The college basketball season is starting to wind down. Soon enough, we’re going to know which teams will own their conference crown. In the Big Ten, it’s currently a race between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans. A ton of fun with a rivalry right there.
But last night, Michigan almost gave up the conference lead to the Spartans. And it wasn’t because they were facing off against a juggernaut. The Wolverines were taking on a Rutgers team that is currently below .500 on the season. And yet, Michigan TRULY escaped that game against the Scarlet Knights. The Wolverines have to feel pretty grateful. Michigan State fans are probably a little upset.
Which, you know, typical for a college basketball rivalry. You want great things to happen to you and awful things to happen to your rival.
Here’s what happened yesterday in the Big Ten men’s basketball scene.
Big Ten men’s basketball results, scores, and recaps - Feb. 27: Rutgers and Michigan played a thrilling matchup in Ann Arbor
This was the only Big Ten men’s basketball game that took place yesterday. It was the perfect opportunity for Michigan, with an open audience, to showcase its potential. And instead, the Wolverines happened to escape potential disaster.
Rutgers was lights out shooting in the first half, hitting on 67.7 percent of its shots. The Scarlet Knights actually had an eight point lead over the Wolverines by the time halftime rolled around. But, well, Michigan’s defense figured things out a bit.
And that stinks. We love rooting for underdogs around here.
The Scarlet Knights made just 25 percent of their shots in the second half. That really enabled the Wolverines to mount an impressive comeback. And here is a customary look at literally all of the Big Ten men’s basketball games from yesterday:
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 82, Michigan Wolverines 84 (Ann Arbor, MI)
This would have been a huge win for Rutgers had they been able to hold on and get a win over the Wolverines. But, we got to see just how good Michigan can be when faced with a tough test. They deserve a hat tip for that.