Thank you IU - BEAT ILLINOIS! (Indiana defeats MSU)
Indiana beats State...Michigan now has a shot (again) for a share of the B1G Title. Win out and Ohio needs to beat the Spartans and it's a 3-way tie.
Michigan would still likely be the 3-seed in that scenario. But to have a share of the title would be a long time coming.
Just win baby!
Thanks IU, BEAT ILLINOIS! BEAT PENN STATE!
February 28th, 2012 at 9:04 PM ^
If we can beat Illinois on Thursday, Sunday is going to be nuts. We play PSU at 1, and so long as we win, the B1G title will be on the line as MSU hosts OSU at 4. Should be exiting, to say the least. And yes, I will root for OSU to beat MSU. It might feel weird, but it's what's best for Michigan.
February 29th, 2012 at 9:05 AM ^
I sure hope we're not exiting the race Sunday...
February 28th, 2012 at 9:03 PM ^
aaaaaaaaand the choke job by Minnesota looms even larger....
February 28th, 2012 at 9:05 PM ^
aaaaaaaaand our choke job against Purdue looms even larger.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:14 PM ^
Or the loss at Iowa.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:15 PM ^
February 28th, 2012 at 9:22 PM ^
But every team has them. MSU lost 42-41 at Illinois. That's a tough loss. Hopefully they'll have one more at the hands of OSU
February 28th, 2012 at 10:35 PM ^
hard to deny that...
February 28th, 2012 at 9:03 PM ^
So if we win out, and OSU wins their next game, does that mean we'd be rooting for OSU to beat MSU so that we could get a share of the big ten title, but that would drop us to the 3 seed? But if OSU were to lose to MSU we'd be the 2 seed? Win win?
February 28th, 2012 at 9:06 PM ^
Quite frankly, I couldn't care less about our seed at this point. We will have the highest seed at Michigan in years, which is more than good enough for me. OSU wins, we get a share of the B1G title. OSU loses, and we don't. Seems like a win-lose to me.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:37 PM ^
To which seed are you referring? The B1G seed or the NCAA seed? Because "Quite frankly" I think you should care, don't settle fergawdsakes.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:04 PM ^
Um....he's saying winning a B1G championship is more important than seeding.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:06 PM ^
not much of a difference between the 2 and 3 seeds in the BTT. they would meet on saturday.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:46 AM ^
February 28th, 2012 at 9:07 PM ^
The seeding is pretty much irrelevant. Either way the #2 and #3 teams will probably meet on Saturday in the BTT. The regular-season title is much more important than a slightly higher BTT seed.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:09 PM ^
I'm definitely thankful. Definitely looking on the bright side. And if we win out and Ohio beats State...I'll go NUTS!
But damn, we had a chance to win this thing OUTRIGHT.
It was one of those things where I kept saying...All we need is Ohio to lose on the road to Wisconsin and MSU to lose on the road to Indiana...then get Ohio to beat the Spartans and we're outright champions.
And I truly thought it could happen.
On top of that it would've meant sending our seniors out with a win at home AND being undefeated at home.
We were sooo close, just didn't hold up our end of the deal.
Nonetheless, we still have a shot to do something we haven't done in a loooong time. Even though part of my inner fan is SICK at the thought we were so close to that reality of an outright championship. The realist in me is thankful we have a 2nd chance.
Then again, the Buckeyes have to go TO N'Westenr who is playing for their NCAA lives. That could be an L...lose to them and beat Sparty and it's a 2 way tie at the top.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:18 PM ^
Yeah, but you can't assume that our loss had no effect on MSU. Because of our loss (and Ohio's), they clinched the Big Ten already. If we hadn't lost, MSU wouldn't have clinched, so they would have obviously had a lot more to play for this week. When you're down a game in the standings, hoping for an outright title is a little greedy.
Now if MSU had lost to Minnesota...
February 28th, 2012 at 9:22 PM ^
It's all a "what if" game...but I also said that it would've been nice to send the seniors out with a win at home and go undefeated at home this year. Those two reasons are equally just as hard to swallow as losing a chance to win an outright title.
I still think Indiana would've beat State. If you look at the schedule they had, they were playing every 3rd day...with tough road games. I thought they'd slip up to Minnesota or Indiana. Just like I thought Ohio would drop 1 maybe 2 to Wisconsin and N'Western.
I did like those chances.
