Big Ten Basketball Tournament: Storylines for Michigan vs. Michigan State

Big Ten Basketball Tournament: Key storylines for Michigan vs. Michigan State

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – MARCH 09: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after making a three pointer during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. The impact of Ignas Brazdeikis

Perhaps one of the most underrated freshmen in the country, Michigan freshman forward Ignas Brazdeikis has put together a great season.

The Lithuanian is averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game, practically filling the gaping void left by Moritz Wagner, who left last season’s Championship game team for the NBA.

In Michigan’s semifinal game against Minnesota, Brazdeikis scored 13 points and grabbed five boards, but did such in an efficient manner, shooting 6-for-9. In Sunday’s championship game, Brazdeikis will surely get more touches than that.

Even against Kenny Goins, one of the top defensive players in the country, Brazdeikis will be tasked with putting in a great performance. Goins had 16 rebounds against Michigan last game, so the Wolverines will need to make it a point that Brazdeikis serves as more of a force down low than before.

And when “Iggy” does just that, the impact is a massive one. Brazdeikis has made highlight reels all season with his forceful finishes, and possesses the finesse needed to finish against such prestigious defenders.

However, Brazdeikis also has the tendency to shut down for games. That cannot happen on Sunday. Without the impact of Iggy, especially against Goins and Nick Ward, the Spartans stellar big men, the Wolverines will be in big trouble. Brazdeikis needs to come through will a clutch performance, lifting his Michigan Wolverines to a Big 10 Championship, and likely knocking Michigan State to a three seed in the process.

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