Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: Key storylines for Michigan vs. Michigan State season finale

By Ryan Kay

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 and Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a basket late in the game while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-70. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 and Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a basket late in the game while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-70. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan vs. Michigan State has plenty of implications for Big Ten Basketball. Which program needs the win more?

As written earlier, the MSU-UofM rivalry has become one of the top rivalries in all of college basketball. Michigan State and Michigan have a lot on the line as they face off among one another in East Lansing for the Big Ten Basketball regular season finale for both teams. The Spartans have a lot on the line as does the Wolverines. Here is a quick rundown for both teams.

Michigan

*Redemption: The last time they played Michigan State, they lost to the Spartans on their home court while they were honoring the 1989 National Championship team as they gave fans in attendance free t-shirts to celebrate the occasion.

*Revenge: Michigan State halted the home court winning streak that the Wolverines had and ended Michigan’s three game run of victories over the Spartans. Michigan would love to ruin Michigan State’s Senior Night Celebration.

*Big Ten Regular Season Title: The Wolverines have done well lately in the Big Ten Tournament ,winning some recent championships but not as well in comparison in Big Ten Regular Season Titles. Earning a regular season title would be viable to the program moving forward.

*Big Ten Tournament Seeding: Michigan winning at Michigan State with give the Wolverines the #1 seed in the B1G Tournament. Michigan already has a two game bye secured but playing the winner of the 8-9 game and then possibly Maryland is better than getting a #3 seed and having to play possibly Purdue in the semifinals.

Michigan State

*Back to Back Big Ten Regular Season Titles: Winning back to back titles would be a great accompaniment for the Michigan State program. Coach Tom Izzo would cherish the championship more than a Big Ten Tournament title.

*Securing the #1 Seed in the Big Ten Tournament: Without a lot of depth, Michigan State would greatly benefit from having the #1 seed. They would have the possible opportunity for redemption against Indiana in the quarterfinals and if the Spartans were to win, play Maryland a team they match up well with.

*Sweeping Michigan in the regular season: Not only beating their in-state rivals twice would be welcomed by the Spartan fans but beating their rivals when both teams are ranked in the top ten would be cherished by the Michigan State alums and fanbase.

*Winning for the Seniors: Not only is this game the regular season finale and on a Saturday night in prime time on ESPN following the Duke and North Carolina game but it is senior night. Kenny Goins and Matt McQuaid are not only seniors but starters for the Spartans. They both have battled minor injuries and stepped up in the absence of Joshua Langford and now Nick Ward and Kyle Ahrens. Winning this game would mean the world especially for the state of Michigan native Goins.

Next. Complete bubble watch. dark

Both teams have a lot to gain and lose with this game. The fansbases for both teams want their respected teams to win badly. Bragging rights on the line and this game will be seen nationally by millions makes this game very important for both teams. Should be a great game among two top ten teams.

Home/Big Ten