Michigan Basketball rolls Nebraska, sets up Michigan State showdown
After winning a close game against Iowa, Michigan basketball took its game to another level in an impressive 77-58 win over Nebraska Friday.
From the time the Big Ten Tournament bracket was released, the possibility of a semifinal game between Michigan basketball and Michigan State has been on the minds of fans.
Now, after the Wolverines crushed Nebraska 77-58 in the Big Ten quarterfinals Friday at Madison Square Garden, that hypothetical, is now a reality.
Michigan basketball beat Nebraska and Iowa Thursday to get into the semis, Michigan State defeated Wisconsin 63-60 earlier Friday to punch its ticket. The two teams met just once during the regular season, as UM won at Michigan State back in January. Now, the Spartans will have a chance to settle the score, while the Wolverines are hoping to make the BIG championship game for the second straight year.
The Maize and Blue get another W!!
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 2, 2018
Today's win comes behind a double-double for Moe Wagner (20 points, 13 rebounds) and a career milestone for Duncan Robinson.
We will play Michigan State tomorrow at 2pm.#GoBlue #B1GTourney pic.twitter.com/cgdSar8ysy
On Thursday, the Wolverines weren’t sharp against Iowa. Multiple players got in foul trouble, including Moe Wagner, who seemed to constantly be on the bench against the Hawkeyes. Yet, that wasn’t the case Friday.
The junior big man dominated on both ends of the floor. He scored 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, blocked two shots and drained two 3-pointers, one that helped set the tone early. He also threw down this sick dunk.
You have to respect @moritz_weasley's shot.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 2, 2018
That being the case, a pump fake can lead to a @umichbball highlight finish.
Like, for example, this:#B1GTourney x @LibmanCompany pic.twitter.com/68rDh3ZoKt
Wagner was great, but Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman was his equal. In fact, he might have been even better. When it was all said and done, Rahkman scored 21 points and finished 5-of-5 from 3-point range.
Rakhman and Wagner helped Michigan basketball build a 10-point lead at halftime, but in the second half, the flood gates opened. The Wolverines hit trey after trey and a 10-point lead soon turned into 20. By the time the last few minutes rolled around, the game was decided and it was onto Michigan State.
BANG. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/KCe5AAsyCB
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 2, 2018
Rahkman and Wagner both dominated, but Zavier Simpson had a solid day too. He scored 12 points, notched six assists and was 4-of-4 from the free throw line. He also made this spectauclar shot.
No hyperbole: You must check out this @Xaviersimpson3 @umichbball highlight.#BTNStandout x @Discover pic.twitter.com/sf1J5cwEHs
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 2, 2018
Duncan Robinson also had another stellar game. He finished with 16 points and four rebounds. He also made four 3-pointers and eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his Michigan career. Those four guys, Wagner, Robinson, MAAR and Simpson combined to score 69 of UM’s 77 points.
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Michigan basketball made 11 3-pointers in the game, Nebraska had just four. The Wolverines will be back at the Garden Saturday to take on Michigan State in the Big Ten semifinals.