Again, do I feel silly for sulking...yes. Do I give a damn? No. Do I feel like "damn we could've won it outright"...absolutely.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:25 PM ^
I agree that IU probably would have beaten MSU regardless - but I don't think Ohio could have pulled it off in EL if MSU needed that game. Our best chance is for MSU to be a little flat now that the conference title is sealed up (and it looks like they won't get a #1 seed).
February 28th, 2012 at 9:30 PM ^
I see what you're saying. Makes sense too.
I do disagree. I feel Ohio is the better team. Personally, I think the Spartans are overrated. I see Green and a bunch of "okay" players. I truly think Ohio is going to beat them regardless. ESPECIALLY since State beat them on their home floor.
Also, the Buckeyes are trying to put together some wins, they're reeling...so whether or not they're playing for a B1G Championship, I think they're just trying to get some wins to feel good about going into the NCAAs. I think they beat MSU --- and I don't count them out to win the B1G Tourney by ANY means.
So like I said, I definitely see what you're saying. Just disagree. We'll see on the 4th! Should be a good one if you like B1G Basketball!
February 28th, 2012 at 9:56 PM ^
Not sure I follow this logic:
"I truly think Ohio is going to beat them regardless. ESPECIALLY since State beat them on their home floor."
They got crushed at home, so that will translate to them beating MSU on the road?
February 28th, 2012 at 10:15 PM ^
I agree, it doesn't make sense. But in this season of all seasons where we may actually have to root for Ohio State of all things, what does make sense?
I thought at the beginning of the season, Ohio State was the clear #1 team in the conference with MSU being a solid 2, and us/Wiscy/Indiana/Illinois (LOLOLOL) in the mix for the rest; I think MSU is the clear #1 now with OSU at 1 1/2 and us at 2. That's in spite of your loss at Indiana, which if anything just underscores how competitive this conference is.
February 29th, 2012 at 10:11 AM ^
But because you're a Sparty you want to pitpick at the train of thought.
I think Ohio is the better team and I think they're going to want revenge since State beat them on their home floor.
If you follow sports, you know that is not unreasonable.
If we played Purdue again, at Purdue...I'd feel the same way. We're the better team and they beat us on our home floor. I think that's a recipe for revenge.
February 29th, 2012 at 12:08 AM ^
We had a chance to win the thing outright... Did anyone here ever think we'd be having THAT discussion? That a bad game cost us the chance at the B10 title instead of and NCAA berth? Talk about a testament to a great team and incredible coaching. Coach B gets the absolute best out of his players and he recruits players that are unselfish and are a blast to watch. It is so good to be a Wolverine!!!
February 28th, 2012 at 9:08 PM ^
Nuts to think that if we'd just taken care of Purdue at home an ohio victory Sunday could've given us the outright B1G title....damnit damnit damnit
February 28th, 2012 at 9:11 PM ^
Well look on the bright side. I'm pretty sure we won't be overlooking either of our last two games now that's for sure. I'd like to think the boys will bring the same hammer they put to Nebraska twice this week.
Go Blue!
February 28th, 2012 at 9:27 PM ^
I actually think this may be better for us in the long run. Ohio was such a "mountain top" type game. We beat them and it was like "ahhh, what else?" a little bit.
Not saying they weren't playing hard. But there is another level that this team has.
I think losing that game and now having a shot to fight for a B1G Championship as the underdog is a better place to be. We're not longer on the mountain top...now I think we're closer to a team fighting to get into the tournament.
I just feel the focus is going to be there for these next two games. No matter what Ohio does, I think we're going to be ready to play. That mindset should help carry us into the B1G Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
I don't think our team is looking at the "well if such and such happens then this happens" anymore. It's flat out, WIN. Pure and simple. WIN.
And if we play like that, we're back to being one of the most dangerous 2-4 seeds in the country (along with probably Georgetown).
February 29th, 2012 at 10:12 AM ^
I actually think this may be better for us in the long run. Ohio was such a "mountain top" type game. We beat them and it was like "ahhh, what else?" a little bit.
Not saying they weren't playing hard. But there is another level that this team has.
I think losing that game and now having a shot to fight for a B1G Championship as the underdog is a better place to be. We're not longer on the mountain top...now I think we're closer to a team fighting to get into the tournament.
I just feel the focus is going to be there for these next two games. No matter what Ohio does, I think we're going to be ready to play. That mindset should help carry us into the B1G Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
I don't think our team is looking at the "well if such and such happens then this happens" anymore. It's flat out, WIN. Pure and simple. WIN.
And if we play like that, we're back to being one of the most dangerous 2-4 seeds in the country (along with probably Georgetown).
