%.  Now, that's not a lot of difference, but Michigan has also been in a shooting slump as of late, so those stats are down a little bit from where they probably belong.  The Wolverines also have better depth than Ohio State.  Ohio State gets some decent minutes out of their backups, but when they're in the game they do very little.  For instance, Jordan Sibert averages 13.3 minutes per game, but just 3.4 ppg, 1.6 rebounds, and virtually no assists.

Michigan's depth and three point shooting could help them have a shot at upsetting the Buckeyes, but there's no way you can pick against the Buckeye's high-powered offense.

Advantage: Ohio State


Defense
Unfortunately, the stats also seem to favor Ohio State's defense.  Currently, they are allowing just 56.0 ppg, while Michigan gives up 60.9.  Along with this, teams make just 39.8% of their shots against Ohio State and 31.6% from 3-point range.  Michigan, on the other hand, gives up 41.9% of opponents' shots and 36.2% from 3-point range.  Now, I could try to create some excuse for this difference, but in all reality Ohio State has simply played better defense than Michigan.  Considering they're a top 5 team, that's not surprising.

Now, that doesn't mean they have a massive advantage on defense.  Michigan's 1-3-1 defense is relatively unusual and will likely play a factor in the game. I think the biggest impact Michigan's defense will play in the game is how they address Sullinger.  He's one of the best players in the nation and is guaranteed to put up a fair share of points, but the question is whether the Wolverines are going to commit to stopping him, or stopping everybody else.

In my opinion, Michigan needs to let Sullinger get his share, hopefully as few as possible, but focus primarily on stopping everybody else.  Burford has had some bad games, he's been held below 10 points on multiple occasions.  Thomas has had some bad games and been held to less than 10 points.  The only player on Ohio State's team that simply seems "unstoppable" has been Sullinger.  No matter who they play, as long as Sullinger is in the game, he scores a good amount.  This is why I say attempt to stop the other guys.  People have already slowed them down and I think Michigan can, but if they put everyone on Sullinger it's going to be very difficult to stop them.

Overall, Michigan's defense has some good matchups against Ohio State because of their unusual look.  They may not be able to stop Sullinger, but if they can slow the other guys down, there's no reason to think this won't be a close game.  Ohio State's defense is still better, but I think Michigan's depth gives them a chance in this one.

Advantage: Slight Ohio State


Intangibles/Crowd
I've been picking Michigan recently in this category, but this time the advantage belongs to Ohio State.  Not only will Ohio State likely be coming off several Big Ten wins in a row, but they will also be coming off five straight wins against Michigan.  Now, this stat is a little flawed because the two teams have faced off in the Big Ten tournament the last two seasons, but that's still a pretty good feat.  Beating any team, whether at home, on the road, or on a neutral court five straight times is impressive.

Along with this, everyone knows about what this game will mean to the Ohio State faithful.  After being embarrassed by the Wolverines on the football field and the ice, the Buckeyes will be desperate to beat Michigan in something.  Obviously, the football rivalry is much bigger than basketball, but the home crowd will be roaring when Michigan rolls in to Columbus.

On a side-note, I'm interested to see how the crowd reacts to Burke, since he is from Columbus and the Buckeyes passed him up on the recruiting trail.

Advantage: Ohio State


Overall
Now, this game will likely be very close, or a decisive win for Ohio State.  I know that may not sound like a real prediction, but the Buckeyes seem to play teams very close, or completely blow them out.  I think with Michigan's competitive spirit and fight, especially against the Buckeyes, this will be a close game.  Ohio State will clearly be the favorites and should be, but I think this will be a big chance for Michigan to really take it to the next level.

Michigan may not be a top five team, at least not yet, but they are certainly talented.  If the Wolverines can get off to a quick start and shoot well from 3-point range I see no reason why they can't win.  However, with Michigan's road troubles and poor shooting as of late, I'm going to have to go with the enemy from down south.


Prediction: Ohio Bobcats 72-67