Michigan Basketball looks to win their third Big Ten tournament championship in a row when they open against Iowa in the quarterfinals. Can they get revenge from an earlier loss to Iowa and advance to the semifinals?
Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes (22-10) vs Michigan Wolverines (26-5)
Date and time: Friday, Mar. 15 at approximately 9:25 p.m. ET
TV schedule:Â BTN
Location:Â United Center, Chicago, IL
Michigan Basketball is looking to become the first team in tournament history to win three straight championships. Last year they won as a five-seed and the previous year they did it as an eight-seed. This year they have an easier route as a three-seed, but first, they must take care of an Iowa team that they lost to earlier in the year. It was the Wolverines second loss of the year after losing to Wisconsin two weeks earlier.
The Hawkeyes jumped all over Michigan in the first half of that game and lead by 13 at the break. The Wolverines would claw back to within four with just under ten minutes left in the game, but they could not get any closer as Iowa pulled away and won by 15. Luke Garza led the way for the Hawkeyes with 19 points on 8 of 12 shooting. The Wolverines could not find a way to stop him and it was one of the worst defensive showings by Michigan all year.
Iowa was also able to limit Michigan to their second-lowest scoring game of the year. Normally the Hawkeye defense is their downfall, but against Michigan, they played a great game. Michigan would shoot just 8-33 from the outside and Charles Matthews would score just six points.
Matthews has been out the last three games, even though he did dress out against Michigan State last Saturday he did not play. His status is still up in the air for Friday’s game, but he was finally able to go a full practice this week and head coach John Beilein is optimistic he will play. He may not be a full 100% but the Wolverines could definitely use him especially with their lack of depth.
Michigan has been able to turn it on in the last two tournaments and they should be ready. But they can’t defend their title if they don’t first get by Iowa. Here is what they need to do to get a win and head to the semifinals on Saturday.
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