February 28th, 2012 at 9:12 PM ^
Is what's at stake. BTT seeding as already stated isn't a big issue; not much difference and gain between seeds. However, to grab a 2 or 3 seed in the NCAA's would be great and a larger upgrade over the 4 seed than many realize. (Any seed we get this year is going to be great for UM Basketball!; it's nice to be worrying about this at this point in the year versus "Are we even in?" worry-talk).
February 28th, 2012 at 9:13 PM ^
DRAYMOND WAS PLAYING HIS TAIL OFF AND THE REST OF THEM WERE SCREWING IT UP
February 28th, 2012 at 9:33 PM ^
..if so, wow.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:41 PM ^
That's a spoof of John L. Smith, I believe.
February 29th, 2012 at 9:33 AM ^
Ah, yes. How can I forget such a gem of a quote.
February 29th, 2012 at 9:51 AM ^
I think that I actually miss John L. Smith. That halftime quote was hilarious.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:14 PM ^
game is gonna be real difficult to win on the road. But that being said they have been slipping of late, and no one said the title would be easy right? Go Blue win these two tought road games and pray MSU losses on senior day in East Lansing.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:19 PM ^
Illinois is 2-9 in their last 11 games and 2-3, in that same span, at home. We should win that game, just don't know if it'll actually happen...
February 28th, 2012 at 9:17 PM ^
Not to change the subject, but what do you guys think we need to do to finish strong?
I think offensively we need to RUN an offense. Not plays. Not pick and roll. RUN the offense.
I think offensively we need to stop treating Hardaway with the "white glove treatment." If he's screwing up or if he's not hitting shots. Bench him. Midway through the year I was all about letting him find his way - letting him shoot his way out of the slump. Now? We've got to win, period.
So with that said, I keep the same starting lineup...and I bring Smotz off the bench for Douglass, Hardaway or Novak...the best 2 stay on the floor, the one who isn't hitting shots or isn't playing defense...he's the one Evan comes in for. I treat all 3 of those guys equally...if they're all playing well, leave them all in until Morgan gets tired and ssub Smotz for Morgan. But if one of those 3, any of the 3 isn't playing well. Have a seat.
No more of this rotation based substitutions. It's too late in the year. If a guy is hot, he plays, if he's not, he sits. Don't care about egos, if he's a senior, if he could go to the draft because he was benched at a critical time, playing time, shooting your way out of a slump or any of that...we need to win ball games.
What do you guys think?
February 29th, 2012 at 11:19 AM ^
I agree with you on Hardaway. He has flashes of brilliance, but if he cannot be consistent at this point in the season, he is a liabilty. I am sure he has a great future, but not quite yet.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:18 PM ^
Can michigan state and ohio lose to each other somehow? Thats what I am going to be rooting for!!
February 28th, 2012 at 9:35 PM ^
If the Badgers could find a fricking clock that worked...State could have another loss.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:47 PM ^
Maybe Thad Matta will choke on his Bazooka Joe and they cancel the second half?
...kidding, of course.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:36 AM ^
The Meteor.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:43 PM ^
Sparty's loss would have been more enjoyable had we not had that stupid game against Purdue.
I don't see Ohio winning at Breslin.
February 28th, 2012 at 9:51 PM ^
Its great to be in this position but I doubt ohio can win in east lansing. I still cant believe were actually having a discussion on B1G title hopes this late in the year. Were basically playing with house money since its msu's title to lose and its been a great year, everything else is gravy. With that said, im greedy and I want a share of that title and a banner to go up in Crisler.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:00 PM ^
Could be wrong, but if MSU, OSU and UM all finish tied for first, we would all be 2-2 against each other. Then it would go to performance against the next ranked team, which would be either IU or Wisconsin. If it's Wisconsin, MSU's 2-0 makes them #1, Michigan's 1-0 makes them #2, and OSU's 1-1 makes them #3. If IU is the next ranked teams, all three teams split with them, so it would move on to Wisconsin. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:14 PM ^
You're correct, I was just coming to post the same thing. Also, (don't know if possible because I didn't cover tiebreak rules for this scenario) if Purdue wins out and can get the 4 seed we would then fall to the 3 seed because MSU and Ohio are both undefeated against Purdue.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:19 PM ^
The dream is still alive. Please, just win Michigan. And ohio, you take care of state on sunday.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:20 PM ^
We just need to win. At this point any losses incurred before the semi-finals of the big ten tournament will be bad losses and hurt our seeding in the dance.
February 28th, 2012 at 10:22 PM ^
Just goes to show that even in the last week of the reg season, there's a lot of basketball to be played.