Big Ten Tournament: Michigan Moves on to Wisconsin

Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Spike Albrecht (2) celebrates with teammates Max Bielfeldt (44) , Zak Irvin (21) and Kameron Chatman (3) after a basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan is off to a great start in the Big Ten Tournament. Most people were expecting a close game between Michigan and Illinois, but the Wolverines were dominant. They cruised to a 73-55 victory and they will move on to play top seeded Wisconsin tomorrow.

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It seemed like Michigan couldn’t miss today making over 49% of their shots from the field, and just under 47% from three point range. They were led in scoring for the second straight game by true freshman, Aubrey Dawkins. Dawkins has really come on as of late and has been shooting the lights out. He led all scorers with 18 points on a very efficient 8-12 shooting. He was joined in double figures by Zak Irvin, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, and Max Bielfeldt. It was an impressive performance from a Michigan team on the NIT bubble.

Next up is a much tougher test. They will meet the Wisconsin Badgers who aren’t just the best team in the Big Ten, but one of the best teams in the country. The two teams met at the Crisler Center in January with Wisconsin winning a close game in overtime. The best player for Michigan in that game, however, was Derrick Walton who will not be in the lineup tomorrow for Michigan. Even without Walton, Michigan won’t be an easy out. The way Aubrey Dawkins and others have improved since the last time these teams met is astounding. The key for Michigan will be slowing down National Player of the Year candidate, Frank Kaminsky. Kaminsky lit the Wolverines up in their first match up to the tune of 22 points and nine rebounds.