In a year where Michigan and Michigan State dominated the Big Ten, it is only fitting the in-state rivals will square off to claim the conference tournament crown and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament that goes with it.
Throughout the regular season, there was a lot of debate as to whether Michigan or Michigan State was the best team in the Big Ten. The Wolverines received a ton of national love after their run to the national championship game last season, but they ended up third in the Big Ten standings during the regular season.
That is due, in large part, to the fact that the Spartans swept the Wolverines to claim the Big Ten’s regular season crown. Michigan State hasn’t had the easiest year as they have had to battle injuries along the way, but Tom Izzo’s team is peaking at the right time, making the Spartans a dangerous out in March.
The Spartans had a relatively easy time in their semifinal win over Wisconsin, picking up a 67-55 victory while never trailing in the contest. Junior point guard Cassius Winston led the way for Michigan State, scoring 21 points to help the Spartans get to the Big Ten title game for the first time in three years.
Standing in the way of Michigan State are John Beilein’s Wolverines, who have won this event the past two years. Michigan cruised into the finals with a 76-49 beatdown of Minnesota, with Isaiah Livers scoring a career-high 21 points for the Wolverines.
Whoever wins this game should receive a seeding boost from the Selection Committee, with Michigan State having an outside shot at the top line if they can claim both Big Ten titles.
How to watch Michigan State vs. Michigan
- Date: Sunday, March 17
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Venue: United Center
- TV: CBS
- Live Stream: CBS Sports Mobile